Sustainability

Sustainability Programming Updates

Implementation of the 2024 Sustainability Action Plan is underway. On January 13 staff presented a resolution acknowledging the climate emergency, reaffirming the City’s commitment to climate action. Other projects planned for 2025 include collecting and baselining waste, emissions, and water data for municipal operations to establish subsequent reduction targets. The Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee is also working to expand participation in the Green Business Program and introduce recycling and composting options at City events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Holiday Celebration. Additionally, staff plans to host annual events including paint recycling, e-waste recycling, and yard waste collection.

Residential Waste Engagement Project Update

City staff and HDR wrapped up the Residential Waste Engagement Project at the November 18, 2024 study session, sharing outcomes from the final phase of public engagement and public survey as well as final recommendations. At this meeting, City Council directed staff to move forward with the following steps:

• Explore increasing the frequency of annual events such as TLC Clean-Up Days and Large Item Pick-Up events, with a focus on yard waste and supporting disadvantaged households.
• Evaluate partnerships with community drop-off sites and organizations like Scraps Mile High to expand waste diversion opportunities for residents.
• Enhance awareness of available waste diversion programs and events.
• Stay engaged with the ongoing Extended Producer Responsibility efforts, which will result in access to curbside recycling at no added charge for all Colorado residents beginning in 2026.

Staff is actively working on these next steps and plans to return to City Council with an update in spring 2025.

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient features isn’t just about keeping up with trends - it’s about making smart investments that pay off in multiple ways. Whether you're looking to save money, improve the environment, or enhance your comfort, energy-efficient home updates offer a variety of benefits.

1. Cost Savings Over Time

While upgrading your home with energy-efficient features may involve an initial investment, the long-term savings can be significant. Replacing outdated appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models, upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and adding a smart thermostat can all dramatically reduce your energy consumption.

For example, homes with better insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, saving you money on heating and cooling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to energy-efficient systems and appliances can cut your household's energy use by up to 30%. This adds up over time, making it a financially wise decision.

Additionally, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, there are new federal tax credits and rebates available for homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades. These incentives can significantly offset the cost of your improvements.

2. Environmental Benefits: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient is also an important step toward reducing your environmental impact. Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas contribute significantly to carbon emissions and climate change. By investing in energy-efficient technologies, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and minimize your carbon footprint.

Key upgrades that contribute to a greener home include:

• Solar panels: Installing solar panels on your roof allows you to generate your own clean energy, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Electric appliances: Switching from gas-powered to electric appliances (like a heat pump water heater or electric stove) reduces indoor air pollution and supports a cleaner energy grid.
• High-efficiency HVAC systems: Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy to maintain indoor comfort, which translates to fewer carbon emissions.

3. Improved Comfort and Health

Energy-efficient upgrades don't just improve your bottom line or the environment—they also enhance your home's comfort and your family's health. Many of these upgrades work together to create a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

• Improved indoor air quality: Homes with older, inefficient appliances and heating systems may have air quality issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks from gas stoves or poor ventilation. Upgrading to electric appliances and investing in high-efficiency HVAC systems with better filtration can drastically improve indoor air quality, reducing asthma and allergy symptoms.
• Smart technology: Smart thermostats and lighting systems offer personalized control over your home's energy use. They adapt to your schedule, optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring maximum comfort.

Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is a smart, long-term investment. From saving on energy costs to contributing to a healthier planet and creating a more comfortable living space, the benefits are undeniable. With tax credits, rebates, and financing options available, now is the perfect time to take action and make your home more energy efficient. Whether you're upgrading appliances, adding insulation, or installing solar panels, each step you take will make a positive impact on your finances, your home, and the environment.

Three Reasons to Leave the Leaves!

As winter approaches, leaving leaves on the ground during winter is not just a matter of convenience — it serves an important ecological purpose. Here are three reasons to leave the leaves:

Insulation: These fallen leaves create a natural blanket that insulates the soil, protecting it from the harsh cold and preventing it from freezing too deeply. This insulation helps to maintain a stable soil temperature, which is vital for the survival of many underground organisms, including beneficial insects and earthworms. When these creatures are allowed to thrive, they contribute to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and improving soil structure. Additionally, this natural insulation reduces the risk of soil erosion by keeping the topsoil in place, preventing it from being washed away by winter rain or snowmelt.

Soil Nutrients: Leaves on the ground also provide essential habitat and food for various wildlife species. Many insects and small invertebrates seek refuge among the leaf litter, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife during the winter months. The decomposing leaves release important nutrients into the soil, benefiting plants and trees by enhancing their growth and overall health. This natural recycling of organic matter contributes to a sustainable and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Saves Time & Resources: Leaving leaves on the ground helps gardeners and homeowners reduce the need for excessive yard work and the use of fossil fuels in the form of leaf blowers or lawn mowers. Allowing leaves to decompose naturally not only conserves energy but also saves time and resources while promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to yard maintenance.

Overall, the practice of leaving leaves on the ground during winter is a simple yet powerful way to support a healthy and resilient ecosystem, enhance soil health, and reduce our environmental impact.

Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee member, Britt Guimond (District IV), asked Councilmember Rachel Hultin (District II) a few questions about the councilmember’s opinion of sustainability in Wheat Ridge, as well as her experience engaging with Sustainable Wheat Ridge — Wheat Ridge’s resident-led, volunteer-based committee whose purpose serves to (1) advise the City of Wheat Ridge on matters pertaining to environmental sustainability, and (2) to promote sustainability programs to residents and businesses within the City of Wheat Ridge through engagement and outreach. Here’s what Councilmember Hultin had to say:

1. What do Wheat Ridge City Council members like to hear about from our community?

Councilmember Hultin: The core of what city councilors do is solve problems so we depend on our community to let us know when things don't meet expectations. It's not surprising that the overwhelming majority of what we hear are concerns and complaints, but this is only part of the information we need to make good decisions. We need to hear what is working and ideas about how to build on successes. We also need more personal stories.

• What are the day-to-day aspects of living in Wheat Ridge that contribute to your quality of life?

• How did a special event or experience deepen your appreciation for living here?

• What are the opportunities we might be overlooking?

The value of hearing hopes, ideas, and expectations helps us craft policies that not only address problems, but helps us shape the city for future generations.

2. In your opinion, how has Sustainable Wheat Ridge helped improve the city since it began in 2018?

Councilmember Hultin: Sustainable Wheat Ridge has made sustainability an integral part of our identity. Before the original committee members began their work in 2018, the city lacked a visible, coherent, and inclusive sustainability program. We were doing some good, even great, things to advance conservation and resilience. We have a long history as a designated Tree City USA, the preservation of the greenbelt as a naturalized area, celebration of our agricultural heritage; but they were disjointed. The development of the first Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) in 2018 created a container for community members and city leaders to initiate measurable successes. Despite not being officially adopted by City Council, Sustainable Wheat Ridge implemented the majority of goals from the SAP and, more importantly, elevated sustainability as a tangible community identity. I'm looking forward to adopting the updated SAP this fall to deepen our mutual accountability to center climate action and sustainable practices.

3. In your opinion, what is your favorite program, policy or improvement made to our community that was inspired by Sustainable Wheat Ridge?

Councilmember Hultin: With so, so, SO many successful programs and policies inspired by Sustainable Wheat Ridge, this could be a difficult question to answer. But I'm a Swiftie-level fangirl of Sustainable Neighborhoods. Places, people, and planet all benefit when neighbors across a spectrum of perspectives work together to turn ideas into actions in their own backyards (and front yards and neighborhood parks.). IMHO, the City of Wheat Ridge is notably responsive, but it's burdened with standards of accountability that limit municipal government. The Sustainable Neighborhoods program lets the city be a backseat partner supporting neighbors to find shared values through project- based efforts. The result? Places that center sustainable principles and people with increased civic capacity to affect meaningful change on behalf of the planet and future generations. Everyone wins today and tomorrow!

Want to be part of sustainability conversations happening in Wheat Ridge right now? Here are a few different ways to get involved:

• Visit our webpage and stay tuned for the new SAP launching in fall 2024

• Subscribe to our email newsletter

• Check out other articles we’ve written on What’s Up Wheat Ridge

• Attend city council meetings on Mondays at 6:30pm either in-person, by phone or on TV/YouTube

In 2017, Mayor Joyce Jay appointed the Wheat Ridge Environmental Sustainability Committee, now known as Sustainable Wheat Ridge. This committee, made up of 12 residents, was tasked with forming the City’s first Sustainability Action Plan focusing on six topic areas: Water, Transportation, Communications & Engagement, Solid Waste & Recycling, Energy Efficiency & Green Building, and Renewable Energy. In June 2018, the plan was presented to City Council and accepted with gratitude but was not formally adopted.

This plan led to hiring the City’s first Sustainability Coordinator, marking the first staff person focusing solely on sustainability. Since then, staff and Sustainable Wheat Ridge have focused on implementation of the action plan. To date, 64% of the plan is completed or in progress. Much of what remains is policy-focused, making it an opportune time to update the initial plan and focus on getting additional buy-in from City staff and leadership.

Prior to beginning the update process, staff conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation. Three proposals were received, and staff interviewed three agencies before ultimately selecting Lotus Engineering & Sustainability as the chosen vendor. The budget for this project is $50,000.

The initial 2018 Sustainability Action Plan focused on the six previously mentioned topic areas and contained 20 goals and 135 implementation strategies. The updated action plan retains the original six topic areas, adds two new ones (Arts & Culture and Businesses & Jobs), and proposes 24 goals and 113 implementation strategies.

This plan represents a major milestone in the progress of Sustainable Wheat Ridge! Check out the draft plan on the right hand side of this page under "Documents."

As we strive for a healthier and more sustainable future, embracing a plant-based diet significantly benefits the environment and our community. Recent research from the University of Oxford reveals that those who follow a plant-based diet generate 75 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than individuals consuming an average amount of meat daily.

Animal agriculture plays a substantial role in climate change, with estimates suggesting that meat, dairy, and egg production contribute up to 11 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a plant-based diet helps reduce emissions and addresses the immense land use associated with animal agriculture. Livestock farming occupies nearly 40 percent of the planet's habitable land, much of which could be reforested to absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.

Plant-based diets offer a wealth of health advantages, in addition to their environmental benefits. They can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These diets are typically rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being and longevity. By choosing a plant-based diet, you are not only contributing to a healthier planet but also taking control of your own health.

By adopting a plant-based diet, you are taking a small yet powerful step towards preserving our environment. Your mindful choices about food contribute to a healthier planet and set an example for future generations. Remember, adopting more plant-based eating doesn’t have to mean committing to vegetarian or vegan diets altogether. Removing meat, dairy, or eggs from one or two meals a week can add up – from both an environmental and health perspective. Let’s embrace these small changes together and be part of a global movement towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier future.

For so many reasons, walking or riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Wheat Ridge, and it’s getting even better! Bicycle and pedestrian safety are being improved thanks to a grant from the Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities program. This program recognizes the need for universally accessible playgrounds and parks, supporting equitable engagement, and investing in safety for active transportation. There has been a swell of momentum building and there will soon be more visible activities taking place right here in Wheat Ridge.

Bike Jeffco was awarded a $10,000 grant to collaborate with Wheat Ridge residents, the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT), and the City of Wheat Ridge to improve access to local parks and green spaces. City Council member Rachel Hultin (who also serves as liaison to the Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee) has supported Bike Jeffco and the ATAT in a strong community engagement effort to identify and evaluate locations with a need for safety improvements. Many areas were assessed based on community input, with final attention being drawn both towards 32nd Avenue near Crown Hill Park and Miller Street near Fruitdale Park.

This grant comes with technical assistance and training provided by the Safe Routes Partnership. The national Safe Routes team, along with experts from CDPHE, CDOT, CPW, and Jefferson County Trails, recently visited Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Our local representatives worked with them to prioritize a plan for Miller Street from 44th to 48th Ave. That stretch includes Fruitdale Park and is book-ended by Mountain Phoenix Charter School to the north and Compass Montessori School to the south, yet the current sidewalks are incomplete, traffic signage is limited, and no safe crosswalks exist.

In September, a pop-up temporary improvement will be installed on Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Although the $10,000 grant funding will only cover a temporary demonstration of what’s possible, this is an exciting step forward for Wheat Ridge! This will allow all of us to see what a safer community can be, providing Safe Routes to Parks for students and residents, alike. All ages need to be able to traverse neighborhoods safely. Especially when we’re looking to enjoy the amazing green open spaces that Wheat Ridge has to offer. Keep your eyes on Miller Street improvements coming up in September!

As we begin to bask in the glory and warmth of summer, the inevitability of increased energy bills lingers on our minds as we seek refuge in the cool comforts of our homes. But fear not! There are numerous ways to stay cool while keeping your energy consumption - and bills - in check.

For both renters, homeowners, and businesses alike, smart habits can create smart savings. Simple daily habits can lead to significant savings. For example, if you have a thermostat, increasing the set temperature by 7°-10°F when away can reduce cooling costs. Running dishwashers, laundry machines, and ovens during cooling hours can also prevent additional heat build-up inside, and of course, keeping your cooling systems clean and well maintained will ensure that they run efficiently. Bonus points for using Energy Star rated appliances!

Colorado’s climate is unique, and so must be its cooling solutions. Some tailored options to look into are Evaporative coolers, whole house fans, and heat pumps! Evaporative coolers are ideal for dry climates like ours, because they add moisture to them and use less energy than traditional AC units. For homeowners, whole house fans are a cost-effective alternative that draws cool air through the house and expels hot air through the attic. Alternatively, heat pumps are versatile systems that can cool and heat your home, a smart 2-in-1 investment!

For budget friendly options, consider natural cooling methods, such as taking advantage of Colorado’s cool nights. Opening your windows after dusk invites the cool air inside, just remember to close them again during the day! You can use blinds and curtains to shield your interiors from the relentless sun during peak hours as well! As of January 1, 2024, Coloradans can take advantage of tax credits to install heat pumps for space heating and cooling and water heating through the Colorado Energy Office.

Finally, maximize efficiency with tax credits, rebates, and Assistance programs! Colorado offers a suite of incentives that make energy efficiency an achievable goal for all residents! For starters, the Colorado Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Program partners with local weatherization agencies throughout the state to provide free weatherization services to Colorado homeowners and renters alike. Looking to do some home improvements? Local utility companies extend cash-back rebates for various energy efficiency upgrades. Programs like EnergySmart Colorado are a treasure trove of information and assistance.

By adopting these energy saving measures, not only do we ensure a cooler home environment, but we also contribute to a greener, more sustainable Colorado! Let’s take advantage of state and federal incentives, embrace natural cooling methods, and make informed choices about our energy use. Together, we can enjoy a comfortable summer while safeguarding our beautiful state for future generations.

Stay cool, stay green and save big this summer!

In January 2024, The City and Sustainable Wheat Ridge, kicked-off a project to update the City’s Sustainability Action Plan. The original 2018 Sustainability Action Plan was community-driven, a collective action taken on behalf of the Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee.

The updated plan aims to:

1) Highlight the sustainability progress that Wheat Ridge has already made.

2) Understand the vision that Wheat Ridge residents have for the current and future vibrancy of Wheat Ridge.

3) Be formally adopted by City Council. The plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2024 and will be a 5-year roadmap for Wheat Ridge.

Project Goals

To identify actionable, impactful strategies for Wheat Ridge to improve the following areas:

• Energy Efficiency and Green Building
• Equity and Environmental Justice
• Water
• Transportation
• Solid Waste and Recycling
• Communications and Engagement
• Businesses and Jobs
• Arts and Cultures
• Renewable Energy

In addition, this project aims to empower residents, businesses, and city staff to take part in creating a more sustainable, vibrant Wheat Ridge through the creation of a 5-year sustainability roadmap.

How can you get involved?! Take this survey by June 9 to let us know what matters most to you! Subscribe to the project's page on What's Up Wheat Ridge to learn more and stay up to date.