Featured Campaign

Boulder, CO — ClimateSmart

Boulder’s ClimateSmart program, which is a joint effort across Boulder County, is designed to help individuals, families and businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. ClimateSmart is part of Boulder’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was created in 2006 and is funded by a CAP tax.  Boulder is the first city to have passed a tax to fund action toward climate change, and as a result has received global recognition. The tax, known as the carbon tax, has made it possible for Boulder to initiate community action toward reducing Boulder’s greenhouse gas emissions.

ClimateSmart programs are intended to overcome local barriers to energy efficiency investment by providing education, financial incentives, and services that do not already exist in the market.  A few examples of ClimateSmart programs are the ClimateSmart Loan program, which provides loans tied to property taxes for renewable energy or energy efficiency improvements to property owners, the ClimateSmart Neighborhood Groups, the Residential Energy Audit Program, and the 10 for Change program, where businesses commit to reducing their business' carbon emissions by up to 10% over a year's period.

ClimateSmart Loan program: In 2008, voters gave Boulder County the authority to issue up to $40 million in bonds for the program, making it the biggest program of its kind in the country.  So far, 518 property owners have applied for more than $9 million in funding for use in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency improvements to properties. www.climatesmartloanprogram.org

ClimateSmart Neighborhood Groups:  As of February 2009, individuals from thirty Boulder neighborhoods have formed (or are forming) climate action groups that are building community by offering events and education focused on reducing our household carbon footprints.  Initiatives include a walking Solar PV tour, a block party/movie night, film and book clubs, recycling education, car-sharing, bulk insulation purchases, and more. http://www.beclimatesmart.com/whatAreYouDoing/neighborhood.php

10 for Change: Over fifty Boulder businesses have joined the 10 for Change challenge by committing to reduce their business' carbon emissions by up to 10% over a year's period. Bi-monthly networking events including incentive contests, speakers, and celebration of the group's progress are held at fun locations such as Boulder Beer and Chautauqua. http://www.beclimatesmart.com/programs/commercialTrainings.php

Residential Energy Action Program (REAP): ClimateSmart's non-profit partner the Center for Resource Conservation (CRC) has partnered with Xcel Energy to offer low-cost energy audits. An energy audit breaks down a home's energy usage and gives Boulder residents a personalized set of recommendations to lower their energy bill. http://www.beclimatesmart.com/programs/residentialEfficiency.php

A description of Boulder’s Climate Action Plan goals, strategies, and programs can be found in the 2009 Community Guide to Boulder’s Climate Action Plan. (link- with small image of document).  http://www.beclimatesmart.com/content/documents/CAP-Draft-3-31-09.pdf