Greenprint Denver

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Sustainable DPL     Books     Resources     Easy Ways to be Green

On July 12, 2006, Mayor Hickenlooper announced a long-term, citywide initiative called Greenprint Denver to promote the importance of sustainable development and ecologically friendly practices throughout the community.

Take a look at the green future of Denver! View the complete Greenprint Denver report (PDF) and the Greener Denver Climate Prosperity Program (PDF), the 2009 plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase economic opportunities for Denver businesses.

The 2010 ReDirect Guide is now available at all Denver Public Library locations. The ReDirect Guide is a free resource featuring local businesses and community resources that encourage green living and sustainability. The guide is also available online at www.ReDirectGuide.com.

Recharge Colorado
The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is pleased to announce the launch of its new comprehensive website, RechargeColorado.com, to offer Coloradans an unprecedented tool to save money and advance Colorado’s New Energy Economy. Visit the site for information about GEO programs and initiatives and to access information about financial incentives, service providers, grants and more. Rebates are currently available for appliances, insulation, furnace replacement, home energy systems and more! The new site, as well as a call center (1-800-462-0184), will offer comprehensive and localized information about rebates and financial incentives, service providers, conservation and money-saving tips, and energy news from across the state, as well as personalized tools and planners—all of which can have tremendous impact on your energy use and cost-savings.

The Denver Public Library is now circulating Watts Up Energy meters! These meters:

  • Record electrical usage in watts
  • Display cost of energy in dollars
  • Capture surge readings
  • Interface with your personal computer
  • Record duty cycles
  • Help you save money by lowering your electricity bill
  • Find out more and place a hold on a meter today!

Books

Sustainable Development
Permaculture
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Environmental Protection

Resources

Recycle Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Coloradans can now drop off used compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and mercury-containing thermostats for free recycling at any Ace Hardware store in the state. The spiral shaped bulbs contain a small amount of mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash. CFLs are also accepted in Denver's Household Hazardous Waste collection program.

Environmental Impacts of Coal Power Union of Concerned Scientist website.

Green Building Sherpa An online source for environmentally friendly products from air conditioning units driven by solar panels to bedding to construction materials and wind turbines. Includes ratings and information.

Green Careers Guide Job listings and information about careers in sustainable energy, building, transit and more.

Green Kids Books and links for eco-friendly kids.

Xeriscape Resources Visit the Library's xeriscape page.

Recycling Sign up for residential recycling and learn about other resources.

RTD Leave your car at home and ride the bus! Find route information and download schedules online.

Solar*Rewards from Xcel Energy Solar photovoltaic or PV electricity generation is a clean and sustainable source of renewable energy for Colorado. Xcel's solar program allows you to receive cash back for installing a PV system at your home or business.

Colorado Straw Bale Association COSBA is committed to expanding and sharing knowledge, experience and techniques for straw bale and sustainable building. COSBA promotes quality building practices and serves as a resource to building professionals and homeowners.

Energy Star A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Solar Energy International SEI offers hands-on workshops in solar, wind and water power, and natural building technologies in 17 locations including Colorado.

Development Center for Appropriate Technology DCAT works to enhance the health of the planet and communities by promoting a shift to sustainable construction and development through leadership, strategic relationships, and education. The DCAT website lists helpful links and information on building codes. Building Codes for a Small Planet lays the groundwork for a major shift in the way the building regulatory community views and carries out its work.

Pew Center on Global Climate Change The Pew Center on Global Climate Change was established in 1998 as a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization. The Center's mission is to provide credible information, straight answers, and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change.

Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency Summary of federal tax credits for certain home improvements and efficient appliances purchased in 2010.

DSIRE DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.

American Solar Energy Society A national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment.

Colorado Renewable Energy Society This organization works to increase the awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and energy efficient technologies.

U.S. Green Building Council The U.S. Green Building Council is working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) The Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates the area of land and ocean required to support your consumption of food, goods, services, housing, and energy and assimilate your wastes.

Easy Ways to be Green

  • Take the bus, bike or walk! Every mile driven in a passenger car creates almost a pound of air pollution.
  • Move toward a xeriscaped yard. Xeriscaping dramatically reduces water use.
  • Plant lots of trees and then register them at Tree by Tree, The Mile High Million.
  • Recycle - it's free in Denver! Call Denver Recycles at 720-865-6805 or email them at denverrecycles@ci.denver.co.us
  • Buy energy saving appliances.
    Look for the “ENERGY STAR” label when you shop. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.
  • Install efficient shower heads.
  • Lower the temperature in your hot water tank to 120 degrees.
  • Insulate your ceiling, walls, floors, hot water heater, and all water pipes.
  • Buy products that are made of recycled materials including recycled paper for your printer.
  • Keep car tires inflated. This cuts down on fuel costs, unnecessary emissions, and lengthens the life of your tires.
  • Invest in “Green Power” for electricity in your home. See www.epa.gov/greenpower for more information or visit Xcel Energy to learn about wind power options.
  • If buying a new car, invest in a hybrid. If you live in a city and do a lot of stop-and-go driving, the new hybrids are a great way to help cut back on emissions. Check out GreenerCars.org for information.
  • See Xcel Energy's Save Energy & Money.