Metro Denver: Mile High Advantages
Sustainability
Resources that support sustainability. And surroundings that inspire it.
You simply won't find such an intense focus on sustainability – plus all the essential elements to deliver on its promise – anywhere else in the nation.
It is impossible to work in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains and not feel a deep desire to preserve what makes our everyday lives so special. For all who call Metro Denver home, nature isn't just something we drive to on the weekends – it touches us every single day.
Far from a new passion, Metro Denver jumpstarted sustainability years ago. Today, we are reaping the rewards of being the "balanced energy capital of the West."
You'll see our momentum in Colorado's energy diversification, green infrastructure, and the brainpower to propel ingenuity forward. This region is a Petri dish for eco-friendly policies, with a reputation for attracting and nurturing energy-innovating companies.
- Metro Denver launched the Climate Prosperity Project, one of eight pilot communities selected by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund
- Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter was named the nation's "Greenest" governor in 2009 by Greenopia. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper received the 2009 Mayor's Climate Protection award
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized Greenprint Denver in 2009 as a national model for energy conservation and clean energy technology
- Gov. Ritter signed legislation requiring state utilities to get 30 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2020–the best in the Rocky Mountain West and among the highest nationally
It takes a sustained effort to become the nation's
renewable energy capital.
With the state's governor, local mayors, business leaders, universities, and companies in synch with sustainability efforts, Metro Denver has laid the groundwork for Colorado to quickly become the nation's renewable energy capital with:
- A Metro Mayor's Caucus MOU outlines actions for area communities to further energy efficiency and conservation
- Colorado Energy Coalition, a group of leaders and stakeholders advancing Colorado's diverse energy industry
- Xcel Energy, the nation's No. 1 wind provider, is making renewables a significant part of its energy mix
- Denver International Airport opened a two-megawatt solar system in 2008 expected to generate 3.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, and plans to build a second solar development to supply all of the energy needed to operate DIA's fuel storage and distribution center
- Download the Metro Denver EDC's Energy Industry Cluster Study
- View the Resource Rich Colorado study
- Colorado ranks No. 7 in the U.S. for cleantech employment – Development Research Partners
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D
- The Colorado School of Mines in Golden is one of the few universities in the world with degrees from baccalaureate through doctorate in all energy fields
Mental energy. It's one of our most impressive natural resources.
From national labs to state-funded research facilities to private corporations, Colorado acts as a crucible for leading-edge research that maximizes the value of fossil fuels while investing in renewable resources.
Within a compact geographical area, hundreds of scientists collaborate to tackle some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges.
And a research partnership between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, and the University of Colorado – coined the Colorado Energy Collaboratory – is working closely with the private sector to develop renewable energy technologies for rapid commercialization.
Our research and education institutions are at the forefront of developing the nation's newest energy-efficient technologies:
- The Metro Denver EDC's Energy Efficiency Study details energy efficiency opportunities in the commercial sector
- The Aardex Signature Center in Lakewood is the largest speculative LEED Platinum project in the U.S.
- The new Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver received LEED Gold certification – the first such museum in the country to earn the distinction
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says its new Research Support Facility will be one of the "greenest" buildings ever constructed
We have a growing reputation for building green.
Metro Denver's commitment to building green on municipal, commercial, and residential levels has other regions looking to us to set the pace for sustainable construction.
Our list of major green projects is long and growing:
As a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the Governor's Energy Office is preparing to launch expanded and new rebate programs for homes and businesses. Additionally, solar installation company SolarCity offers zero down financing for solar energy improvements.