Greening Greeley
How the City is using stimulus funds to build a high-tech regional eco-hub
By Becky Safarik, Community Development Director
How the City is using stimulus funds to build a high-tech regional eco-hub
By Becky Safarik, Community Development Director
At a time when the road seems a bit bumpy, there may be a bright spot on the horizon to help communities, businesses, and homeowners save some green by going green. At the end of the proverbial tunnel is none other than an energy-efficient light that offers some potentially powerful savings in energy costs. The world is recognizing that business as usual isn’t possible anymore. Exciting technological advances are helping us all realize ways that we can become more economical in energy use and limit environmental impact. New financial resources have been made available to Greeley to help in a variety of ways:
Energy Efficient City Buildings: City staff has worked hard over recent years to minimize the cost of energy in its buildings and operations and constantly seeks funding to help convert older systems to increase efficiency. The City recently received a $400,000 State “New Energy Communities” grant, which will help replace older, obsolete heating and ventilation equipment in City buildings.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy: Greeley has also been awarded $870,000 in federal energy funds to help refine its community conservation strategy. Again, reducing energy use in City buildings, equipment, and services is top of the list, followed by developing renewable energy practices and improvements. The new equipment and improvements will save tax dollars through energy savings of 20 to 75 percent.
Waste to Energy Grant: an $86,000 grant from the State Governor’s office is enabling Greeley to research its potential for converting organic waste materials into useful energy to power City or private business operations. That research project is presently underway.
Weatherization funds for homeowners: low and no interest rate loans are available to help qualified homeowners make improvements to their homes to reduce energy waste. Attic insulation, roof repairs, window and appliance replacement are the kinds of items that can be funded. Homeowners can start saving on energy bills right away by making a number of small but very significant home improvements through this program.
Business support: a new program under development will help business owners in older areas obtain low-interest loans to decrease energy costs with window replacement and equipment upgrades. This program should be available by mid-summer.
Water Conservation: the City offers a wide variety of rebates for home and business owners that install water-wise appliances and fixtures. Lawn sprinkler and plumbing audits are also available to help residents save water and money.
Recycling: two facilities are open to help residents and businesses recycle and dispose of organic yard waste: the Green-Cycle Center one mile east of US Hwy 85 on E. 8th Street accepts organic waste, ranging from leaves and grass clippings to tree and bush limbs, and clean construction lumber. Fees are charged based upon quantity. The new free Community Recycling Center is open during daylight hours and takes a wide variety of materials such a paper, plastic, glass, and tin.
Energy Efficient City Buildings: City staff has worked hard over recent years to minimize the cost of energy in its buildings and operations and constantly seeks funding to help convert older systems to increase efficiency. The City recently received a $400,000 State “New Energy Communities” grant, which will help replace older, obsolete heating and ventilation equipment in City buildings.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy: Greeley has also been awarded $870,000 in federal energy funds to help refine its community conservation strategy. Again, reducing energy use in City buildings, equipment, and services is top of the list, followed by developing renewable energy practices and improvements. The new equipment and improvements will save tax dollars through energy savings of 20 to 75 percent.
Waste to Energy Grant: an $86,000 grant from the State Governor’s office is enabling Greeley to research its potential for converting organic waste materials into useful energy to power City or private business operations. That research project is presently underway.
Weatherization funds for homeowners: low and no interest rate loans are available to help qualified homeowners make improvements to their homes to reduce energy waste. Attic insulation, roof repairs, window and appliance replacement are the kinds of items that can be funded. Homeowners can start saving on energy bills right away by making a number of small but very significant home improvements through this program.
Business support: a new program under development will help business owners in older areas obtain low-interest loans to decrease energy costs with window replacement and equipment upgrades. This program should be available by mid-summer.
Water Conservation: the City offers a wide variety of rebates for home and business owners that install water-wise appliances and fixtures. Lawn sprinkler and plumbing audits are also available to help residents save water and money.
Recycling: two facilities are open to help residents and businesses recycle and dispose of organic yard waste: the Green-Cycle Center one mile east of US Hwy 85 on E. 8th Street accepts organic waste, ranging from leaves and grass clippings to tree and bush limbs, and clean construction lumber. Fees are charged based upon quantity. The new free Community Recycling Center is open during daylight hours and takes a wide variety of materials such a paper, plastic, glass, and tin.
Delivering services at the lowest energy cost possible and connecting residents with cost saving opportunities are key City objectives, fostering a community that is prudent and conscientious in it use of energy and natural resources.
Related: Plan to Build the Next Electric Grid
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