On June 19, the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative and Sonoran Institute hosted a workshop in Glenwood Springs to discuss the connections between energy use, climate protection, land use planning and transportation policy. Dr. Reid Ewing, professor of city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah and a co-author of Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change, was the keynote speaker. Ewing’s work has focused on transit-oriented design, LEED green guidelines for neighborhood development, and traffic calming. His thesis is simple but challenging: development patterns are strongly linked to climate change by the fuel burned as people drive many miles between home, work, shopping and other destinations in America’s cities and towns. The emission reductions achieved by 2030 from using more efficient vehicles and lower-carbon fuels will be wiped out by projected growth in vehicle miles traveled or VMT, which has already grown three times faster than population since 1980. However, if the U.S. adopts more compact, transit-oriented land use for the new development needed to meet population growth through 2030, and locates housing closer to jobs, it can reach emission reductions targets. We can’t hit our goals without reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) Transportation accounts for one third of America’s total carbon emissions, and uses the vast majority of imported oil. Efforts to date have focused on three legs of the transportation stool: fuel-efficient vehicles, lower-carbon fuels such as ethanol, and reductions in VMT. The 2008 Energy Bill mandated increased fuel efficiency standards and incentives to switch to lower-carbon fuels, with the goal of bringing emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. However, just focusing on fuel efficiency, without considering how to avoid significant increases in VMT, will make it unlikely these targets can be reached. Even though our cars will be more efficient and our fuel cleaner, more people driving more miles in 2030 will emit just as much carbon as today.
Just as VMT increased faster than population growth since 1980, so has the land area consumed by urban and suburban development increased three times faster than population growth. As more and more land is taken up at the edges of cities and towns for large-lot, single family homes in disconnected subdivisions, interspersed along arterial highways with shopping malls and parking lots, Americans must drive farther and farther to get to work, buy a gallon of milk, and take their children to school. Inefficient land use patterns increase our reliance on foreign oil. Compact development can measurably reduce VMT The good news is that because we are shooting for 2050 goals, we can use compact community design to reach our emissions goals. The U.S. population will grow by 120 million by 2050. A full two thirds of the development that will be needed by then has yet to be built: 89 million new or replaced homes and 190 billion square feet of new or replaced institutional and commercial buildings. We can manage growth in intelligent ways if developers, decision-makers and consumers look to the long term when making decisions today. Evidence gathered from existing compact developments shows that VMT and related CO2 emissions drop by 20 to 40 percent compared to less compact developments. Nationally, if 60 percent of new developments built between now and 2050 follow a compact model, it would be the equivalent of every car sold between now and then being a hybrid. California is grapplng with how to encourage compact development as a key strategy in reducing carbon emissions. Through Climate Change Smart Growth Act of 2008, statewide transit funding is directed only to communities that have implemented Sustainable Communities Strategies. “Californians also understand the limits to technology,” Ewing said. “They know that fuel efficient vehicles and lower carbon fuels alone will not get us to our targets – that we have to reduce the amount of driving.” Portland, Ore., is a national leader in working towards carbon reduction. It has worked through a regional board of governments to encourage compact, transit-linked, dense development since the 1970s, and its metro area has, on average, 35 percent less VMT per person than the average metro area, such as Atlanta. However, transportation still accounts for 37 percent of the Portland region’s emissions. “Even though Portland is doing better than anywhere in the U.S., Portland’s leaders know that current models just won’t cut it, and they’ve got to do better,” Ewing said. Portland is now focusing on these measures, all aimed at helping residents cut down on driving:
Demographics support move to efficient development patterns Demographic and lifestyle shifts are increasing the demand for compact, walkable housing with easy access to amenities and transit and shorter commutes. A National Association of Realtors study showed that 61 percent of consumers looking to buy a new house in the next three years would prefer to live in a higher density setting with shorter commutes than in an area of single-family houses with 1-acre lots requiring a longer commute by car. Unfortunately, only 5 percent of housing projected to be built in the next three years fit the compact village model. In fact, according to a study highlighted by Ewing, we already have enough single family, large lot, detached development to meet demand through 2025. Demographic changes are the chief force driving the changes in demand. In 1960, 50 percent of U.S. households had children. Suburban development patterns were driven by a rapid growth of families seeking the American dream of owning a large home in neighborhoods with large yards. But by 2025, only 28 percent of households will have children. The Baby Boom generation will be retired and many will want to live within easy, walkable access to health care, shopping and friends. Singles tend to cluster in urban environments with convenient access to restaurants, bars and fitness centers. And increasing numbers of young people enjoy the urban lifestyle enough to continue living in compact developments after they start their own families. A combination approach can yield measurable results over time
RFTA competes for federal grant to finance energy efficiency measures, buy more hybrid buses
The grant offering, called the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Grants (TIGGER), is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. RFTA’s grant requests were for:
Other transit agencies in Colorado and Wyoming submitted a joint application for another $10.1 million in energy-saving projects:
Applicants were required to provide current energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and then calculated the energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction over the lifetime of the proposed projects. “The Colorado Association of Transit Agencies is eager to continue working on this critical issue for transit agencies and communities in Colorado,” said Dan Blankenship, executive director of RFTA and president of the state association. “With our world-class environment and livable communities, transit can provide enhancements both by our business -- providing alternatives to the automobile trip -- and by the way we do business -- green and clean.” In the news Aspen Times, July 10, 2009 Aspen Daily News, July 10, 2009 Businesses targeted for demonstration
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Ewing told the audience it will take a concentrated effort to change assumptions about land use and transportation patterns. The advantage is that market demand is shifting toward transit-oriented compact urban and village development. Ewing calculated the potential of combining these approaches to land use and transportation measures for “Growing Cooler,” and presented this formula:
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority joined with other transit agencies in Colorado and Wyoming to submit a joint package of grant applications for projects that reduce the agencies’ greenhouse gas emissions. The package was entered in May into a nationwide competition for $100 million in funding for energy-saving investments in transit operations and facilities.“This certification in the BPI programs is one area where Colorado Mountain College is really on the cutting edge in Colorado. If you move to another state, the certification is also recognized there.” -- Rick Johnson, instructional chair, |
The academy offers education for building professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and technical skills in energy efficiency and green building. The program will provide an ongoing series of trainings that will enhance professional development for those working in the building trades, and retrain out-of-work people in the field.
The academy started this week with a six-day class for certified building analysts. The academy will also host a certified green professional course, a nationally recognized certification through the National Home Builders Association, Sept. 23-25.
Classes and certification opportunities through the Green Building Academy will rotate to other Colorado Mountain College locations, including the West Garfield Campus in Rifle this fall.
Other summer and fall offerings in Edwards, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale
The academy’s offerings in sustainability, renewable energy and green topics are proving popular across the college district. Credit classes in solar thermal and photovoltaic grid-tied systems offered this summer in Rifle were filled with waiting lists, said Sue Schmidt, campus instructional chair. The solar courses, with related classes that prepare students to take the basic solar certification exam through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, will be offered again this fall.
CMC campuses are also presenting a variety of short, affordable classes in energy saving and green topics. These include:
Solar Hot Water/Thermal System workshop
Saturday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Vail-Eagle Valley Campus, Edwards, $24.Low-Cost Measures for Home Energy Savings
Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Glenwood Center, Glenwood Springs
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lappala Center, CarbondaleResidential Energy Savings
Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m., Glenwood Center, Glenwood SpringsBringing Low-Cost Measures for Home Energy Savings to Your Customers
for contractors and energy professionals
Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Glenwood Center, Glenwood Springs
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lappala Center, CarbondaleSolar Energy for Educators
including science and math lessons for K-12 teachers
Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m., Glenwood Center, Glenwood SpringsBeyond Solar: Other Renewable Energy Sources for Your Home or Business
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Glenwood Center, Glenwood Springs
More information about Colorado Mountain College classes is available at www.coloradomtn.edu or by calling (800) 621-8559.
The full schedule of fall classes will be available at www.coloradomtn.edu in late July.
For information about the regional building analyst training, contact Johnson at 925-7740, ext. 2417 or wjohnson@coloradomtn.edu.
Colorado, New Mexico and Texas governors
tout Denver-to-El Paso high-speed rail
Colorado is partnering with New Mexico and Texas to apply for a high-speed rail corridor designation between El Paso and Denver, running through New Mexico.
Congress has authorized up to 11 high-speed corridors across the U.S. Currently only 10 corridors have been designated. The three-state partnership is seeking the 11th and final designation and will seek federal funding to complete a feasibility study.
“High-speed rail has long been a conversation in Colorado, and this designation would provide the funding needed to further examine its feasibility,” said Gov. Bill Ritter. “There is a great deal of movement of people, goods and services along the Front Range and the entire Colorado-Texas-New Mexico corridor, and it is high time Congress designate a Western corridor. This designation would connect our communities, increase economic opportunities, create jobs, and lead Colorado’s transportation infrastructure forward.”
Earlier this year, President Obama launched an aggressive effort to develop a national network of high-speed passenger rail lines, including $8 billion in federal stimulus funds and a separate five-year, $5 billion investment as a down payment to jump-start the nation's high-speed rail lines.
“The overwhelming success of the New Mexico RailRunner is proof of the demand for more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options,” New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said. “High-speed rail is the future of our country and is going to be a major boost to the economic vitality of the cities and states along its routes. With this designation, New Mexico will be in better position to meet the evolving economic, workforce and transportation demands of the 21st Century.”
"Improving and expanding our transportation infrastructure is vitally important in a state that grows by more than 1,000 people each day," Texas Gov. Rick Perry said. "As we look for more efficient ways to keep Texans moving, high-speed rail is an important option, which is why I am supportive of this and other high-speed rail projects across Texas."
Colorado, New Mexico and Texas could receive up to $5 million from the Federal Railroad Administration under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to study the viability of the El Paso to Denver High-Speed Rail Corridor. The three states submitted the joint pre-application for funds on July 10.
New report finds Colorado a leader in clean energy jobs
Colorado is home to one of the largest and fastest growing pieces of America's clean energy economy, according to a report released in June by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The report, The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America (62 pgs, 664 KB), is the first effort by a major national organization to quantify the scale, scope and promise of clean energy jobs.
The report found that jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9 percent, while traditional jobs grew by less than 4 percent between 1998 and 2007. Colorado, Oregon and Tennessee are the three states ahead of the national average for the number of jobs in the clean energy economy.
In Colorado, clean energy jobs grew at a rate of 18 percent annually, while traditional jobs grew by 8 percent. Between 1998 and 2007, jobs in Colorado's renewable energy sector grew 50 percent while jobs in the energy efficiency sector grew 56 percent.
Clean jobs and clean energy play in increasingly important part of the nation's economic recovery. In the past three years, Colorado also attracted more than $620 million in venture capital, largely for renewable energy generation, the fifth-largest amount in the nation.
51-megawatt wind farm planned for Kit Carson County
Tri-State Generation and Transmission and Duke Energy plan to build the Kit Carson Windpower Project, a wind farm of 34 high-power turbines capable of producing 51 megawatts of clean electricity.
“The Kit Carson Windpower Project will generate reliable energy, create clean-energy jobs and provide long-term economic benefits for Kit Carson County,” said Gov. Bill Ritter in an announcement on the Capitol steps on July 6. “This is another important step forward for Colorado’s New Energy Economy and will be a boon for the Eastern Plains, which are blessed with rich and abundant wind resources.
The new wind farm will cover more than 6,000 acres near Burlington, and will tie into Tri-State’s existing transmission grid. The project is expected to come online within 18 months and construction will begin next summer.
“This wind power project is an important part of our near-term strategy to diversify our portfolio with renewable resource that complement our fleet of baseload generation,” said Ken Anderson, Tri-State’s executive vice president and general manager. “It also keeps us ahead of targets to meet renewable energy standards on behalf of our member co-ops.”
Duke Energy will construct, own, operate and provide all maintenance services on the facility. A permanent staff of four to eight technicians will operate the wind farm.
TRAININGS
Free one-day workshops on IECC 2009
Most sessions already full,
openings still available in Georgetown,
Louisville and Limon
The Governor’s Energy Office and the International Code Council are hosting a series of 21 free workshops across the state on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
The International Code Council (ICC), a nationally recognized code training organization, will present information on the 2009 code to local building code officials, home builders, developers, architects, engineers and other building industry professionals. These one-day trainings will focus on commercial and residential building components of the 2009 IECC, and compare it to earlier versions.
The workshops will highlight elements of the code that are relevant for building in Colorado, including building envelopes, high-elevation R-values, proper sizing of HVAC systems and efficient lighting and controls.
These trainings are approved by the International Code Council for 0.6 continuing education units and by the American Institute of Architects for six contact hours.
Everyone who attends will receive an official code book, work book resources and continuing technical assistance from ICC.
Workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trainings with space still available are:
Georgetown: Monday, July 27
Louisville: Tuesday, July 28
Limon: Thursday, July 30
Workshop resources online at the Governor’s Energy Office website, including background information on the IECC 2003 and 2006 codes and links to U.S. Department of Energy’s code compliance software.
Seating is limited, so please register in advance. Click here to register.
EVENTS
RFTA Rio Grande Trail anniversary party
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Carbondale Park & Ride (Highway 133 & Village Road) on the Rio Grande Trail
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is hosting a party to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Rio Grande Trail, including food, music, a dunk tank and a bouncy house for the kids. KSNO will be broadcasting live, Aspen Valley Hospital will be doing helmet fitting, and Sunlight Bike and Ski Shop and AJAX Sports will be doing free tune-ups for bicycles.
Glenwood Springs Mayor Bruce Christensen from Glenwood and Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland will be leading races from either end of the valley to meet at the Carbondale Park & Ride for our celebration. Start times and places are:
Aspen, Paepcke Park, 9:00 a.m.
Woody Creek Tavern, 9:30 a.m.
Basalt High School, 10 a.m.
Glenwood Springs, O’Leary Park (on the trail behind Safeway), 10 a.m.
Open house: LEED certified home
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Place: Ironbridge Subdivision, 416 River Bank Lane, Glenwood Springs
Northway Construction is hosting an open house of a new home in the Ironbridge subdivision between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Northway is is the final stages of work on the house, and is just 6 points away from achieving a LEED platinum rating on the home.
Farmer David Lynch on sustainable agriculture
Date: Thursday, July 30
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Eagle County Health Service District classroom, Edwards (behind post office)
David Lynch, a leader in the sustainable agriculture movement in Colorado, will discuss agro-biodiversity and the benefits of local foods to the local economy and food security. Lynch’s Guidestone Farm in Buena Vista supports the local food economy, teaches children and families about the joys of farming, and grows organic produce, meats and dairy products.
American Renewable Energy Day Conference
Date: Aug. 20-22
Place: Doerr-Hosier Building, Aspen Meadows, Aspen
Fee: register before July 16, $349; after July 16, $399
Registration: www.areday.net/
AREDAY’s 2009 theme is “The Problem IS the Solution: Wall Street Meets Green Street - Creating the New Energy Economy.” The conference includes panel discussions, presentations, films and music.
AREDAY organizers have put together the Women’s Power Panel, featuring Sylvia Earle, National Geographic explorer-in-residence; actress Mariel Hemingway; environmental advocate Christiana Wyly; Jessy Tolkan, director of the Energy Action Coalition; and environmental policy consultant Sally Ranney.
For the full schedule of events, visit www.areday.net.
Colorado Utility Efficiency Exchange
Date: Oct. 21-23
Place: Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen
Cost: Utility and government: $395; all others: $695
Registration: Colorado Utility Efficiency Exchange
The Colorado Utility Efficiency Exchange is for staff of energy and water utilities in Western states, particularly those responsible for energy and water efficiency, renewable energy and demand response programs and for key account management. The conference is hosted by City of Aspen Utilities.
Greenbuild 2009
Date: Nov. 10-14
Place: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
Fee: USGBC members, $600; non-members $775; students and young professionals $225
Registration: www.greenbuildexpo.org
The U.S. Green Building Council is accepting registrations for Greenbuild 2009, billed as the world’s largest and most comprehensive green building conference and expo. This year’s event is being co-sponsored by CORE. Greenbuild features educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, topical seminars, and networking events. In 2008, more than 25,000 people attended this event. Speakers include:
Arthur Rubinfeld, president of global development, Starbucks Coffee Co.
Sylvia Earle, explorer-in-residence, National Geographic Society
Peter Gleick, co-founder and president, Pacific Institute
In the news
New York Times, June 26, 2009
House passes landmark climate change bill
By John M. Broder
The House passed legislation on June 26 intended to address global warming and transform the way the nation produces and uses energy. The vote was the first time either house of Congress had approved a bill meant to curb the heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to climate change. The legislation, which passed despite deep divisions among Democrats, could lead to profound changes in many sectors of the economy, including electric power generation, agriculture, manufacturing and construction.
Los Angeles Times, June 28, 2009
Climate bill shaped by compromise
By Jim Tankersley
The centerpiece of the bill is a cap-and-trade program, anchored by provisions for a nationwide renewable energy standard, energy efficiency standards, offsets, and funding for adaptation measures. Provisions to secure support were negotiated right up to final passage, and included concessions to farm groups, oil and natural gas executives, coal producers, manufacturers, and others.
Washington Post, June 23, 2009
Climate bill will cost average consumers $175 a year
By Steven Mufson
Climate-change legislation would cost the average household $175 a year by 2020, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The CBO said the poorest 20 percent of American households would actually receive a $40 benefit in 2020 from the legislation, which would establish a cap-and-trade system to limit greenhouse gas emissions, while the richest 20 percent of households would see a net cost of $245 a year.
Washington Post, June 17, 2009
Report on warming offers new details
By David Fahrenthold
The U.S. Global Change Research Program releases a new report, Global Climate Change: Impacts in the United States, compiling work by government science agencies, providing what is called the most detailed picture yet of the United States in 2100 if nothing is done to cut greenhouse gas emissions. See one illustration from the report, at right, showing projected temperarture increases in 2020, 2050 and 2090. Jane Lubchenco, the new administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, observes, "In our back yards, climate change is happening, and it's happening now. It's not too late to act. Decisions made now will determine whether we get big changes or small ones."
The Denver Post, June 22, 2009
When it comes to carbon, Boulder finding it's tough to make the cut
By John Ingold
Like other green-leaning Colorado cities, Boulder finds good intentions aren't enough to meet greenhouse gas goals.
Renewable Energy World.Com, June 26, 2009
Enabling Community Solar in North America
By Stephen Lacey
Check out this podcast, featuring commentary on cooperative ownership of solar PV installations in Sacramento and the new law on feed-in tariffs in Ontario.
Clean Energy Bits ‘n Bobs
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Bike to Work Day breakfast stands drew avid cyclists and those who hadn't ridden in a year or more. Meeting at the stand in New Castle, above, were, from left, Noreen Nolan, Karla James, Bike to Work Day organizer Cathy Tuttle, Bruce Strasinger, and Ron Millhorn of KMTS. At the Rifle stand, below, were, from left, Skye Sieber, Larry Heinrichs, Buzz Kehoe and Nathan Lindquist. |
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New Castle and Rifle hosted their first-ever Bike to Work Day events on June 24, with breakfast stands serving free cinnamon rolls (baked by Patti’s Main Street Coffee House in New Castle and The Bakery in Rifle), juice and coffee and bountiful swag, including t-shirts, mugs, bike lights and reusable bags. CLEER transportation programs manager Cathy Tuttle hosted the New Castle breakfast stand, which featured a live remote by KMTS-FM with morning announcer Ron Millhorn and drew about 50 people. Larry Heinrichs hosted the Rifle stand, where Mayor Keith Lambert was one of about 40 people who stopped by.
Government Fleet, the magazine and website for the fleet industry, listed Eagle County among the top 100 government fleets in the country for peak performance during its annual conference held June 8-10 in Denver.
The Silt Cool Communities Group plans to appear before the Silt Board of Trustees on Monday, July 27, to discuss Silt signing the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.
The Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, Roaring Fork High School and Fat City Farmers are planning a 1.5-acre garden, orchard and greenhouse on the RFHS campus in Carbondale. The project will provide food for the school and community, and serve as a teaching facility.
Piper Foster, the former director of the Sopris Foundation, is off to Germany for a 15-month fellowship on climate and energy policies. She is one of 10 Americans named to the German Chancellor Fellowship, sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and will be studying alongside German, Russian and Chinese scholars starting in September. Piper writes, “My project will look at financing renewable energy via the fixed-price/defined timeline model pioneered in Germany, called the FIT (feed-in tariff) law. I anticipate my research could expand into carbon labeling and, hopefully, the just-developing field of climate change insurance products such as weather index insurance.”