CLEER | P.O. Box 428 | Carbondale, Colorado 81623
info@cleanenergyeconomy.net | 970-704-9200

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What we do
CLEER develops and implements energy efficiency programs for Garfield Clean Energy and its individual partners in the following areas. The goal in all areas is to achieve energy savings.
Active Energy Management CLEER uses data to explore ways to trim energy use. By monitoring the energy use of buildings, our experts can help building managers discover where energy is being wasted and why. Assisted by advanced software and measuring energy use in 15-minute intervals, CLEER specializes in finding low-cost ways to cut energy expenses by actively managing energy use. Please visit the Garfield Energy Navigator and click "How It Works" for examples of active energy management.

Energy coaching and technical assistance
Energy Coaching & Technical Assistance CLEER's team members serve as energy "coaches" for building owners and operations staff. They do everything from guiding home and business owners through the onerous processes of energy audits and retrofits to teaching facilities managers how to cut power use in large public buildings.

Economic development
Economic Development Energy efficiency and clean energy are major economic stimulants wherever they're adopted. CLEER's staff shows individuals and communities the economic benefits of efficiency and renewable energy, and how they can easily and cost-effectively adopt both. CLEER uses its staff's vast experience to leverage investment, bring clean energy resources to the region, and create energy-related programs and solutions. For more information, click here.

Energy education & information
Energy Education & Information It's often unclear to both citizens and civic and business leaders how and where to start when it comes to saving energy. CLEER's staff teaches homeowners, businesses, and governments how to look at and understand energy use in simple terms so that we can shape our energy future and create a stronger economy. Stories about energy efficiency and clean energy offer valuable examples for others. Much of CLEER's work is dedicated to making these stories available and accessible so energy achievements can be replicated. We regularly publish and/or broadcast stories about efficiency and clean energy in both online and print platforms, making them globally accessible and locally applicable.

Building codes
CLEER is working on updating building codes to include the latest developments in energy efficiency and green building. CLEER works with local building officials, homebuilders' associations, developers, builders, designers, and homeowners to educate about the specifics of energy and green codes.

Where we do it
Homes We implement programs to encourage homeowners to get home energy audits and then provide assistance through the process of getting the audits and implementing improvements. We assist homeowners with understanding utility offerings and maximizing available rebates so that homeowners can achieve savings while also boosting the local economy through contractors.
Not all audits are the same. Some are highly technical, others are more basic (though still very helpful). CLEER's coaches help you interpret what they mean and what you can do to lower your energy use (and bills) with a minimum of investment.

What do you get in an audit?
You get a summary of your house (size, square footage, age, etc.), as well as a prescription—suggestions on what things are the most important to address, like single pane windows, "leaky" walls, and insufficient attic insulation. We also connect you with our network of reliable contractors and installers who can get your home energy project done.

In business
Businesses Heating and lighting are the two biggest energy users in homes—that's obvious. But businesses aren't so simple. Some have huge cooling needs (e.g., food services), others have big ventilation issues (e.g., small industrial). We carryout extensive outreach efforts, partnering with chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, and other community groups, to help businesses become more profitable by saving energy. Similar to the services we provide homeowners, we "coach" business managers and owners through the process of getting their building or business evaluated and then through the implementation of improvements.

In government
We work with government and private partners to reduce the energy use in their large buildings and energy-using facilities (such as water treatment plants). Using active energy management™, CLEER staffers document what usage is happening and when—and how to cut that usage without affecting the use of the building or the enjoyment of the users. Our Garfield Energy Navigator is a recent tool in our active energy management. See The Garfield Energy Navigator for examples of CLEER's work.

Transportation
Transportation uses 72 percent of the oil consumed in the United States. Decreasing that consumption is an important step toward national security, economic robustness and environmental stewardship. CLEER works with a variety of entities to examine and implement the adoption of energy efficient fleet management practices and clean-fuel vehicles by organizations and communities. CLEER does everything from helping organizations with fleets select the right vehicles and tires to advocating and supporting clean-fuel filling stations. CLEER's most recent effort in cleaning up our vehicles was the formation of the Western Slope Natural Gas Collaborative.

Renewable energy
Renewable Energy CLEER works to seek opportunities to increase the local renewable energy portfolio. We seek funding to implement solar PV and solar thermal installations throughout the county. We work with Governor's Energy Office and Glenwood Electric to promote renewable rebates for homeowners and businesses. We collaborate with local organizations, such as the Roaring Fork chapter of the Sierra Club, to promote solar through events like the Solar Home Tour. For more information, click here.