Sustainability
Expecting More for Denver’s Clean Energy Future:
Chris Romer’s Vision for Sustainability
Chris will bring the financial acumen, creativity and commitment necessary to make Denver a sustainable 21st century city. - Jennifer CokenI understand that to attract the employers of the future to our city and protect our natural resources for generations to come, Denver must be on the leading edge of sustainability and energy efficiency. I have consistently fought for measures that promote sustainability while creating jobs and saving money and I will take that experience to City Hall. To position Denver on the leading edge of the Clean Energy Economy, as mayor I will:
Director, Western Clean Energy Campaign
- Create clean energy jobs in Denver and launch the Power Denver Initiative
- Support and empower GreenPrint Denver
- Promote multimodal transportation to reduce pollution and increase options
- Lead sustainability efforts starting at City Hall
+ Create clean energy jobs in Denver
Denver is well positioned to be a leader in creating and attracting clean energy jobs and companies. As mayor, I will work with our clean tech business leaders to recruit new companies and jobs to Denver, highlighting our city’s strengths and outlining my vision for our Clean Energy Economy. I believe Denver and our Front Range neighbors can become the Silicon Valley of renewable energy.
While in the Colorado Senate, I worked to make the Clean Energy Economy a reality; that experience will help propel Denver to become a national leader in the Clean Energy Economy.
Place-based economic development
I believe we need to use place-based economic development to recruit and retain the best companies and jobs to Denver, while reducing our environmental impact. DaVita recently moved into LoDo to be in a transit-oriented, biking friendly work environment – a success story we need replicate.
Living City Block was launched in the summer of 2010 with the goal of transforming the block between 16th and 17th and Wazee and Wynkoop into a model of sustainable urban living and commerce, while retaining the history of LoDo. The success of Living City Block is encouraging: commitments from 80% of the building owners, street improvements with the backing of the City, and 25 partners from business, government, nonprofit and education communities. When the project is completed, this block will provide economic development opportunities focused on sustainability and serve as a model to not only the rest of the city, but to the entire nation. I will work with Living City Block, Greenprint Denver and the City’s Business Districts to complete the Wazee project and identify new locations to implement this successful model.
Generate good jobs that promote sustainability and launch the Power Denver Initiative
I believe that green jobs in Denver need to be created at all levels, from “green collar” weatherization jobs to professional engineering jobs. As mayor, I will establish a new collaboration between GreenPrint Denver and the Department of Economic Development to define, develop and attract professional green jobs.
The Power Denver Initiative will be a citywide program facilitated by GreenPrint Denver in collaboration with Xcel Energy, and the non-profit and business community with two goals: to create a more energy efficient city and to create green collar jobs. First, Power Denver will develop and implement a neighborhood-by-neighborhood sustainability plan identifying neighborhood specific energy goals and the best means to achieve these goals using local sustainable energy providers.
Second, Power Denver will be the primary means for creating green collar jobs by establishing energy clusters in and around Denver, much like what has been done in Ft. Collins. These energy clusters will create thousands of direct clean energy sector jobs, attract company headquarters, produce projects of global significance and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into our local economy.
Use city construction projects to help train sustainability professionals
I will use city construction projects to provide opportunities for aspiring Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professionals to receive LEED project teamwork experience by encouraging volunteer opportunities on all city contracts. The LEED certification program measures buildings on a matrix based on performance in efficiency, water conservation and CO2 emissions, among other factors. An individual can receive their professional LEED accreditation by demonstrating a command of the LEED rating system, knowledge of green building technology and environmental best practices.
While in the Colorado Senate, I worked to make the Clean Energy Economy a reality; that experience will help propel Denver to become a national leader in the Clean Energy Economy.
Place-based economic development
I believe we need to use place-based economic development to recruit and retain the best companies and jobs to Denver, while reducing our environmental impact. DaVita recently moved into LoDo to be in a transit-oriented, biking friendly work environment – a success story we need replicate.
Living City Block was launched in the summer of 2010 with the goal of transforming the block between 16th and 17th and Wazee and Wynkoop into a model of sustainable urban living and commerce, while retaining the history of LoDo. The success of Living City Block is encouraging: commitments from 80% of the building owners, street improvements with the backing of the City, and 25 partners from business, government, nonprofit and education communities. When the project is completed, this block will provide economic development opportunities focused on sustainability and serve as a model to not only the rest of the city, but to the entire nation. I will work with Living City Block, Greenprint Denver and the City’s Business Districts to complete the Wazee project and identify new locations to implement this successful model.
Generate good jobs that promote sustainability and launch the Power Denver Initiative
I believe that green jobs in Denver need to be created at all levels, from “green collar” weatherization jobs to professional engineering jobs. As mayor, I will establish a new collaboration between GreenPrint Denver and the Department of Economic Development to define, develop and attract professional green jobs.
The Power Denver Initiative will be a citywide program facilitated by GreenPrint Denver in collaboration with Xcel Energy, and the non-profit and business community with two goals: to create a more energy efficient city and to create green collar jobs. First, Power Denver will develop and implement a neighborhood-by-neighborhood sustainability plan identifying neighborhood specific energy goals and the best means to achieve these goals using local sustainable energy providers.
Second, Power Denver will be the primary means for creating green collar jobs by establishing energy clusters in and around Denver, much like what has been done in Ft. Collins. These energy clusters will create thousands of direct clean energy sector jobs, attract company headquarters, produce projects of global significance and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into our local economy.
Use city construction projects to help train sustainability professionals
I will use city construction projects to provide opportunities for aspiring Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professionals to receive LEED project teamwork experience by encouraging volunteer opportunities on all city contracts. The LEED certification program measures buildings on a matrix based on performance in efficiency, water conservation and CO2 emissions, among other factors. An individual can receive their professional LEED accreditation by demonstrating a command of the LEED rating system, knowledge of green building technology and environmental best practices.
+ Support and empower GreenPrint Denver
The City, through GreenPrint Denver, has provided sustainability direction, but, as mayor, I will provide the committed leadership necessary to coordinate businesses, government and individuals to achieve our citywide sustainability goals.
Expand on GreenPrint Denver’s successes
GreenPrint Denver has had a tremendous impact on the Denver’s environment. Since its creation on October 24, 2007, GreenPrint has made great strides to implement the city’s sustainability policy, educating the public on ways to live a sustainable lifestyle, and was instrumental in launching a comprehensive effort to implement and audit an Environmental Management System (EMS) for city agencies and cultural institutions. Numerous city agencies and cultural institutions have been certified and Denver is already one of just two major cities to achieve International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification across multiple city departments. As mayor, I will continue to reduce costs, increase sustainability and achieve the internationally recognized ISO 14001 certification in city departments. As Mayor, I will ensure that we build on the success of GreenPrint and it continues to be at the forefront of creating a greener Denver.
Utilize 21st century communications
I will connect the 21st century sustainability goals of GreenPrint Denver to the community with 21st century communication strategies. GreenPrint Denver will redesign their website to clearly explain GPD goals, accomplishments and policies to provide more effective sustainability direction. Using new media tools, GreenPrint will engage the public and businesses in the sustainability mission of GreenPrint Denver.
Expand on GreenPrint Denver’s successes
GreenPrint Denver has had a tremendous impact on the Denver’s environment. Since its creation on October 24, 2007, GreenPrint has made great strides to implement the city’s sustainability policy, educating the public on ways to live a sustainable lifestyle, and was instrumental in launching a comprehensive effort to implement and audit an Environmental Management System (EMS) for city agencies and cultural institutions. Numerous city agencies and cultural institutions have been certified and Denver is already one of just two major cities to achieve International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification across multiple city departments. As mayor, I will continue to reduce costs, increase sustainability and achieve the internationally recognized ISO 14001 certification in city departments. As Mayor, I will ensure that we build on the success of GreenPrint and it continues to be at the forefront of creating a greener Denver.
Utilize 21st century communications
I will connect the 21st century sustainability goals of GreenPrint Denver to the community with 21st century communication strategies. GreenPrint Denver will redesign their website to clearly explain GPD goals, accomplishments and policies to provide more effective sustainability direction. Using new media tools, GreenPrint will engage the public and businesses in the sustainability mission of GreenPrint Denver.
+ Promote multimodal transportation
The city of Denver has a history of moving cars as a basis for our transportation plan and we need to refocus our plans to moving people rather than cars. As Denver’s population grows, we need to find solutions to combat the added environmental stress. I will lead a comprehensive approach to city-wide sustainable, multimodal transportation in order to reduce pollution, fuel consumption, and transportation expense.
Promote walkability and increased bike access
I believe that alternative modes of transportation like walking, biking and carpooling are critical to a modern city and Denver’s sustainable future. Walkability must be an important component of our long-term development plans, as well as the construction of safe, usable biking options in the City of Denver. When evaluating new downtown development projects, we must ensure that pedestrian access is a significant consideration in order to foster tourism, minimize long-term maintenance and promote sustainability.
I support the expansion of bike sharing programs in Denver, to promote tourism, sustainable transportation and options for our neighborhoods.
Plan for Denver’s connectivity and transit-oriented development
We must have a regional multimodal transportation plan that incorporates mass transit, bike lanes, walkable streets and local transit into a sustainable, usable system that decreases pollution and gives residents more options. I will engage our regional partners, the business community and civic leaders to ensure Denver’s transportation options are modern, effective and sustainable, including completing FasTracks.
Further, I believe we need to work to increase density development through smart transit-oriented development to improve quality of life, reduce transportation energy consumption and expand transit options.
Promote walkability and increased bike access
I believe that alternative modes of transportation like walking, biking and carpooling are critical to a modern city and Denver’s sustainable future. Walkability must be an important component of our long-term development plans, as well as the construction of safe, usable biking options in the City of Denver. When evaluating new downtown development projects, we must ensure that pedestrian access is a significant consideration in order to foster tourism, minimize long-term maintenance and promote sustainability.
I support the expansion of bike sharing programs in Denver, to promote tourism, sustainable transportation and options for our neighborhoods.
Plan for Denver’s connectivity and transit-oriented development
We must have a regional multimodal transportation plan that incorporates mass transit, bike lanes, walkable streets and local transit into a sustainable, usable system that decreases pollution and gives residents more options. I will engage our regional partners, the business community and civic leaders to ensure Denver’s transportation options are modern, effective and sustainable, including completing FasTracks.
Further, I believe we need to work to increase density development through smart transit-oriented development to improve quality of life, reduce transportation energy consumption and expand transit options.
+ Lead sustainability efforts starting at City Hall
Encourage more energy efficient buildings
City government should lead by example in saving money and energy. I will insist that all new construction projects incorporate energy efficiency into their designs and urge new buildings to meet high sustainability standards. This would include passive efficiencies and active renewable energy features, potentially funded through the capital construction budget.
We can learn a lot about enhancing energy efficiency in our properties by engaging with those who know our operations best – the employees of the City and County of Denver. I will solicit ideas through a Government Efficiency Management Survey (GEMS) in order to ensure that new and creative ideas to increase sustainability are heard.
Power more city vehicles with alternative energy
To save taxpayer money and make our city more sustainable, I will convert more of Denver’s vehicle fleet to run on compressed natural gas, or other renewable energy sources, and encourage private fleet operators to do the same.
Reduce water consumption
Water is one of our most precious resources and I will work to reduce consumption in city buildings and across Denver. I will implement water-saving technologies across city government and use innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting to encourage businesses and families to reduce their water use.
Work with state and local partners to promote sustainability
The City must work with the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to document the real energy savings achieved through energy efficiency improvements. This information should be used as part of an on-going education effort to inform consumers about the quantifiable savings achievable through energy efficiency. As mayor, I will also explore ways to create financing mechanisms that will enable every interested homeowner to affordably fund energy efficiency upgrades, like “on-bill” financing with Xcel Energy and using revolving loan programs for rooftop solar and solar gardens.
City government should lead by example in saving money and energy. I will insist that all new construction projects incorporate energy efficiency into their designs and urge new buildings to meet high sustainability standards. This would include passive efficiencies and active renewable energy features, potentially funded through the capital construction budget.
We can learn a lot about enhancing energy efficiency in our properties by engaging with those who know our operations best – the employees of the City and County of Denver. I will solicit ideas through a Government Efficiency Management Survey (GEMS) in order to ensure that new and creative ideas to increase sustainability are heard.
Power more city vehicles with alternative energy
To save taxpayer money and make our city more sustainable, I will convert more of Denver’s vehicle fleet to run on compressed natural gas, or other renewable energy sources, and encourage private fleet operators to do the same.
Reduce water consumption
Water is one of our most precious resources and I will work to reduce consumption in city buildings and across Denver. I will implement water-saving technologies across city government and use innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting to encourage businesses and families to reduce their water use.
Work with state and local partners to promote sustainability
The City must work with the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to document the real energy savings achieved through energy efficiency improvements. This information should be used as part of an on-going education effort to inform consumers about the quantifiable savings achievable through energy efficiency. As mayor, I will also explore ways to create financing mechanisms that will enable every interested homeowner to affordably fund energy efficiency upgrades, like “on-bill” financing with Xcel Energy and using revolving loan programs for rooftop solar and solar gardens.
Conclusion
Denver has the opportunity to become a world leader in sustainability. I believe that sustainable public systems are not simply a luxury, but rather, necessary to improve efficiencies for Denver’s fiscal, economic and environmental future. Through innovative initiatives like Power Denver, projects like Living City Block and the establishment of a sustainable infrastructure we can create an environmental culture that serves Denver residents, protects taxpayers and leads our city into a more sustainable future.Submit your ideas at policy@romerformayor.com.
ISSUES
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