Glenwood Post Independent Article: New website helps manage energy costs

The following is an excerpt from the Glenwood Post Independent highlighting a new website made possible in part through a DOLA grant.  The website tracks energy use for public facilities throughout Garfield County, helping them gauge their use and identify ways to save.

"Partners in the countywide Garfield Clean Energy program have adopted targets for increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy as a means to creating a stronger, more resilient economy.

Now, with the launch of a new website tool, governments in Garfield County can view the ongoing progress they are making toward reaching these goals within their government buildings, share this progress with the public, and identify ways to save additional energy and money.

Garfield Energy Navigator (www.garfieldenergynavigator.org) is a new website developed by CLEER, Clean Energy Economy for the Region, as part of the countywide Garfield Clean Energy program."

To read the article in its entirety, click here.

DLG Director Tony Hernandez Visits Solar Installation Project in Carbondale

During a recent visit to the Crystal Meadows Senior Housing Complex in Carbondale, DLG's director, Tony Hernandez, was treated to a firsthand look at solar paneling that will help generate 15 percent of the electricity to power Crystal Meadows' electrical needs.

The project was funded in part by a $86,929 Energy and Mineral Impact grant to Garfield County through the New Energy Communities Initiative.  The Initiative was launched in 2008 by Governor Bill Ritter and is designed to maximize energy efficiency and conservation, enhance community livability, promote economic development, and address climate change by reducing carbon emissions.  Garfield County is one of 14 recipients that received nearly $10 million toward regional, collaborative efforts to save money, save energy and create jobs.

Hernandez joined Joani Matranga of the Governor's Energy Office, Scott Ely of Sunsense, Jeff Dickinson Mike Ogburn and Rob Morey of the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative (G-NECI), Patrick Johnson of Solar Flair and Alice Laird of Clean Energy Economy for the Region, for a tour of the solar array that will be powering the complex.

About his visit, Hernandez said, "I really appreciate the opportunity to see firsthand how DOLA's investments are improving people's lives.  I am honored that I was able to meet with our partners in this important endeavor.  Garfield County is a great example of a community committed to sustainability and I look forward to hearing about their future progress and accomplishments."

Windsor Town Hall Renovation Celebrated

Governor Bill Ritter recently visited Windsor to help celebrate the completion of the Town Hall renovation. The $3,058,243 project was made possible through a collaborative effort that included an Energy and Mineral Impact grant from DOLA for $859,402 and a grant through the New Energy Communities initiative for $75,000.

The Windsor Town Hall is a great example of re-use of an existing building. Damaged in the Windsor tornado that struck on May 22, 2008, the building has gone through repairs to its roof, construction of an elevator, renovation of its third floor and energy efficiency improvements.

Coverage of the event can be found at:
Town Hall renovations unveiled
Windsor Now
07.25.10

Windsor christens town hall
The Coloradoan
07.23.10

Windsor town hall renovations unveiled; Gov Ritter attends ceremony
Windsor Tribune
07.23.10