Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables - July 8, 2020
Denver's climate task force offers plan to expedite energy goals
The Denver Climate Action Task Force released July 7 their final recommendations to the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency to get the Colorado city to zero emissions by 2040, a goal 20% lower and 10 years earlier than previously planned.
Key focuses of the Denver Climate Action report include improving the efficiency of new and existing homes and commercial buildings, from which 49% of Denver’s 2018 emissions came from, and electrifying the transportation sector, which was responsible for 30% of emissions in 2018.
The task force also emphasized the importance of transitioning to a carbon-free electricity supply. Under their plan, 100% of municipal buildings will be powered by renewable energy by 2025 and by 2030 the entire city will be powered from clean sources. They recommended funding community solar and rooftop solar programs to expand rebates and incentives and continue city-utility partnerships to achieve an 80% statewide reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, in addition to Denver’s 100% goal.
The report acknowledged that most communities impacted by the immediate results of climate change tend to be minorities and emphasized the importance of taking climate action to reduce the effects of these inequalities. Investing in energy solutions like efficiency projects, an expanded and affordable electric bus system and electric vehicle infrastructure was also recommended in order to support recovery of the community following the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Denver understands the direct connection between environmental quality and public health,” Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement. “It’s about equity. Leading on climate change means continuing the work of improving public health across our city, especially in under-served communities of color that have long suffered the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation.”
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