Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver

Denver is soliciting several proposals for professional services. Commercial Waste Study: Seeking a firm for a study on solid waste stream and zero waste policy impacts. Submissions due by April 11, 2025. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4kXJfn1 Food Service Support: Looking for a vendor to assist food service providers in waste reduction strategies and replacing single-use ware. Submissions due by April 11, 2025. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4inFVjd Green Fleet Plan: Seeking vendors for a maintenance plan for the Green Fleet, including EV training. Submissions due by April 18, 2025. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4iIntl5 For all proposals, visit https://bit.ly/4irf7P9

Mayor Mike Johnston's Office and Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) announced improvements last week to make it more practical for businesses to reduce energy use and pollution as part of Energize Denver.   Approved by Denver City Council in November 2021, Energize Denver sets unique energy reduction targets for buildings 25,000 square feet and larger as part of Denver’s goal to eliminate emissions and reduce pollution by 2040. After six months of engagement with more than 2,000 business owners and property managers, the city announced updates that will: • Extend compliance deadlines • Decrease penalties, and • Offer more support for businesses as they work to meet their energy reduction targets • Keep the city moving forward on climate goals   We visited Midtown Medical on the Saint Joseph’s Campus to announce the policy improvements and learn about how the Energize Denver policy is working in the community. This building’s energy efficiency upgrades have helped them save $10,000 per month on their energy bills, while keeping the building comfortable for patients and tenants. The improvements have also helped them reach their Energize Denver targets.   Denver is showing how a major city can craft policies that are both business-friendly and climate-friendly. We’re thankful for everyone who shared feedback these past several months as we work to improve Energize Denver and build a stronger and more sustainable city.

Upgrade your next local public event or venue! Denver's program supports participants in switching to reusable cups and/or food ware. This program will provide support and up to $2,500 in reusable service ware. Attendees enjoy and return the service ware when they're done. Applications for this program are still open! Apply by Friday, March 14: https://bit.ly/43CpWJq

The city is preparing a trained workforce that will lead the transition to cleaner energy. Through our Green Workforce Mini Grant program, we've awarded over $1M to organizations. The Automotive Service Association used a city grant to create an EV training program. Trainees learned about maintenance and repair for EVs and charging stations. As one trainee shared, "I don't have tons of experience working on electric vehicles, learning how simple it can be actually excites me; taking training classes like this prepares you. It lets you know that you can add that to your repertoire of skills down the road." Learn more about these transformative programs and how we're shaping our community: https://bit.ly/4e4Ctaw

The city's is helping nonprofits upgrade their buildings with clean energy. Greater Park Hill champions community advocacy and provides access to a food pantry. They provide no-cost programs, events, and publications for the Park Hill neighborhood. Recently, Greater Park Hill used city funding to install solar panels. This upgrade will help lower energy bills and electrify a nearly 100-year-old building. Board Member At Large Tracy M. says, "Our organization didn't have to worry about much because [the city] took care of everything and did all the work." This program is supporting over 15 nonprofits in their switch to cleaner energy. The Solar and EV Charging Funding Program covers up to 100% of the costs of installing solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hTtQlz 📸 Kalen Jesse Photography Co.

Keep used furniture, tools, or even art supplies lasting longer with Denver's Reuse Business Directory! The directory makes it easy for Denverites to find businesses to repair, rent, or buy used items. Reusing items can help save money, reduce waste and give old things new life. It's a win-win! Recreative Denver and the Denver Tool Library are two of the many businesses featured in our directory: https://lnkd.in/g9p6Xs3f

The city recognizes Black-owned nonprofits that positively impact Denver communities. The Community, Alcohol, Drug, Rehabilitation & Education Center (CADREC) offers affordable treatment for substance use disorder. They put a focus on those experiencing housing and food insecurity. Owner Yvonne M used a city grant to install energy-efficient windows. This upgrade will reduce energy use and improve comfort in the building during both warm and cool days. The city’s Certifiably Green Denver Equity Funding has awarded $600,000 to over 70 businesses. CADREC is one of many Black-owned businesses that are making greener changes. Learn more: https://bit.ly/40BHrXd 📷 Kalen Jesse Photography Co.

Denver is cooking up ways to help you make the swap to induction cooking, and we want your opinion! Whether you’re a passionate home chef, baking enthusiast or occasional home cook, your input can help shape the future of electric cooking in our city. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gqasHU2y

DENVER FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY Sign up to come tomorrow, February 19th 12-2pm, for FREE lunch and a focus group session at the Elevation Foodservice Reps showroom. Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver want to get industry perspective on how we should develop and implement cooking electrification incentives. programs.https://https://lnkd.in/g_yK-sQm

Enjoying a nice cup of tea has a new meaning at TeaLee's Tea House & Bookstore. Located in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood, TeaLee's offers a friendly, afro-centric atmosphere. This place offers a space where people can enjoy a variety of teas, food and good conversation. To upgrade their onsite dining experience and be more sustainable, TeaLee's joined our Reuse Denver program. During busy times or special events, they often used paper plates and plastic cups to meet the demand. After working with us, they were able to make the switch to reusable service ware. They now serve cocktail glasses and ceramic plates. The new dishware helps the staff stay stocked and ready for any occasion. Using reusable service ware can help them save money, cut down on waste and enhance customer service. Reuse Denver helped 27 local restaurants save money and improve their onsite dining experience. The program provided support and up to $600 worth of reusable service ware, such as plates, bowls and cups. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear more stories about Denver investing in Denver: https://lnkd.in/gPTDeqB8