Fort Collins, CO's ClimateWise Partners Saved $13 Million in 2011

City of Fort Collins
May 21, 2012

FORT COLLINS, CO – ClimateWise business partners continue to raise the bar on their commitment to environmental stewardship and economic vitality by surpassing the original 2012 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal for a third time in four years. In 2011, their collective efforts saved $13 million and reduced carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by 149,000 tons.

“This is an extraordinary achievement of ClimateWise partners,” Kathy Collier, ClimateWise program manager said. “The equivalent reduction of 149,000 tons of CO₂e translates into an additional 13 million trees being planted in Fort Collins or a reduction of 2 million round trip vehicle trips between Fort Collins and Denver.”

ClimateWise is a voluntary program sponsored by the City of Fort Collins. More than 300 business partners participate by reducing their waste and transportation, and also conserving water and energy. Since 2000, business partners, which range from small to large organizations, have achieved a cumulative savings of nearly $59 million and diverted more than 254,000 tons of waste from the landfill by reducing, reusing and recycling.

ClimateWise partners also have achieved cumulative water savings of 9 billion gallons, the same amount of water to fill City Park pool 42,000 times, and their cumulative reduction of 586 million kilowatt hours (kWh) equals the total annual energy use of 6,300 homes (over the same period). Partners have reduced their natural gas use by 14.6 million therms, or the equivalent of natural gas use of 1,900 homes (over the same period).

ClimateWise offers its partners free technical assessments of their operations, ongoing business support, peer networking, tools and resources for savings, and public recognition. City staff develops and offers numerous outreach and training opportunities to partners, including the annual Business Innovation Fair, tours and seminars, and partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to offer workshops focused on sustainable practices.

During the annual EnvirOvation – A ClimateWise Showcase, businesses are recognized by partnership levels—platinum, silver, gold and bronze—based on the rigor of their environmental initiatives per specific goals and milestones. This year’s showcase featured a special message by Senator Mark Udall, now available to view on the ClimateWise Web site.

The Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Alliance for Innovation have each recognized ClimateWise with innovation and outstanding achievement awards. ClimateWise continues to leverage resources, including volunteers with more than 600 hours valued at $12,944 for 2011, as well as sponsorships and in-kind donations of $17,550.

To learn more about the program, take the ClimateWise Quiz and be entered in a prize drawing by visiting fcgov.com/climatewise. Any business interested in joining the program is invited to attend the next ClimateWise orientation, Friday, June 1, Community Room, 215 N. Mason St. To register, visit the event calendar at fcgov.com/climatewise.