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Commission hears update on regional buildings‑decarbonization grant; local projects, Earth Day plans also highlighted
Summary
Commissioners heard an update on the Denver‑area Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) that targets building decarbonization and workforce training; staff also reviewed local community projects including little libraries, composting seminars and Earth Day events.
Staff and commission members reported progress on regional and local sustainability programs, from a multi‑million‑dollar regional grant focused on building decarbonization to neighborhood‑scale volunteer projects and seasonal outreach.
At the meeting, a staff representative summarized the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) work. The grant program has multiple components: a policy collaborative to identify local policies for building decarbonization (code changes, benchmarking and related measures); incentives for homeowners to adopt heat pumps and heat pump water heaters with a priority for lower‑income households; a workforce development element aimed at training HVAC technicians and related trades; and a communications and engagement component. Staff said DRCOG has issued three RFPs to run various program components and that an uncertain federal funding environment could affect timing, though funds already committed through the state were described as currently secure for Englewood’s EV charging procurement.
Local project updates included: Michael Chisholm (past commission chair) announced he would run a composting seminar the last Saturday in March at the Depot/Urban Garden and indicated the group is considering monthly summer sessions. Kim (commission volunteer) provided an update on neighborhood “little libraries” funded through a sustainability grant; one library is installed at the Inglewood Rec Center (a public event planned in March) and another will be placed at Baird Park amid upcoming spring planting tied to a neighborhood grant.
Staff previewed Earth Day plans for April 26, coordinated with the South Platte Renew River cleanup, with contingency planning for inclement weather. The utilities department requested a future session (July or August) to present the city’s water efficiency plan, and staff flagged a Tri‑Cities business sustainability event on April 14.
Commissioners noted interest in partner organizations and specific program ideas: an induction‑stove lending program at the library, native‑plant and Colorado‑scaping workshops, and school programs (a sustainable agriculture and green energy class at a local school was suggested as a potential partner for Earth Day activities). A resident and staff also discussed local grants: the commission’s small sustainability grants (around $1,000) were cited as supporting pilots such as induction‑stove circulation through the library.
What’s next: staff said they will share event dates and outreach materials with commissioners. The utilities department will be invited for a mid‑summer update on water‑efficiency planning.
