Saving Through Energy Efficiency
In 2007, the Grand Junction City Council signed a Resolution committing to energy conservation efforts whenever and wherever feasible in the City of Grand Junction. Following that resolution, the City of Grand Junction formed an energy conservation team, GJ CORE (Conserving Our Resources Efficiently) to assess and monitor the progress of proposed initiatives and current conservation practices, work to introduce new practices, and explore new conservation opportunities from other communities and outside entities. The purpose of GJ CORE is to promote and monitor waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, alternative transportation, and pollution reduction and prevention in all City operations.
The City of Grand Junction has taken a leadership role in the larger community in sustainability and energy conservation. In 2008, we applied for, and received, a New Energy Communities Grant from the State of Colorado. For that grant, we partnered with Mesa County, two neighboring communities, Fruita and Palisade, and the local Housing Authority on a variety of innovative projects. We will continue to work with all of those entities in partnership.
In just three years, the City has established goals and objectives and has achieved many of them, including:
>>Purchase of hybrids and electric vehicles for fleet
>>E-85 fueling station
>>Entered into a Performance Contract for energy efficiency upgrades including solar installations at two facilities
>>Completing a feasibility study to convert digester gas from the wastewater treatment plant to Compress Natural Gas for use in vehicles
>>Implementing an employee sustainability education program
>>Implemented recycling at all City facilities and major events
>>Implemented “green” janitorial contract
>>Purchasing policy revised to include “green” provisions
>>Sponsored a local E-Star for New Construction program
The City of Grand Junction is committed to our GJ CORE efforts and to doing what we can to be a leader in energy efficiency.