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

Denver is once again stepping up to defend our community’s health, our air, and our climate future. Today, Denver joined Colorado and a nationwide coalition of states, counties, and cities in challenging the federal rollback of greenhouse gas pollution limits for major power plants. These safeguards were essential tools for reducing the emissions that drive extreme heat, wildfire smoke, severe storms, and costly flooding. “Denverites are sick of breathing wildfire smoke and enduring record-breaking heat,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The president’s actions won’t unleash American energy, but they will lead to record profits for polluters- all while our air gets dirtier and our bills stay just as high. The cost of these rollbacks is our health, and we look forward to fighting this in court and seeing these commonsense regulations restored.” Power plants remain one of the nation’s largest sources of carbon pollution. Eliminating limits on these emissions threatens communities here in Denver and across the country, particularly those already overburdened by poor air quality and climate-related risks. By taking legal action, Denver is standing with partners across the nation to ensure that: ✅ climate pollution is measured and managed responsibly ✅ communities have the protections required under the Clean Air Act ✅ frontline neighborhoods are not left behind ✅ investments in clean, modern energy systems can continue with certainty This coalition effort reflects a shared belief that strong, science‑based standards are critical to public health, economic resilience, and climate stability. Denver will continue to lead with urgency, partnership, and a commitment to protecting people and our natural world.

September is Workforce Development Month , and Denver is investing in the people who will help build a cleaner, more resilient future. 🛠️🌱 Through Denver's Training Rebate Program, eligible Denverites can receive up to $2,500 back for approved certifications, courses, and exams in high-demand fields like skilled trades, HVAC and energy, facilities management, EV maintenance and charging infrastructure, urban forestry, water management and compost operations. The program is designed to help people grow their skills, qualify for new opportunities and stay competitive as climate-related industries continue to evolve. Applicants may qualify if they live in Denver, work for a Denver-based business, or attend a Denver college or trade school. Workforce development is a key part of climate action, because reaching Denver's climate goals also means building the skilled workforce needed to make them possible. Learn more and explore eligible trainings at https://lnkd.in/esBaimSA.

🏞️🦦This past weekend, our field team crew supporting Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver joined the Platte River Clean Up, and what a day it was! ♻️The cleanup is a proud partnership between Patagonia, Women In Sustainability, Denver Parks and Recreation , and The Giving Forward Project. We are grateful to be part of this collaborative effort and to spread the word about The One Effect Campaign. After the cleanup, we met many enthusiastic locals and visitors who added their voices to this world record-breaking effort. #Denver is home to environmentally aware locals and welcomes visitors from around the world who understand the importance of shared responsibility for a #sustainable present and future. Everyone’s proactive energy reminded me what a community can tangibly accomplish together. 🎥 If you’ve run into me and have felt camera-shy in person, no problem! You can record your 6-second video anytime, on your own schedule, and still be part of the movement: https://lnkd.in/gq8RFtes 💚 A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who came out to support a cleaner, greener Denver. You make this city and #Colorado as a whole shine! #Sustainability #ClimateAction #PlatteRiver #TheOneEffect #Community #DowntownDenver #DenverClimateProject #DenverCO #CommunityService #ClimateChange

We’re getting closer to 8,000 voices for The One Effect. 🌎🎥 Our street team has been out across Denver all summer talking with people about why climate action matters to them and capturing quick, 6-second videos along the way. Every video helps show the collective momentum behind climate action in our city. Learn more and add your voice at denvergov.org/oneeffect.

Denver's Community Planning and Development Department just made it much easier to upgrade commercial and multi-family buildings with energy-efficient equipment. Expanded Quick Permits: You can now get a Quick Permit (no plan review) for upgrades beyond just like-for-like or emergency replacements. Hello, Heat Pumps: For the first time, contractors can use a Quick Permit to swap gas equipment for high-efficiency heat pumps (up to 300 MBH for mechanical units and under 200 MBH for water heaters). Faster Plan Reviews: If your project needs a review, multiple departments (Zoning, Landmark, and SUDP) now combine into a single Express Review. Shorter Timelines: Express Review timelines drop from 10 days down to just 2 days. This is a massive win for building owners, contractors, and sustainability goals across the city. Read the Commercial Building Equipment Replacement Guide to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHifZHwV This will help us accelerate the clean energy systems installed even more. See data below from CASR's budget presentation last week.

We’re proud to share that Denver’s Climate Resilient Landscapes work was recognized by Climate Mayors as a winning solution in its Stories of Impact Competition during #NewYorkClimateWeek. In partnership with Denver Mayor's Office, Denver Parks and Recreation and the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, we’re using nature-based solutions to help our city better withstand extreme heat and the impacts of climate change. That includes planting trees, investing in parks, improving flood resilience and replacing pavement and water-intensive turf with native, drought-tolerant landscaping. You can already see this work at the historic City and County Building, where Kentucky bluegrass has been replaced with pollinator-friendly, water-wise plants. And that approach is being taken across Denver, with a goal of transforming at least 50 acres by the end of 2026 to create more shade, use less water and help keep our city cooler and more resilient. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/enrUJfjN

It feels good to have these Denver businesses and organizations add their voice to The One Effect. Thanks to them, we’re helping Denver get closer to breaking a record while taking climate action. Want to follow in their footsteps? It’s easy. And it only takes six seconds. Record your short video now at https://lnkd.in/em_TbZ95 Denver Water Denver International Airport - City & County of Denver Dept of Aviation Denver Food Rescue Denver Art Museum Denver Botanic Gardens Downtown Denver Partnership Coupe Studios Music + Sound Design Biennial of the Americas Jack's Solar Garden Mountain Towns 2030 VF Corporation The Alliance Center

Neighbors in Valverde are accessing all‑electric home energy upgrades, including efficient heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. Xcel Energy and Zero Homes are implementing this work, with community engagement partnership from the city and the Valverde Neighborhood Association. Together, partners are aiming to reach 100 home installations in the neighborhood by the end of this year. The community recently gathered at Ulibarri Park to celebrate the progress underway and share experiences around all‑electric home energy upgrades. Strong local relationships continue to play an important role in helping connect neighbors with these opportunities to switch away from gas. Thank you to everyone helping advance a healthier, more energy efficient future for Valverde. Learn more about the project at https://lnkd.in/eHr-WDM8.

♻️ Meet Irma Reyes, owner of Esperanza Productions and one of the businesses featured in Denver’s Reuse Business Directory. Esperanza Productions transforms retired banners, billboards, event signage, lanyards, and clothing into durable, one-of-a-kind products, extending the life of materials that might otherwise end up as waste. The company also provides employment and training opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, demonstrating how reuse can create environmental, economic, and community benefits. Reuse is more than a way to keep materials in circulation. It’s an important part of Denver’s local economy. In 2023, Denver reuse businesses employed more than 3,000 people and contributed $540 million to the local economy. Explore Denver’s Reuse Business Directory to find local businesses where you can repair, rent, buy used, and choose reuse: https://lnkd.in/eveTTT-b