DENVER - The Colorado Office of Sustainability, housed within the Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), released its first Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan, setting ambitious new goals to drive environmentally sustainable government operations and reduce energy and water costs for taxpayers. This plan builds upon the success of previous greening government initiatives and aligns with Gov. Polis’ 2025-2027 Operational Agenda.
Established in January 2024, the Office of Sustainability leads statewide efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from government facilities and operations, optimize resource efficiency, and leverage federal and private sector resources for sustainability projects. This strategic plan reinforces the State’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy and water consumption, and increasing the use of clean energy in government operations.
“This strategic plan builds on our administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure state government provides quality resources to hardworking Coloradans, improves efficiency and cuts costs. Protecting our natural resources and reducing pollution will help create a stronger Colorado today and for future generations,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Colorado is a national leader in sustainable government operations, and this strategic plan provides a clear roadmap to further cut our environmental footprint while delivering significant cost savings for taxpayers,” said Tony Gherardini, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel & Administration. “By centralizing sustainability efforts and maximizing funding opportunities, we are ensuring that Colorado’s government leads by example in creating a cleaner, more efficient future for Coloradans.”
Key Elements of the Strategic Plan:
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The plan calls for continued reductions in emissions from State facilities and fleets.
- Enhancing Energy and Water Efficiency: The State aims to decrease energy use per square foot by at least 15% and potable water consumption by at least 2%.
- Expanding Renewable Energy Usage: At least 7% of electricity consumed by State facilities will be sourced from renewable energy by the end of FY 2024-25.
- Electrifying State Vehicle Fleets and Equipment: The State will phase out petroleum-powered lawn and garden equipment and expand electric vehicle adoption.
Since 2003, four Governors have signed a total of 11 Greening Government Executive Orders, demonstrating a long-standing bipartisan commitment to sustainability in State operations. The Office of Sustainability plays a critical role in implementing these directives by providing technical assistance, accountability, and leadership to ensure the State meets its ambitious sustainability objectives.
The Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan is available on the Colorado Office of Sustainability website.
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