About ClimateSmart
ClimateSmart is a countywide effort to help individuals, families and businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. ClimateSmart helps connect people and businesses to various programs designed by the city of Boulder's Office of Environmental Affairs, Boulder County and other participating municipalities. The primary strategies are reducing energy use through conservation and efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing emissions from transportation. ClimateSmart's energy and transportation programs are designed to benefit residents and businesses throughout Boulder County.
The Boulder City Council adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2002 and in 2006 adopted the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and CAP tax to fund implementation. The tax is sometimes referred to as the carbon tax, and its passage by Boulder voters garnered global recognition as Boulder was the first city to enact a carbon tax to address climate change. Boulder County established environmental sustainability goals in 2005 which include energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets which are funded through a dedicated tax. ClimateSmart programs are intended to achieve success across the county through collaboration with other towns and cities including Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Lyons and Nederland.
In Boulder, the city's Environmental Affairs staff administers all ClimateSmart initiatives which focus on education and outreach to residents and businesses about energy usage and available programs. The staff consults with an Advisory Group, and provides quarterly progress reporting and annual greenhouse gas inventory data to City Council. The 2007 Climate Action Plan Progress Report details current programs as of January 2008. ClimateSmart programs will be added or adjusted as necessary to ensure maximum efficacy.
