In September 2011, Aspen will begin exploration of potential geothermal resources. Aspen is a pioneer in renewable energy exploration and has a strong commitment to make its municipal utility, Aspen Electric, 100% renewable by 2015. Preliminary studies show the potential for using geothermal resources for clean, affordable energy is promising in Aspen. This test project may enable Aspen to tap into a unique abundant source of clean, affordable energy in the future, as well as provide an example for other communities with similar geothermal potential. Based on a preliminary feasibility study, researchers believe temperatures in the 90-100-degree range are likely at this location, which would make it possible for the City to utilize the geothermal energy for heating and cooling. This test well project will determine if these assumptions are correct.
Aspen Geothermal
On October 10th, about 70 people gathered at Gondola Plaza for the Aspen Climate Action Party. The event was one of more than 7,400 climate work parties around the globe, organized by 350.org, an international climate policy and action organization. The purpose was to work on projects that would help address climate change to send a message to political leaders and candidates at every level of government that we're rolling up our sleeves and taking action and we expect them to do the same. Participants in the Aspen event helped build a demonstration vegetable garden behind City Hall, planted trees and other plants on Independence Pass, prepared the Hope Mine site for mitigation work, built their own solar ovens, wrote letters to legislators, and distributed reusable bags to grocery shoppers. The event was sponsored by the City of Aspen's Canary Initiative and Environmental Health Department, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen Ski Co, and Aspen Film.
The City of Aspen municipal electric utility is on track to be carbon neutral by 2015. Currently, the utility produces 75 percent of its energy from renewable resources, harnessing power from wind (27 percent), hydroelectric (45 percent) and other non carbon (3 percent) sources. Over the next five years, more renewable sources will be added to the fuel mix to realize the maximum possible amount of carbon free energy while still meeting baseload needs. By investing in projects that avoid and offset carbon emissions, Aspen Electric will effectively be responsible for zero carbon emissions by 2015. This “avoid, reduce, offset” approach to addressing carbon emissions makes smart economic and environmental sense.
In 2004, the City of Aspen calculated its baseline community-wide emissions inventory. An update was completed using 2007 data. Emissions inventories will be updated approximately every three years to inform the community on its progress in meeting 2020 reductions goals and to inform future policies and programs to address carbon emissions.
2004 Inventory Report
Executive Summary
2007 Inventory Report
Executive Summary
The City of Aspen tracks its internal emissions annually, including emissions related to electricity and natural gas use in City-occupied/-owned buildings and other facilities/operations (e.g. water pumps) and emissions related to ground transportation and air travel. The City as an entity and each department are given greenhouse gas emissions budgets, which decrease by 2 percent per year. From 2004 to 2010, the City reduced its internal emissions by 40 percent.
Aspen ZGreen is a three-part outreach program designed to reduce the environmental impacts of Aspen's citizens, visitors, businesses, and events. This unique program provides the community with effective ways to conserve natural resources and reduce waste, while providing a credible certification that recognizes individuals, businesses, and events that are engaging in meaningful environmental efforts.
Canary Tags is Aspen’s local carbon reduction program. Each Canary Tag represents an investment in a project that does one of or more of the following: avoids releasing greenhouse gases because they are powered with renewable energy, avoids releasing greenhouse gases because they conserve energy, or absorbs greenhouse gases after they are emitted. One Canary Tag is equivalent to displacing one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thereby reduces the pollution that is causing climate change.
The Canary Initiative worked with other City departments to host an Earth Day event for local children at the Aspen Recreational Center in April. More than 150 kids attended the event and played games, made Earth Day pledges, and learned important environmental concepts such as recycling, energy efficiency, and using alternative transportation.