energy

Fort Collins has made commendable progress in energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. The city has implemented the Climate Action Plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, with interim goals driving change. The Fort Collins Utilities operates a variety of energy efficiency programs, including the Home Efficiency Program which offers assessments and rebates for improvements. Residential and commercial solar programs also thrive, bolstered by net metering policies that credit solar producers for the energy they add to the grid. The city's electricity provider, Platte River Power Authority, is moving towards a more diversified and sustainable energy portfolio, increasing the share of wind and solar while reducing reliance on coal. Innovations in smart grid technology have helped optimize energy distribution and reduce waste. Fort Collins has also prioritized the transition to LED streetlights, which significantly reduces municipal energy usage. Efforts are in place to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, including expanding the network of charging stations. Overall, the community’s efforts in energy efficiency reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and resilience.

water

Fort Collins places a high value on water conservation and has developed several initiatives to safeguard this vital resource. The city's Water Conservation program offers various tools and rebates to encourage efficient water use in both residential and commercial settings. Programs include xeriscaping incentives that promote the use of drought-tolerant landscaping to minimize irrigation needs, and the installation of water-efficient appliances. Fort Collins Utilities provides free sprinkler system audits and educational materials to help customers manage their water use more effectively. The city's commitment to maintaining water quality is evident through its watershed management efforts and rigorous water treatment standards. Advanced metering infrastructure enables detailed tracking of water usage, promoting transparency and aiding in leak detection. Rainwater harvesting is supported through guidelines that facilitate the collection and use of rainwater for non-potable purposes. These measures, along with the active engagement of the community in water conservation activities, underscore the city’s integrated approach to sustainable water management.

transportation

Transportation in Fort Collins has evolved towards greater efficiency, driven by a multimodal approach that offers residents diverse options to move around the city sustainably. The city's public transportation service, Transfort, provides extensive bus routes, including the MAX Bus Rapid Transit system, aimed at reducing reliance on personal vehicles. Fort Collins also supports cycling through investments in an extensive network of bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs, making cycling a viable and safe mode of transport. The city encourages walking and has improved pedestrian infrastructure to facilitate this. Initiatives like the Smart Trips program aim to reduce emissions by promoting alternative modes of transportation via education and resources. Electric vehicle ownership is incentivized through rebates and a growing network of EV charging stations. Fort Collins has also implemented car-sharing programs and is exploring advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies. Efforts to coordinate land use and transportation planning ensure that new developments support sustainable transport options. These strategies showcase Fort Collins’s dedication to reducing transportation-related emissions and enhancing quality of life.

waste

Waste management in Fort Collins is proactive, focusing on reducing landfill contributions through comprehensive recycling and composting programs. The city's 'Pay-As-You-Throw' ordinance has been instrumental in encouraging residents to produce less waste by charging for trash services based on the size of the trash bin rather than a flat fee. Fort Collins offers curbside recycling for a wide variety of materials and a separate yard trimmings collection for compost. The city has established a goal to achieve zero waste by 2030, emphasizing the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Local businesses participate in waste reduction initiatives, driven by programs such as 'WasteWise' that help commercial entities audit their waste streams and implement reduction strategies. The city has also invested in educational campaigns to increase public awareness about the importance of waste diversion. Special efforts to manage hazardous waste, electronics recycling, and large-item disposal further demonstrate Fort Collins’s dedication to responsible waste management. The local government supports innovative projects, such as the Timberline Recycling Center, which serve as community resources for sustainable waste disposal.