Isle Be Green - Plastic Bag Recycling Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In the spring of 2009, Boulder County launched the groundbreaking ClimateSmart Loan Program, funding 612 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout Boulder County. This program is the first countrywide financing mechanism for renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States with multi-jurisdictional support from all Boulder County municipalities. The ClimateSmart Loan Program provides a voluntary mechanism for property owners to obtain financing for renewable energy and/or energy efficiency improvements to properties in Boulder County. In November 2008, voters gave Boulder County the authority to issue up to a maximum of $40 million in bonds to finance residential and commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These projects are needed, as over half of Boulder County’s greenhouse gas emissions come from existing buildings. In this way, the ClimateSmart Loan Program is an effective, voluntary based approach to reducing such pollution. In the first six months of operation, the program has supplied nearly $9.8 million of funding renewable energy and energy efficient projects. Almost $4 million has been dedicated to renewable energy measures, with $6 million going towards energy efficiency. The ClimateSmart Loan Program does more than just encourage property owners to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, as it also generates green collar jobs and stimulates the local economy.