Goals
- Renewables: To achieve 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030 and 100% renewables for heating by 2050. To align Greenhouse Gas Emission reductions with the Paris Accord by 2050.
- Efficiency: To reduce consumption of electricity by 15% by 2030 and reduce consumption of natural gas by 15% by 2030.
- Transportation: To achieve 20% fossil fuel-free transportation section by 2030 and 100% fossil fuel-free transportation sector by 2050.
2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report
This draft report estimates the greenhouse gas emissions of activities occuring within the Golden community such as transportation, building heating and cooling, and waste management. This report is intended to be an update to the previous 2007 GHG Inventory report.
Annual Community Energy Reports
These annual reports, provided by Xcel Energy, show city-wide electricity (kilowatt) and natural gas (therms) usage. Metrics relating to energy sources, consumption, and conservation can be found here.
- 2020 Energy Consumption Report
- 2019 Energy Consumption Report
- 2018 Energy Consumption Report
- 2017 Energy Consumption Report
- 2016 Energy Consumption Report
- 2015 Energy Consumption Report
Hydroelectric Feasibility Study
Funded in part by a grant, the City’s hydroelectric consultant Lindsay George, compiled a report assessing city water infrastructure, waterways, and storage reservoirs for potential hydroelectric generation opportunities.
Planting the Seeds for Golden’s Community Solar Garden
- Public Works Facility
- Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex
- Splash Aquatic Park
- Fossil Trace Golf Course – Illinois St
- Fossil Trace Golf Course – Johnson Rd
- Fossil Trace Golf Course – Maintenance Facility
- Public Works & Planning Administration Building
- Golden Community Center
- Fire Station 24
Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing
Jefferson County, including the City of Golden, is a participating party in C-PACE, which enables owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings to finance up to 100 percent of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation eligible improvements. Financing is provided by private capital providers at competitive rates with repayment terms up to 20 years.
“Commercial buildings currently account for about 20 percent of Colorado’s energy use,” said Paul Scharfenberger, chairman of the New Energy Improvement District board, a statewide district that operates and facilitates the C-PACE program. “Colorado’s commercial PACE program offers a financial tool to help spur energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in our state’s building infrastructure, providing long-term utility savings, while stimulating the economy.”
For more information or to apply for financing, visit the Colorado C-PACE website or contact Golden Sustainability Manager Theresa Worsham at goldensustainabilty@cityofgolden.net or the Jeffco property assessor’s office at assessor@jeffco.us
Effects Of Roofing Shingle Color On Energy Efficiency
The color of the shingles you choose can have a significant impact on the building’s energy efficiency. Attic temperatures can vary as much as 20 to 40 degrees, which in turn can reduce energy consumption by 20%. A study by the United States Department of Agriculture found that wood roofing panels under black shingles were ten to fifteen degrees warmer than the same panels under white shingles on a sunny day. In warmer climates, lighter colors will reduce heat absorption from the sun while cooler climates will want black shingles that help to melt winter snow. You can compromise the shingle color to better suit home design by selecting shingles with flex of white or grey in warmer climates. Consider blends like grays to get the most out of your shingles all year round.
Experts Weigh In On Renewables – 2012
The Renewable Energy Technical Advisory Committee (RETAC) was a short-term committee established by City Council under City of Golden Resolution No. 2174. After four months of meetings by the RETAC, a final report was provided to City council on June 7, 2012.
RETAC’s Goal – 2012
- To identify a range of potential strategies for achieving the city’s renewable energy goals, for consideration by the community Sustainability Advisory Board and City Council. This also includes recommendations about which the strategies appear to be the most promising for achieving the city’s goals at a reasonable cost.
- To provide advice about leveraging the city’s relationships with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Colorado School of Mines and also about potential collaborations with these institutions to aid in achieving the city’s renewable energy goals.
The Report is divided into four key elements
1. Electricity
- Least-cost options such as buying Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
- WindSource investment – paying a slight premium for electricity generated by regional wind farms.
- Large-scale solar photovoltaic systems, including community solar gardens, funded through power purchase agreements or aggregating purchases with several government agencies such as Jefferson County or CSM.
- Hydroelectric projects at the City’s reservoirs in Clear Creek County.
- Small-scale wind turbines.
2. Natural Gas
- Solar Thermal, as a green building strategy to reduce water and space heating demand.
- Geothermal, referring to ground source heat pump technology for new and remodeled single structures.
- Biomass, as a potential to utilize MillerCoors waste products or landfill methane capture.
3. Transportation
- Fuel alternatives, including biofuel, electric, natural gas, and propane.
- Consideration for widening public access to alternative fueling stations.
- Vehicle efficiency, such as continuing to optimize the City’s fleet and procurement policies.
4. Energy Efficiency
- If the City is able to meet its energy reduction goals, a lesser investment in renewables is required.
Additional Resources
- Colorado Communities for Climate Action
- Xcel Energy residential programs and rebates
- Colorado Renewable Energy Society
- Golden is a Solar Friendly Communities
- Golden Tour of Solar Homes
- U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Score
- Energy Star Appliance Ratings
- Solar Action Alliance
- Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)