Larimer County has received recognition awards from two environmental organizations for demonstrating significant progress in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The awards were presented today at the Board of Larimer County Commissioners Administrative Matters meeting.

The Colorado Green Business Network [CGBN] recognized the Larimer County Justice Center, and the Larimer County Administrative Services Building, both located in Fort Collins, as a recipient of its Silver Level for energy efficiency and sustainability.

CGBN’s Silver level is an intermediate level noting significant progress toward sustainability and energy efficiency. Both buildings are large public structures with many improvements in their operation, energy efficiency upgrades, and policy updates.

Larimer County has been working toward improving the energy efficiency of its buildings to cut down on operating costs, saving taxpayer dollars while also setting an example for good environmental stewardship as part of its Climate Smart Future Ready Program, outlined in the 2024 - 2028 Larimer County Strategic Plan.

“I think it’s really important that we at the county “walk the talk” as we try to engage our community with our collective and individual responsibility and internal sustainability,” said Larimer County Commissioner John Kefalas. 

Some of the efficiency upgrades include replacing and upgrading the boiler that provides heat in the Larimer County Justice Center to a 95% operating efficiency rating. Also, all exterior lighting on the building has been replaced with new LED bulbs since the Justice Center and Administrative Services buildings were originally constructed.

“To make progress in an older building is remarkable and we know that buildings and energy efficiency is where we need to make changes to be able to lower our carbon footprint,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens.  “We want to show our community and other businesses that this can be done and it’s the right thing to do.”

The CGBN, part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, began in 1999 and was previously known as the Environmental Leadership Program. It is a voluntary program that encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make strides toward environmentally sound and sustainable operation. This year 179 organizations are being recognized in the program statewide.

“It’s impressive that you’ve worked across all departments to achieve this. The board has wanted to focus on the county being part of clean energy for generations to come. It’s a step toward a healthier county, healthier state and a healthier planet,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.

Larimer County also received a Silver Designation, one of four levels in the SolSmart program for its encouragement of clean affordable solar energy at the local level, while working to remove barriers to solar energy growth.

Larimer County worked with SolSmart's no-cost, technical assistance team to increase local knowledge of solar energy so the community can benefit from faster permitting progress when building structures with solar technology.

For example, Larimer County permitting and building inspection staff have been trained in the best practices for adding solar energy and solar-plus-storage systems, making it easier and more affordable to go solar.

Over 500 cities, towns, and counties have achieved SolSmart designation in 43 states.