Energy

Energy used in buildings as well as for streetlighting, water pumping and other services accounts for approximately 67% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and 73% of municipal emissions.

In August, 2019, Durango City Council adopted a goal to achieve 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Meeting this target, while also increasing energy efficiency and reducing the emissions associated with natural gas use will be critical to achieving community-wide and municipal greenhouse gas emissions goals.

  1. Leading By Example
  2. Community Resources

The city of Durango is taking the following steps to reduce energy consumption, save money and cut municipal greenhouse gas emissions:

  • Investment Grade Audit of city facilities completed in 2019 to identify energy and water efficiency opportunities, and solar PV potential.
  • Purchase 100% green power through LPEA's Just One Block Program.
  • On-site solar PV generation at the Airport Terminal and solar thermal generation at the Recreation Center.
  • Recognized as a Green Power Partner and Green Power Community by the EPA.
  • Methane gas is converted to electric energy at the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility.
  • Synthetic oils recovered from city fleet vehicles are used to heat the maintenance shop.
  • Motion-detection lighting installed at many city facilities.
  • LED lighting retrofits.
  • HVAC system upgradesare included in annual budget process.
  • Recognized by the State Electronic Challenge for sustainable electronics purchasing, device management and disposal.
  • Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy encourages purchase of efficient equipment.

Thinking about going solar?

Check out the city of Durango permitting process and other resources on the Solar Landing Page.

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