Learn How You Can Reduce Pollution in Colorado
We all have a role to play in our clean energy future.
Greenhouse gas and other emissions are leading to higher global temperatures, worse air quality, and increased health risks. Climate change causes extreme weather events and natural disasters that disrupt electrical power, water systems, transportation, and communication networks, while threatening the health and safety of our homes and communities.
According to the United Nations, humans must cut GHG emissions in half by 2030 and completely by 2050 to maintain a livable climate.
Visit Colorado’s Climate Action website to learn more about the impacts of climate change in Colorado and what the state is doing to address it.
Colorado Climate Action website
Systemic Changes for Emissions Reductions
Energy systems and climate change are closely linked.
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) implements policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Colorado’s largest sources of GHG emissions are:
CEO is actively working to reduce these emissions and support the state’s transition to a clean energy future. Our programs, policies, and funding opportunities support renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency across these sectors.
Renewable Energy
is energy from sources that are naturally replenished and contribute little to no greenhouse gas emissions or other pollution. This includes energy from wind, solar, hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal, and more.
Electrification
is the process of powering, heating, and cooling buildings and vehicles with electricity, instead of natural gas, propane, gasoline, or diesel.
Energy efficiency
means using less energy to provide the same amount of output. For example, an energy efficient home requires less energy to heat and cool than a less efficient home of the same size.
While much of the emissions reductions needed to maintain a livable climate must come from systemic changes in how we build buildings, travel, produce goods, and generate electricity, residential homes and personal vehicles still account for a significant portion of GHG emissions.
Reduce Emissions and Save Money at Home
All Coloradans can take part in creating the state’s clean energy future by making choices that reduce energy use and emissions.
Smart, sustainable choices can help accelerate our transition to the zero-emission future we need. Often, these choices are not only good for the planet, but they’re good for your wallet too. The more energy efficient choices you make, the more you can save. Below are some tips to save energy and money.
We’ve outlined a variety of changes you can make depending on your lifestyle and budget. While high impact choices typically require a larger upfront investment, we’ve also included low impact choices that you can make for free.
High Impact Choices
- Switch to an electric vehicle (EV). Transportation is the leading cause of emissions in Colorado. Transitioning to an EV halves the typical lifetime emissions from gas- and diesel-fueled vehicles.
- Tax incentives are available for both residents and businesses to offset the cost of purchasing an EV. Learn more on our Electric Vehicle Tax Credit page.
See EV Tax Incentives
- Tax incentives are available for both residents and businesses to offset the cost of purchasing an EV. Learn more on our Electric Vehicle Tax Credit page.
- Choose a fully electric heating and cooling system. Space and water heating systems in Colorado primarily rely on natural gas, and are the largest source of residential energy use. Colorado will close all coal-fired power plants by 2031, so when you switch to electric, you’ll not only eliminate emissions from burning natural gas, but you will be preparing to heat and cool your home with renewably generated electricity.
- State and Federal tax incentives are available to offset the cost of upgrading heating and cooling systems. Visit our Federal Tax Credits and Incentives for Homes page to learn more. You can discover fixed-rate, low interest financing opportunities for a variety of home energy improvements at the Colorado Clean Energy Fund’s Residential Loan Program website.
View RENU Loan Website
- State and Federal tax incentives are available to offset the cost of upgrading heating and cooling systems. Visit our Federal Tax Credits and Incentives for Homes page to learn more. You can discover fixed-rate, low interest financing opportunities for a variety of home energy improvements at the Colorado Clean Energy Fund’s Residential Loan Program website.
Medium Impact Choices
- Use an e-bike to replace short car trips. The majority of car trips in the U.S. are 10 miles or less. E-bikes are a great zero-emission alternative to replace shorter car trips. The State offers an e-bike tax credit discount to help Coloradans save on e-bike purchases. Several local governments in Colorado also offer e-bike purchase incentives.
View E-Bike Tax Credit Discount
- Use electric appliances whenever possible. Appliances can range from stove tops to kitchen kettles. You can discover a variety of high-efficiency appliances for residential homes and fixed rate financing options at the Colorado Clean Energy Fund’s Residential Loan Program website.
View RENU Loan Website
Other Ways to Save Energy
- Use LED bulbs. Energy Star certified LED bulbs consume 70-90% less energy and last up to 15 times longer than regular bulbs. They’re also fairly priced at $2-3 per bulb. Start with the bulbs you replace most often!
- Wash your clothes with cold water, and hang them to dry instead of using a dryer – even if it’s electric!
- During the summer, pull down shades or close blinds during the day to block out heat. During the winter, close shades or blinds at night to help keep in the warmth.
- Set your thermostat a few degrees colder (in the winter) or warmer (in the summer), especially when you are not home.
