Green Building & Energy Efficiency (EE)

Buildings are obviously very important in our society – we spend about 90% of our time indoors – and making them greener provides opportunities to save energy and money for home and business owners throughout Wheat Ridge while improving the environments that we live and work in.

Why green building?

Green Building is the practice of increasing the efficiency of how buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on health and the
environment which ultimately leads to an improved quality of life. Buildings currently consume more than 40% of the total energy consumed in WR, which is more
than either the transportation or industry sector. Developing and funding responsible building programs will result in:

• Energy and monetary savings.
• Decreased environmental degradation.
• And an increase of the health, wellness, comfort and safety of residents/building occupants.

Ongoing Efforts

The WRESC (Wheat Ridge Environmental Sustainability Committee) is working with the City on
plans for improved Green Building practices.

Ways you can participate:
Making your home more energy efficient takes a bit of research and may include some initial
expense that will save you in the long run. Start with an energy audit, and there are many
companies that will do this for free.

Articles and resources with suggestions for how you can save money,
make your home more healthy, and help the environment:

Water Sense	The EPA’s Water Sense program labels water-efficient products and is a resource for how you can save water.
EnergySTAR	EnergySTAR is the EPA’s program helping businesses and individuals save money and help the environment through energy efficiency.
Building Green	EnergySTAR is the EPA’s program helping businesses and individuals save money and help the environment through energy efficiency.
Landscaping	Your yard can be a source of wasted energy and water. Check out this site for creating a sustainable landscape.
Renovation Projects	If you are working on a renovation project and are looking for ways to be more sustainable, remember to check out Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore. You can purchase appliances, materials, and furniture… and of course, they take donations as well.
Energy Audits	Xcel Energy offers a free energy audit and has a rebate program when you make renovations to your home using one of their participating contractors. Here is where you'll find more

Other links we love: Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design (LEED),The International Living Future Institute, International WELL Building Institute