Tips from ClimateSmart

Check out these tips from the city’s ClimateSmart team, the folks who are responsible for implementing Boulder’s Climate Action Plan.

Energy-efficient computing

Q: Friends and colleagues tell me that I should leave my computer on all day and even overnight because turning it off isn’t good for it. Is that true, and if so, wouldn’t that waste a lot of electricity?

A: The belief that you should leave your computer on all the time is outdated and inaccurate. Ten or more years ago, shutting down frequently shutting could damage the hard drive heads, but today they are designed to last for 40,000 on/off cycles. Read more.

Water conservation

Q: Despite the recent heavy rains this spring, I have heard that in Boulder County we are still encouraged to conserve water at our homes and businesses. Can you tell me what rebates are available to homeowners and renters for water-saving appliances and irrigation equipment?

A: You’re right, that’s true. Although rain helps protect against wildland fire, the amount of water that is stored in our reservoirs and available from our water rights each spring is what determines whether we’re in a drought each year, not the amount of rainfall we’re currently getting. Read more.

Green renting

Q: I rent a house in Boulder. I can’t pay for energy retrofits but want to reduce my energy bills and carbon footprint this summer. What do you recommend?

A: There are many actions you can take, including talking with your landlord about improving the energy efficiency of your home. Energy improvements increase the property’s value, make it more comfortable for you and future tenants and decrease your energy bills and footprint. Read more.

Semantics of greenhouse gases

Q: Articles about global warming refer often to the terms GHG, CO2 and carbon footprint. What do these terms mean?

A: These terms relate to each other but mean different things. GHG is short for greenhouse gas. Read more.

Prioritizing home upgrades

Q: If you live in a 1960′s era house that has not yet been remodeled/ updated, (i.e. original windows & insulation, or lack of insulation) and you plan to do one thing at a time to update it and make it more energy-efficient, which would you do first- replace the old windows or add insulation to the walls & attic?

A: You ask a great question. The first thing I would do is invest in an energy audit. An energy audit will identify the most cost-effective measures to take towards energy efficiency and provide energy education to the homeowner. Read more.

Energy efficient businesses

Q: I am a small business owner in Boulder and want to make my business space more energy efficient, but I don’t have the time to go through the process. Can you help me somehow by making it easier? Also, how big does my business have to be to qualify for the free energy assessment by your experts?

A: We know that small business owners are often so busy with the ins and outs of running their business that they do not have enough time to focus on reducing energy use. However, energy costs can represent a significant expense for the small business owner and reducing these costs can help your business become more profitable. Read more.

RECs and offsets

Q: What are Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)?

A: Understanding Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs, can be challenging, so we’ve prepared some general information that may help demystify this topic. Read more.

Q: What are carbon offsets?

A: Carbon offsets are used to mitigate, or “offset” greenhouse gas emissions. In our everyday lives, we generate greenhouse gas emissions through energy use in our homes and offices or through our travel by car or airplane. Read more.