3 September 2017 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR "IT-9 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR CONTINUED widely accepted and implemented levels the playing field for builders and businesses...and sees that everyone is doing municipal electric demand with renewable energy.We were their part. able to purchase this capacity in a way that actually lowers our costs.State and Federal programs like the state renew- We are also making significant efforts to meet the Sustain- able portfolio standards enabled our local efforts through ability Plan's goals for water usage. We're increasing and grants and by changing market conditions through Renew- stabilizing our water resources in response to expected able Energy Credits. Also,in coordination with the Denver changes in demand and in timing of water availability due Regional Council of Governments,we have improved signal to anticipated effects of climate change.We own extensive timing on South Boulder Road and McCaslin to reduce water rights in the South Boulder Creek drainage,as well as emissions from idling cars and the diverging diamond rights in the Colorado-Big Thompson project on the western interchange has improved travel times,also reducing idling slope. Having rights in two independent water basins gives emissions. us more resiliency in drought conditions. We have water storage rights at Louisville Reservoir,Harper Lake,Marshall In addition to migrating to renewable energy sources,we Lake,the CBT reservoirs,and we are adding storage capac- are working on reducing the amount of energy we consume. ity by participating in the new Chimney Hollow Reservoir Working with Xcel's Partners in Energy program we have cre- west of Carter Lake.We are also making continued efforts to ated the Louisville 2017 Energy Action Plan.This plan targets reduce municipal water consumption. We use reuse water a 1.0%reduction in our community's energy carbon footprint to irrigate the Coal Creek Golf Course,the Louisville Sports in the first year,cumulating in an 11%reduction from a 2015 Complex,Miners Field and Dutch Creek Park. We are upgrad- baseline by 2027.We are exploring ways to reduce this even ing to efficient plumbing fixtures in City buildings. Also we more.The plan involves a three pronged approach around participate in a number of State and County programs that commercial,residential and municipal reductions. Some of allow our residents to save water. One example of this is the the municipal reductions are implemented or well underway, Center for Resource Conservation's"Slow the Flow"program including the conversion of over 600 streetlights to more that provides free assistance to homeowners to help them efficient LED fixtures,designing the new Recreation Center use efficient methods for outdoor watering. By participating to meet LEED Gold energy efficiency standards and updating in this program you may be eligible for a free smart irrigation existing municipal facilities to be more efficient.These reduc controller that determines watering needs by monitoring tion efforts not only reduce emissions,but they also reduce weather forecasts. Finally,the City just completed a new our costs. For example,the shift to LED streetlights(which state-of-the-art Waste Water Treatment plant(supported in was paid for by Xcel)saves electricity costs each month.By part by a state grant)which allows us to meet more rigorous implementing cost saving technologies we can afford to standards in water treatment--this reduces the contami- pursue more energy savings. It's also worth noting that we nants we release into Coal Creek so the stream is cleaner.The had already reduced our emissions prior to the 2015 baseline new plant uses more efficient pumps and blowers as well, with activities,like our City composting program,branch, reducing its energy use. and leaf diversion from landfill,and facilities updates.The details can be found in our Energy Action Plan which you can Louisville is committed to working towards a more multi- find at www.LouisvilleCO.gov/Residents/Partners-in-Energy- modal transportation system consistent with the Sustain- Program. ability Action Plan. The US 36 Bus Rapid Transit system,on which we collaborated,provides Louisville Residents a highly In addition to projects and improvements to our infrastruc- efficient alternative to driving along the 36 corridor.The US ture,the City addresses energy use with legislative measures. 36 bikeway provides a biking alternative for commuters,as In 2014 the City updated our building code by updating our well as a great recreation opportunity. We participated in a standards to the 2012 International Codes.One component regional"first and final mile"study and have begun to imple- of that is the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code ment recommendations of the study by installing secure which regulates building envelopes,mechanical,lighting, bike lockers on both sides of the McCaslin BRT stop. We are and power systems to meet minimum acceptable energy improving bike lanes as we repave major roadways in town. efficiency standards.By keeping the City standards up to Underpasses at major street crossings increase bike and date with current technology and techniques,we reduce pedestrian safety. In addition to our existing underpasses we the emissions from new and renovated buildings Citywide. are completing the South Street Gateway,planning a new Since we adopted the 2012 building codes,inspectors have one next year under highway 42 at North End and the follow- reviewed and inspected 3,764 permits for standards compli- ing year under the BNSF tracks at Steel Ranch. The City has ance to ensure that the minimum requirements for conserva- many miles of open space and park trails that can be used to tion are met on every project.Having standards that are get around town in a great natural setting. We have installed Page 2 • September 2017