Resource and Energy Action Plan Update: Health as a Resource

The Resource and Energy Action Plan (REAP) has recently been updated with revised dates for the REAP goals, an updated "Desired Project Inventory" for Southwest Colorado, and, the most notable edition, a new section on health.

A Little History:
In October of 2011, our REAP Advisory Board, consisting of leaders from across our five-county region, was polled about incorporating two sectors into the REAP: Health and Arts and Culture. The idea behind adding these elements was to address all aspects of sustainable resources in our region, not just energy. Survey results indicated that the board was in favor of including Health, but that Arts and Culture was too far afield.

Help from Consultants:
Healthy Community Solutions (HCS), a local consulting group, drafted a new section of the REAP on the Energy-Health Nexus, focusing on how energy fuels transportation, homes, cities, AND our bodies. The health industry is very dependent on electricity, natural gas, plastics, and other fuels and materials that are energy-intensive.

HCS focuses on using Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), which examine projects, plans, and policies through the lens of health.

Find out more about the REAP process, resource initiatives, and download the updated REAP.

If you have any projects to add to the "Desired Project Inventory", want a free REAP sticker, or are interested in getting involved with setting the direction for resource use in our area, contact 4CORE!