REAPing our Resources Wisely

What is going on with the Resource and Energy Action Plan (REAP)? Though grant funding is now spent, 4CORE is working hard to implement projects and programs that address the goals of this comprehensive document (goals are listed at the bottom of this article). We're using the programs that we have already initiated to leverage REAP activities.

How do 4CORE programs relate to these goals? Read on to learn more...

Home Prescription Program (HomeRx):

REAP Goals # 2, 3 and 4: This program essentially provides weatherization services for those who don't qualify for the low-income Weatherization Assistance Program. Program participants initiate the process with an energy audit, which helps home owners recognize energy efficiency improvements needed to reduce energy use. As an added bonus, 4CORE works with clients to find ways to finance the recommended improvements, or prescriptions. 

4CORE is off and running with two HomeRx audits under our belt and a lot more in the que. We're still taking registrations for our HomeRx Makeover Contest too!

Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP):

REAP Goals # 2, 3 and 4: The RSBP is a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses operate more efficiently. Businesses who participate will assess their energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability. Businesses that make positive changes will then become “Resource Smart Certified” and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts. To date, three La Plata County businesses have participated in the pilot program and nine more participants for the next stage have been accepted. The RSBP is a collaboration between Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata, Local First, La Plata Electric Association and SWConnect. Learn more at resourcesmartbusiness.com

Southwest Solar Transformation Initiative (SSTI): 

REAP Goal #1, 4 and 7: 4CORE is working with staff from Optony to create a Solar Roadmap for our region. Several regional municipalities are participating to facilitate the development of solar opportunities. The purpose of  creating a Solar Roadmap is to drive solar market maturity via significant improvements in 5 key areas: Permitting, Interconnection, Net Metering, Planning and Zoning, and Financing. More about SSTI here.

Sustainable Building Education Program (SBEP):

REAP Goals # 2, 3, 4 and 7: This program seeks to educate and train building industry professionals, home buyers, and owners about the value of building homes with energy efficiency and renewables in mind, and best practices used to do it. Though grant funding has run out for this program, 4CORE is working to attract program sponsors to keep this program alive and well. For information on how to sponsor, contact Cori at 970-259-1916 ext. 111.

4CORE Information Hub:

REAP Goals # 2, 3, 4 and 7: Everyday, 4CORE provides information to people to inspire our community to be resource-savvy.  We offer training opportunities, provide weatherization services, and share energy saving information throughout Southwest Colorado because resource conservation saves energy and money by helping individuals, families and businesses thrive.

Finally, 4CORE remains active with coordinators from around the state who are now being lead by the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado to link sustainability efforts within and among different regions in Colorado. The Colorado Sustainability Collaborative is comprised of both urban and rural groups, focused on one or more sustainability issues. The long term vision is to implement comprehensive sustainability plans in each region which then fold up into a statewide effort. Joining forces with these other groups allows us to share our experience and use that of others to help implement our energy action plan here locally.

For more information on the REAP, or to get involved, contact us via email, or call us at 970- 259-1916.

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REAP S.M.A.R.T. Goals (specific, measureable, agreed-upon, realistic, and timely):

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #1: Create a prioritized list of recommendations to promote renewable energy (RE) development in conjunction with conventional energy in the five-county region for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal interests by June 30^th, 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal  Priority #2: Assist building owners in recognizing energy efficiency (EE) improvements needed to reduce energy use in residential and commercial buildings by at least 25% in all five counties by 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #3: Beginning in 2013, 10% of homes sold per year will have energy audits; 5% of homes sold per year would implement recommended upgrades.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Priority #4: Increase community awareness (10% of the population per year beginning in 2012) of the importance and benefits of existing and future resource and energy conservation mechanisms, EE/RE ideas, models, and available services. Emphasize collaboration between all sectors.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #5: Work with the Transit Coordinating Council and the existing Southwest Colorado Regional Transit Feasibility Study to implement action items which increase the availability and usage of mass transit in our region.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #6: Foster the development of a regional resource recovery system by 2015.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #7:Incentivize RE and EE in new building construction by working with the city/county building departments in all five counties to encourage a reduction in RE and EE building permit costs by October 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #8: Develop a collaborative mechanism for working with public lands sectors and management by April 30, 2012 in order to accomplish REAP goals.