Links

The following is a list of links to helpful websites. The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) provides this information as a public service and does not endorse individuals, companies, services or products and cannot be held liable for content found on any of the websites listed here. Please check this page often; it is updated frequently. Also be sure to check out GEO's Publications page for more great resources.

Associations, Trade Groups and Non-Profit Sites
Government, Policy and Research Sites
News, Blogs and Discussion Boards
Interactive Tools, Databases and Guides
For Kids & Teachers
Event Proceedings and Presentations

Associations, Trade Groups and Non-Profit Sites

25x25: A rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America – to get 25 percent of our energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America: The nationwide association representing the HVACR contracting industry.
Alliance for Climate Protection, The: Dedicated to educating people about the importance and urgency of adopting and implementing effective and comprehensive solutions for the climate crisis.
Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, The: The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado advances environmental, economic and social sustainability in Colorado for present and future generations.
American Architectural Manufacturers Association: Represents the individual and collective concerns of professionals of window, door, skylight, curtain wall and storefront manufacturing companies, both large and small, from all across the U.S. and internationally.
American Council for and Energy Efficient Economy: A non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Colorado Chapter
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Committee on the Environment (COTE): A committee of the AIA, COTE works to advance, disseminate, and advocate design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Main AIA Website: represents the professional interests of America's architects.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Western Mountain Region
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): Advances technology to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES): A nonprofit educational organization that encourages the use of solar-energy technologies.
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA): Promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world.
Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR): ADPSR works for peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities.
Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Gas: A non-profit, non-partisan research and public education initiative to address America’s peak oil energy challenge.
Building Codes Assistance Project: Dedicated to assisting states and local jurisdictions in the adoption, implementation, and advancement of building energy codes.
Building Commissioning Association: Dedicated to guiding the building commissioning industry through establishing best practices, educating providers and promoting the benefits of building commissioning.
Built Green Colorado: A voluntary program that encourages homebuilders to use green technologies, products and practices.
Center for ReSource Conservation, The (CRC) - Greenerbuilding.org: A service of the CRC. Provides a discussion board based site focused on green building products.
Center for ReSource Conservation, The (CRC) - Main CRC website: A non-profit organization that is committed to leading Colorado residents, businesses, and governments towards a sustainable future.
Center for ReSource Conservation, The (CRC) - ReSource: A division of the CRC. Promotes waste reduction through innovative landfill diversion programs.
Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE): Serves all sectors of the Colorado community by increasing the effectiveness of environmental education.
Colorado Alliance of Sustainable Business Associations: Supports the promotion of sustainable and socially responsible business practices in Colorado.
Colorado Association for Recycling, The: Committed to advancing economic, political and social conditions that minimize waste and maximize resource reuse.
Colorado Association of School District Energy Managers: Provides a network for public school district employees responsible for energy management.
Colorado Coalition for New Energy Technologies: Promotes its members and their innovative technologies through outreach programs and various other activities.
Colorado Energy Science Center, The (CESC) - Main CESC website: Provides energy education programs and resources that promote economic and environmental benefits.
Colorado Energy Science Center, The (CESC) - Smart Energy Living: An informational resource provided by CESC.
Colorado Interfaith Power & Light (COIP&L): The Colorado chapter of the Interfaith Power & Light whose mission is to provide a religious response to global warming.
Colorado International Code Council: Is dedicated to the improvement of building safety, by promoting and improving the International Codes, educating the building industry, public and providing mutual aid to building professionals.
Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES), The - CRES Speakers Bureau: CRES will come to your school, church, or union local to present issues such as climate change and the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency for the Colorado economy.
Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES), The - Main CRES website: A nonprofit membership organization that works for the sensible adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies by Colorado businesses and consumers.
Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association, The: Represents and serves energy professionals and renewable energy users. Promotes the use of solar energy and conservation to improve the environment and create a sustainable future.
ColoradoEnergy.org: Information about energy efficiency and renewable energy in Colorado.
Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE): Promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency and green building techniques in western Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley.
Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy: A business trade association that enhances the economic vitality and competitive positioning of its members by assisting them in integrating socially and environmentally responsible business practices into profitable commercial enterprises.
Consortium for Energy Efficiency: A North American nonprofit organization that works with its members to promote energy-efficient products, technologies and services.
Crestone Solar School: Offers a series of 4 - day residential classes in the summer months.
Downtown Denver Partnership: The Downtown Denver Partnership plays many diverse roles to enhance Downtown Denver. Provides information about downtown bike and pedestrian routes.
E-Star Colorado: A non-profit organization committed to advancing energy efficiency in housing.
Energy & Environmental Building Association: Provides education and resources about residential design and the construction industry to support energy efficient and environmentally responsible buildings and communities.
Energy Outreach Colorado: Dedicated to helping Colorado’s neediest families meet their home energy needs.
Front Range Fuels Treatment Partnership: an alliance of federal, state and local governments, land management agencies, private landowners, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders who are committed to reducing wildland fire risks through sustained fuels treatment.
FuelCells.org: An activity of the Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), an educational organization formed to promote the development and early commercialization of fuel cells and related pollution-free, efficient energy generation, storage and utilization technologies and fuels.
Green Drinks: Every month people work work in the environmental field meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.
Home Builders Association of Metro Denver: A trade association representing businesses involved in the residential development, construction and remodeling industry in the eight-county Denver metro region.
Insulation Contractors Association of America: Promotes professionalism in the residential and commercial insulation contracting industry.
Intermountain CHP Center: Provides regional application assistance for combined heat and power (CHP).
International Code Council, The: A membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. Develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools.
Montana Weatherization Training Center: Dedicated to training the professional and informing consumers in home energy conservation and weatherization practices.
National Association of State Energy Officials: A nonprofit organization that represents the Governor-designated energy officials from each state and territory.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association: Dedicated to representing the interests of electric cooperatives and the consumers they serves.
New Buildings Institute, The: NBI works with national, regional, state and utility groups to promote improved energy performance in commercial new construction.
Office for Resource Efficiency: Facilitates resource savings through energy services and education programs to empower the Gunnison Valley to lower utility costs, develop renewable energy sources, decrease carbon emissions, and build a more sustainable self-sufficient economy.
Renewable Energy Business Network: The Renewable Energy Business Network enables researchers and business professionals with an interest in renewable energy to connect with one another, to promote the growth of the renewable energy industry.
Residential Energy Services Network, The: Works to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry, set the standards of quality, and increase the opportunity for ownership of high performance buildings.
Rocky Mountain Association of Energy Engineers: An organization dedicated to educating its members about efficient energy usage and energy savings technologies that exist in the marketplace.
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union: Serves the interests of independent family farmers and ranchers throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) - Built Environment Team: RMI and the USGBC have teamed up to create a compelling film that documents the business case for building green.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) - Main RMI Website: RMI is an independent, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining.
Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA): A network of companies, including utilities and solar companies.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): A national trade association of solar manufacturers, distributors, and contractors, with chapters in many states.
Solar Energy International (SEI): Provide educations and technical assistance so that others will be empowered to use renewable energy technologies.
Solar Rating & Certification Corporation: an independent certification of solar water and swimming pool heating collectors and systems.
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP): Collaborates with utilities, state agencies, environmental groups, universities, and other energy efficiency specialists to increase energy efficiency.
Sustainable Buildings Industries Council (SBIC): An information center for designing low energy buildings.
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) - Build Green Schools: The USGBC's campaign to promote building green schools.
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) - Greenbuild365: The USGBC's learning portal for making green building education accessible.
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) - Main USGBC Website: A non-profit organization composed of leaders from the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) - The Green Home Guide: The USGBC's guide to residential green buildings.
Western Governor’s Association: Addresses important policy and governance issues in the West, advances the role of the Western states in the federal system, and strengthens the social and economic fabric of the region.
Western Resource Advocates: A non-profit environmental law and policy organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the natural environment of the Interior American West.
Windustry: Promotes progressive renewable energy solutions and empowers communities to develop wind energy as an environmentally sustainable, community-owned asset.

Government, Policy and Research Sites

2002 Farm Bill Initiative: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program: Information on the Section 9006 grant and guaranteed loan programs, including details on project and applicant eligibility, application procedures, required forms and other useful information.
Boulder County Climate Smart: ClimateSmart is a countywide effort to help individuals, families and businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: State of Colorado department committed to protecting and preserving the health and environment of the people of Colorado.
Colorado Fuel Cell Center: Seeks to advance fuel-cell research, development, and commercialization and to promote business opportunities in Colorado.
Consumer Energy Center: a website created by the California Energy Commission offering information for the consumer about saving energy.
Energy Information Administration: Official energy statistics from the U.S. Government.
ENERGY STAR® - Home Energy Yardstick: compares a home's energy efficiency to similar homes across the country and gives recommendations for energy-saving home improvements from ENERGY STAR®.
ENERGY STAR® - Main ENERGY STAR® Website: A joint effort of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy; a variety of information on energy efficiency measures, products, and incentives.
ENERGY STAR® - Roofing Comparison Calculator: helps estimate how much energy and money can be saved by installing an ENERGY STAR® labeled roof product on a building.
Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory: Conducts unclassified research across a wide range of scientific disciplines with key efforts in fundamental studies of the universe; quantitative biology; nanoscience; new energy systems and environmental solutions; and the use of integrated computing as a tool for discovery.
Lighting Research Center: A university-based research and education organization devoted to lighting.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory: The U.S.'s primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.
Regional Air Quality Council: The lead air quality planning agency for the Denver metropolitan area.
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, The: Updates, hearings, and information about the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
Tax Incentives Assistance Project, The: Designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordinating Council: Established by the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a forum through which USDA agencies will coordinate, facilitate and promote research, development, transfer of technology, commercialization, and marketing of biobased products and Bioenergy using renewable domestic agricultural and forestry materials.
University of Colorado Solar Decathlon: The Solar Decathlon is an intercollegiate competition to design, build and operate a home powered completely by solar energy.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - Alternative and Advanced Fuels Data Center: Displays public and private fueling station information. This site also offers an alternative fueling station locator for mobile devices so you can search for the station nearest you while you're on the road.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - EnergySmart Schools: DOE website dedicated to school buildings and communities.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - Golden Field Office: The primary field agent for the DOE's of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - Main DOE Website
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Working to strengthen America's energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality in public-private partnerships that enhance energy efficiency and productivity, bring clean, reliable and affordable energy technologies to the marketplace and make a difference in the everyday lives of Americans by enhancing their energy choices and their quality of life.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - The Green Power Network: Provides news and information on green power markets and related activities.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - The National Energy Technology Laboratory: Part of the DOE's national laboratory system to supports DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States. The only U.S. national laboratory devoted to fossil energy research.
US Department of Energy, The (DOE) - Western Area Power Administration: A department within the DOE, the Western Area Power Administration markets and delivers hydroelectric power and related services within a 15-state region of the central and western U.S.
US Environmental Protection Agency, The (EPA): The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment.
WhiteHouse.gov: The official site of the office of the President. This link goes directly to the energy & environment section of the site.

News, Blogs and Discussion Boards

AIGA Center for Sustainable Design: Dedicated to providing designers with a wide range of information regarding sustainable business practice through case studies, interviews, resources and discourse.
Earth Protect: A social network and video sharing site dedicated to helping users share stories about what they are doing to protect the earth.
Green Home Guide, The: Provides unbiased reviews and advice of green home products from professionals and homeowners.
Green is Universal: The digital home of NBC Universal's environmental initiative.
Greentech Media: An online-media site comprised of news, market research, and industry events.
Grist: Environmental news and commentary.
Inhabitat: A weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.
Treehugger: An online-media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability into the mainstream.
World Changing: A collection and analysis of of tools, models and ideas for building a better future.

Interactive Tools, Databases and Guides

Colorado Energy Profile: A comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of sustainable energy resources in Colorado. Sponsored by the Governor's Energy Office and developed by the Center for Energy and Environmental Security, this site delivers quality data and objective analysis regarding the current and future role of energy in Colorado.
Colorado New Home Choices: A non-commercial web site dedicated to helping consumers understand home buying choices.
Colorado Recycles: A searchable database of recycling programs and opportunities around Colorado.
Consumer Consequences: Produced by American Public Media. An interactive tool that calculates how many planets it would take to support your lifestyle on a planetary scale and provides ideas for making your footprint smaller.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: Lists financial incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency available in areas around the country.
Drive Smarter Challenge, The: The Drive Smarter Challenge website includes a calculator that computes not only an individual's savings through her or his actions, but also a running tally of savings by everyone who has taken the challenge.
Efficient Windows Collaborative: Gateway to information on how to choose energy efficient windows.
Find Solar: A list of suppliers of solar equipment.
Google SketchUp: Google SketchUp is free software that you can use to create, modify and share 3D models.
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: An Environmental Protection Agency calculator that helps put carbon dioxide emissions reductions into easily understandable terms.
Local Harvest: A searchable database of farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area.
National Geographic Green Guide: National Geographic's online green guide.
OpenVIBE: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's open-data source for energy information, specifically analyses on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods: A web-based resource, provides strategies, tips, and tools that cities and counties can use to take immediate action on climate change through: Green building, green neighborhoods, and sustainable infrastructure. The Playbook is designed both for communities that are considering making the first steps toward these, as well as for those who want to take existing efforts to a new level.
Time Magazine’s Green Guide to an Earth Friendly Home: An interactive lesson in cutting carbon at home.
Toolbase: The housing industry's resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems.
Whole Building Design Guide: A web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective.

For Kids & Teachers

Energy Hog: An interactive site that helps kids bust the Energy Hog. There's a section for adults too.
National Energy Foundation’s 7th Annual Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, The: Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) is a national student challenge to motivate learning, ignite the imagination, and fuel the creative potential in youth.
U.S. Department of Energy K-12 Energy Lesson Plans & Activities: On this site you'll find links to more than 350 lesson plans and activities on energy efficiency and renewable energy for grades K-12. Each includes a short summary that identifies curriculum integration, time, materials, and national standards.
Xcel Energy’s Energy Classroom: Energy Classroom is a place to learn about how power is made, energy conservation, power and wildlife and careers in energy. You can also take a virtual power plant tour. Created to follow 3rd to 5th grade science curriculum.

Event Proceedings and Presentations

Colorado Public Utilities Commission Presentations on the Geothermal Energy in Colorado, The: In October of 2007, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission hosted a Commissioners’ Information Meeting to brief the Commissioners on the status of, and prospects for, geothermal energy development in Colorado.
Colorado’s New Energy Economy: The Path Forward: More than 550 attendees gathered at the Denver Marriott City Center to learn about Colorado’s energy issues and opportunities at Colorado’s New Energy Economy: The Path Forward on Tuesday, October 30th 2007 in Denver, Colorado. The speaker presentations, attendee list and audio recordings can be found here.
Schmueser Gordon Meyer Energy Forum: This forum, held at the Aspen Glen Clubhouse on January 25, 2008, provided information and resources regarding energy efficiency, renewable energy and the reasons to pursue both. The presentations are found on this website.
The Colorado Geothermal Investors’ Forum: Presentations from a forum held on Friday, October 19, 2007 in Montrose, Colorado.

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