Selected List of Nonprofits in Colorado Working on Climate-Related Issues Colorado Association of Funders May 2009
Introduction The list that follows describes groups throughout the state that work on a variety of issues related to potential causes or impacts of climate change in Colorado. Creating a list of this type always requires arbitrary choices. Not included here, for instance, are many excellent location specific TMOs (transportation management organizations). All said, we hope this list provides some initial insight into the number and range of groups who are working on and driven by issues related to the causes and potential impacts of climate change in Colorado. MULTIPLE ISSUES Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (Denver, CO) www.sustainablecolorado.org/ Supports triple bottom line sustainability values by fostering collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, governments and academia. Provides public policy support and information, collaborative office and meeting space for nonprofit organizations, symposia and seminars, sustainable business network and legislative updates. Operates CASBA Colorado Alliance of Sustainable Business Associations. Civic Results (Denver, CO) www.civicresults.org Metro Mayors Caucus Energy Committee: regional cities seeking information to implement a set of commonly adopted best management practices for energy conservation. Metro Denver Health and Wellness Commission: focused on land use as it relates to public health impacts (i.e. how density and design affects degree of pedestrian activity, the beneficial impacts of urban gardens on eating habits, etc) Colorado Environmental Coalition (Denver, CO) http://www.ourcolorado.org/what-wedo/global-warming/ Advocates for legislation at the state level to support statewide conservation community consensus on 16 steps to reduce emissions, including energy efficiency and conservation, land use and transportation and generation of clean electricity. Provides outreach and education. Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) http://www.rockymountainclimate.org/ Colorado-based coalition group focused on improving awareness of, and identifying solutions to global warming, specifically in terms of how it impacts the rocky mountain region. Led statewide climate plan development in 2005-2006. Has published a number of excellent research papers on climate change impact projections on water, national parks and other aspects of the regional landscape. Coalition of 42 partners, including local governments, water utilities, private companies and nonprofit organizations. Western Resource Advocates (Boulder, CO) www.westernresourceadvocates.org Lawyers, scientists, and economists work regionally in six states to 1) advance clean energy to reduce pollution and global climate change; 2) promote urban water 1
conservation and river restoration; Collaborate with other conservation groups, hunters and fishermen, ranchers, American Indians, and others to advance mission. LAND AND HABITAT CONSERVATION & RESTORATION These groups work either to protect habitat that is threatened by changes from global warming (through land conservation), or to mitigate the secondary impacts of climate on habitat (i.e. pine beetle forest management, carbon sequestration on cropland). Audubon Colorado (Denver, CO) http://co.audubon.org/ Colorado chapter of national group, with organized environmental education and restoration activities. National climate program area (www.audubonwecan.org) focuses on climate change impacts on bird and other wildlife habitat. Center for Native Ecosystems (Denver, CO) http://nativeecosystems.org/ (including the Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project) Conservation biology, regional habitat mapping and land conservation aimed at helping native wildlife and plants respond to climate change. Colorado Conservation Trust (Denver, CO) www.coloradoconservationtrust.org Protection of critical habitat and open space lands through strategic conservation acquisitions in Colorado. Colorado Open Lands (Lakewood, CO) www.coloradoopenlands.org Protection of Colorado s open lands and natural heritage through conservation land deals. Colorado Cattleman s Agricultural Land Trust www.ccalt.org Colorado land trust focused specifically on the protection of agricultural heritage (ranch) lands. Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts www.cclt.org Colorado Youth Corps Association (Denver, CO) www.cyca.org Umbrella group representing 10 regional and statewide youth corps throughout Colorado. CYCA is working with the USFS on pine beetle infestation mitigation efforts in 2009, using Recovery Act funding. Statewide, corps do everything from tree planting to community outreach and home weatherization work. The Conservation Fund - Western Regional Office (Boulder, CO) http://conservationfund.org/mountainwest Protection of land and water through conservation acquisition, via partnerships with government agencies, land trusts and nonprofits. Denver Zoological Foundation (Denver, CO) www.denverzoo.org 2
The Zoo is a leader locally and nationally in innovative low-energy/ low-impact operations. It also provides critical habitat conservation education and research both in the rocky mountain region and internationally. The Nature Conservancy Colorado Field Office (Boulder & Denver, CO) www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/colorado/ Climate Change program area focuses on strategic land acquisitions and policy advocacy in Colorado, nationally and internationally. Rocky Mountain Farmer s Union www.rmfu.org/co-op/renewable-energy/carboncredits/ Member of Chicago climate exchange; supporting use of rangeland, farmland, forestry and methane offsets for Colorado farmers as a means of supplemental income) Trust for Public Land (Denver, CO) www.tpl.org/colorado Conservation acquisition of critical habitat and open space areas; support for public/private financing and complex deals. National group with large state office in Colorado. Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado (Denver, CO) www.voc.org Engages and trains hundreds of volunteers statewide annually to build trails, plant trees, battle invasive species and restore habitat. WATER These groups do research, advocacy and conservation work to protect water flows for wildlife habitat that may be threatened by reduced snowpack/ increased urban demands related to climate change. Colorado Water Trust (Denver, CO) www.coloradowatertrust.org Uses a land trust model to seek distinct water rights for threatened riparian habitats statewide. Engages in and supports voluntary efforts to restore and protect streamflows in the state of Colorado. These efforts include permanent acquisitions of water, leases of water, and physical solutions that achieve water conservation benefits Trout Unlimited (Boulder, CO) http://www.cotrout.org/conservation/coloradowaterproject/tabid/89/default.aspx Local chapter of national group has produced widely respected papers on challenges represented by regional water supply issues. Colorado Water Project works to advocate for flows in rivers sufficient to maintain healthy fish populations. Western Resource Advocates (Boulder, CO) (see above) Water program focus on regional conservation and regulation challenges. 3
The following groups are actively addressing energy generation and conservation, as well as energy use in buildings, transportation, land use and infrastructure, which accounts for a majority of greenhouse gas emissions statewide. ENERGY Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) www.cres-energy.org A nonprofit membership organization that works for the sensible adoption of costeffective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies by Colorado businesses and consumers. Hosts conferences, awards, tours and regular membership meetings. Rocky Mountain Institute (Snowmass & Boulder, CO) www.rmi.org/ Premier research nonprofit working locally, nationally and internationally to advance cutting edge energy efficiency solutions. Focus is on market-based solutions. Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) (Boulder, CO) www.swenergy.org SWEEP advances energy efficiency in a six state region through work on state and local legislation, incentives, and regulations; utility energy efficiency policy and programs; building energy efficiency; direct support to the private sector; education and training, and information development and sharing. TRANSPORTATION/ LAND USE Placematters: Decision Support Tools for Growth Management (Denver, CO) www.placematters.org Bridges digital divide and supports public engagement for improved community land use decisions through the use of a variety of Decision Support Tools. Works throughout Colorado and nationally. Also supports ecosystem-based management decision tools for endangered habitat areas. Sonoran Institute (works regionally) (Denver, CO) www.sonoraninstitute.org Active regionally in helping communities understand and make land use decisions that protect the special character of the western United States. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT American Institute of Architects Colorado Chapter Committee on the Environment (AIA-COTE) (Denver, CO) http://aiacolorado.org/about-us/localchapters/aia-denver/cote.php Mission is to lead and coordinate the profession s involvement in environmental and energy-related issues and to promote the role of the architect as a leader in preserving and protecting the planet and its living systems. Boulder Green Building Guild (Boulder, CO) http://bgbg.org/ 4
Industry support group for green building training, resources, awards, tours, etc. Energy Outreach Colorado (Denver, CO) www.energyoutreach.org Cost-effective energy assistance, energy conservation and energy education for lowincome households. Uses low income energy assistance dollars to install permanent energy saving features in low-income households in some areas. Education program includes public service advertisements, school programs and other outreach efforts. Habitat for Humanity Green Building program and ReUse Center (Denver, CO) http://www.habitatmetrodenver.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=197& Itemid=214 icast (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) (Golden, CO) Expert in many aspects of sustainable building technology, from raw materials development to renewable energy sources. Works in partnership with universities, local governments and other nonprofits. UCD IGERT Program (Denver, CO) http://thunder1.cudenver.edu/igert/ PhD program focuses on sustainable water, energy, transport, sanitation and built environment infrastructures in cities worldwide. History of applied research in Denver and statewide. US Green Building Council (USGBC) Colorado Chapter (Denver, CO) www.usgbccolorado.org/ Local office of national group hosts seminars, trainings and advocacy events to advance the interests of green building and the LEED standard, specifically. WASTE AVOIDANCE/RECYCLING These groups provide services to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials. Center for ReSource Conservation (Boulder, CO) www.conservationcenter.org Offers Water, Waste, Energy and Green Building Services, primarily in Boulder County, including a ReSource yard where building materials are recycled. Colorado Association for Recycling www.cafr.org/ Statewide group lobbies for expanded recycled goods markets and interests. Ecocycle (Boulder, CO) www.ecocycle.org Nationally respected group in business for 30 years, provides commercial and residential recycling services in Boulder county, as well as extensive education and outreach activity. Operates Recycling Center and multiple drop-off centers and supports electronics and hard-to-recycle material management. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS & CORPORATE ACTIVITY 5
These groups are focused on engaging private sector interests in the development and adoption of new technologies and best practices with potential emissions reduction benefits. CASBA (see Alliance for Sustainable Colorado under first heading, above) CORE (Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy) (Denver, CO) www.corecolorado.org/ A non-profit business association dedicated to the promotion of more environmentally and socially responsible business practices with a view to creating a more sustainable global economy. Hosts popular annual Sustainable Opportunities Summit in partnership with the Daniels School of Business and Greenprint Denver. Natural Capitalism Solutions (Eldorado Springs, CO) www.natcapsolutions.org/ The nonprofit arm of Rocky Mountain Institute co-founder Hunter Lovins consulting practice, focusing on a wide range of sustainability issues. EDUCATION/ OUTREACH These groups are engaged in outreach and education about a variety of topics related to climate change and its impacts in Colorado and beyond. Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver, CO) www.dmns.org Premier regional science museum with a variety of exhibits both directly and indirectly related to climate change. Green operations focus since 2008. Denver Zoological Foundation (Denver, CO) www.denverzoo.org See above. Front Range Earth Force (Denver, CO) http://www.earthforce.org/section/offices/frontrange Works with dozens of area schools to engage young people as active citizens in environmental issues affecting their communities. Students choose projects. Many climate-related activities. Gore Range Science School (Edwards, CO) www.gorerange.org Year-round environmental education for residents and visitors of Eagle County, Colorado. Groundwork Denver (Denver, CO) www.groundworkdenver.org/climate.htm Focus on grassroots community-based action for greenhouse gas reduction through the Denver Climate Challenge. Includes home energy audits and upgrades, door-to-door outreach and participation of local business, in partnership with the Governor s Energy Office. 6
Keystone Center and Science School (Keystone, CO) www.keystone.org, www.keystone.org/cfe/kss KC is a public policy think tank and conflict resolution center. KSS is a residential field science school focused on development of critical thinking skills with regard to natural science and natural history. Thorne Ecological Institute (Boulder, CO) www.thorne-eco.org/ 45-year old environmental education school. Thorne s mission is to build Earth stewardship by connecting kids to nature through hands-on environmental education. COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY GROUPS These grassroots groups are working at a community-wide and regional level on developing sustainability metrics and indicators to gauge the health of their communities, and developing support for clean energy and energy efficiency in local development. Many of them work in partnership with the Governor s Energy Office. Community Office of Renewable Energy (CORE) in Aspen, CO www.aspencore.org/ Provides demo projects, technical assistance, public relations, public policy, research and resources and education to create measurable improvements in energy and water efficiency. Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE Durango, CO) www.fourcore.org/ Focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction in the four corners region. Office for Resource Efficiency (ORE- Crested Butte, CO) www.resourceefficiency.org/ Energy efficiency, renewable energy, GHG reduction technical assistance and education services for the Gunnison Valley. Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (Steamboat, CO) http://www.yvsc.org Broad-based sustainability initiative in the Yampa Valley, provides education and outreach; works in partnership with public and private groups. Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability (Vail, CO) http://www.eaglevalleyalliance.org/ Community sustainability alliance sponsors events and provides educational website. Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER - Glenwood Springs/ Garfield County, CO) www.cleanenergyeconomy.net Works to support and advance clean energy options in Glenwood Springs/ Garfield County, by focusing on Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Transportation, Renewable Energy, High Performance Buildings, Smart Growth, Recycling and Local Food. 7
The New Community Coalition (Telluride, CO) www.newcommunitycoalition.org works in collaboration with organizations and individuals in our community to re-localize our economy and food sources, develop a greener built environment, reduce our carbon footprint, increase recycling and recover value from waste, expand educational resources and increase energy efficiency. Offers rebates, assistance and education/outreach. Green Heart Institute (Boulder/Lyons) www.ghici.org Offers GHG calculator and resources for residents, businesses and individuals to measure and reduce their carbon footprints. LEGISLATIVE TRACKING AND ADVOCACY GROUPS Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (Denver, CO) (see above) Colorado Conservation Voters (Denver, CO) http://ccvef.org/ Activist in state legislature for conservation agenda. Grades legislators annually on an environmental report card. Colorado Environmental Coalition (Denver, CO + multiple field offices) (see above) Western Resource Advocates (Boulder, CO) (see above) Environment Colorado (Denver, CO) www.environmentcolorado.org Advocacy for clean energy legislation; sponsored original Renewable Energy Standard legislation; grassroots organizing on many related issues. Sierra Club (Denver, CO) http://rmc.sierraclub.org Cool Colorado Campaign; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Campaign. Grassroots organizing. 8