Energy affects everyone. It powers more than 65,000 Lakewood homes and 16,000 Lakewood businesses. Improving energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping millions of dollars in the local economy.
Explore the resources below to better understand how Colorado’s energy system functions and how we can transition to a more efficient and renewable energy system.
Our Energy Goals
The city of Lakewood has adopted the following targets to advance affordable, renewable energy and enhance resource efficiency:
- Generate 45 percent of municipal energy from renewable sources by 2025.
- Generate 45 percent of residential energy from renewable sources by 2025.
- Generate 45 percent of commercial and industrial energy from renewable sources by 2025.
- Reduce municipal building and facility energy use intensity by 30 percent by 2025.
- Reduce citywide building energy use intensity by 20 percent by 2025.
- Reduce citywide water use by 20 percent by 2025.
- Increase the percentage of certified green buildings each year from 2015 to 2025.
Learn more about Lakewood’s sustainability goals in the Lakewood Sustainability Plan.
Our daily water use might include tending gardens, washing dishes, bathing and cooking; however, our water footprint stretches far beyond these activities to manufacturing, fuel use, electricity production and more. And while water is limited by annual cycles, water demands continue to grow. Improving water efficiency and practicing water conservation are key to ensuring we all have enough water to sustain our community and not strain our natural areas.
Our Water System
Explore the resources below to better understand the water cycle and how our individual behaviors and community decisions impact water systems.
Our Water Goals
The City of Lakewood has adopted the following targets to advance affordable, renewable energy and enhance resource efficiency:
- Reduce citywide water use by 20 percent by 2025.
- Increase the percentage of certified green buildings each year from 2015 to 2025.
Learn more about Lakewood’s sustainability goals in the Lakewood Sustainability Plan.
Sustainable buildings use energy and water resources more efficiently than typical construction practices. By integrating efficiency considerations early on in the building or remodeling process, developers can create high performing projects that retain value long after construction is complete.
Explore the resources below for help developing a cost-effective, sustainable project.
- Xcel Energy Design Assistance: Free energy consulting services and rebates for Xcel business customers considering new construction or major renovation projects.
- Xcel Energy Rebates: Rebates for new construction and whole building projects.
- Colorado C-PACE: Financing program for commercial properties that enables building owners to finance 100 percent of eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements with repayment facilitated through the county property tax assessment process.
- Public Energy Performance Contracting: A Colorado Energy Office program that facilitates energy improvements in public facilities (libraries, schools, government buildings) using cost savings from reduced energy consumption to repay the cost of installing the improvements.
Once you have identified your sustainable project, head over to the City of Lakewood zoning and permits webpages to learn about the development process.
Whether you own or rent, you can conserve resources by using less and choosing renewable sources. Simple home improvements and behavior changes can lower your monthly utility bill, improve indoor air quality, create more comfortable spaces and increase your home’s value. Our staff provided an overview of energy and water efficiency to the Sustainable Neighborhood program leaders, view the presentation slides(PDF, 2MB) to get ideas and see more resources below:
Renewable Energy
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency
If you are looking for ways to improve your business’s office space and bottom line, improving energy and water efficiency is one of the most effective solutions.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Renewable Energy
The Lakewood Sustainability Division has teamed up with Xcel Energy to provide energy resources for our community through the Partners In Energy program.
Income-Qualified Resource Guide
Are you looking for help with your energy and water bills? The Sustainability Division has created a summary of FREE energy and water programs for income-qualified households. Programs include direct utility bill assistance, emergency heat repair, home improvements and residential solar, all at no cost to qualifying residents.
To learn more, download our Income Qualified Energy and Water Guide:
For questions, contact us at sustainability@lakewood.org
Si necesita ayuda, envíanos un correo electrónico at sustainability@lakewood.org
Small Business Energy Assessments
The Lakewood Sustainability division has teamed with Xcel Energy through the Partners in Energy program to launch a business energy campaign, which aims to help our local businesses reduce energy costs and usage. We are encouraging Lakewood businesses to sign up for a free or low-cost business energy assessment from Xcel Energy through its vendor CLEAResult. Following a quick in-person visit from an energy technician, you will receive a report with audit results, recommended energy improvements, and cost saving opportunities for your business.
If you're ready to sign up now, download and email this application(PDF, 179KB) to Xcelenergyefficiency@clearesult.com.
Have questions? Call 877-287-2250 to speak with an energy advisor.
Si necesita ayuda en Español, llame al 1-800-481-4700. (If you need assistance in Spanish, call 1-800-481-4700.)
Save Money and Energy in Your Home
From quick, cheap fixes to larger home investments, you can find ways to lower your home energy bills, make your home more comfortable and reduce your environmental impact. Through the Partners in Energy program, we’ve created a slide show to show savings opportunities in each room of your house.
Whether it’s efficient appliances in your kitchen or air sealing and insulation in your attic, we hope you’re able to lower your utility bills while increasing comfort at home.