Wednesday, June 3, 2009

GOV. RITTER & MAYOR HICKENLOOPER TELL WORKERS TO SHED TIES AND JACKETS TO PROMOTE SECOND SUMMER OF COOL BIZ


Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper urged businesses and government agencies to join forces and save energy again this summer by participating in Cool Biz, a program to cut summer energy use by inching up building thermostats.

 

Several state and city buildings successfully kicked off the program last summer, raising thermostats two to four degrees, reducing energy costs related to air conditioning, cutting emissions from power plants and easing heavy daytime demands that drive up electricity costs for all.

 

"Government wants to lead by example and show every day that we are serious about saving taxpayer dollars, conserving energy and protecting the environment," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "Building a New Energy Economy includes smarter energy use, something we can all do together.

 

Gov. Ritter and Mayor Hickenlooper encourage employees in participating buildings to wear lighter clothing when practicable, by shedding suit jackets and ties, and wearing short-sleeved shirts and blouses and open-collared shirts instead.

 

"It's time to take off those ties, shed those jackets and dress a little more casual at the office," Mayor Hickenlooper said. "Turning up the thermostat and turning down the air conditioner in the summer is a simple, effective way to cut costs by using less energy and promote sustainability at the same time."

 

Colorado government agencies are taking numerous additional steps toward energy and resource conservation and clean energy, including the installation of solar energy systems at the Colorado state Capitol and the governor's residence and energy efficiency improvements at the capitol. It is the first capitol in the nation to obtain a prestigious certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings for the efficiency upgrades in lighting, heating and cooling and energy controls.

 

In addition, more than $165 million worth of performance contracts have been completed or are in progress at Colorado state buildings and state higher education buildings – work that will result in dramatic reductions in energy demands as well as cost savings to taxpayers, and reduce some 75,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.