Four Corners Office For Resource Efficiency, Durango, Colorado

In November of 2006 a group of individuals including representatives from La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), the City of Durango, La Plata County, Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SWCRES), Sustainability Alliance of SW Colorado, San Juan Citizen’s Alliance, San Juan RC&D, La Plata County Energy Council, Three Springs Development, BP America, Atmos Energy and the FLC Environmental Center formed a steering committee to explore the feasibility of establishing a regional, “environmental” organization for the purpose of increasing adoption of resource conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy activity in the Four Corners region.

With funding jointly provided by LPEA, La Plata County, the City of Durango, BP America, Atmos and Three Springs, the committee retained the services of a local business consultant to develop a business plan for the proposed organization and, in doing so, define the potential scope of services to be offered, general administrative requirements and funding opportunities.

The 4CORE business plan, completed in September, 2007 and revised in November, 2007, proposes the formation of a local, non-profit 501(c) 3 environmental, “public benefit” coalition, called the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE). The 4CORE concept is modeled after similar organizations in other Colorado communities, as well as throughout the US, in response to growing concern about GHG emissions, rising energy costs and dependence on foreign oil.

Having signed the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, both La Plata County and the City of Durango have committed to developing a local climate action plan with specific policies and programs to reduce GHG emissions. The formation of 4CORE will provide the opportunity for local municipalities, utility companies and business to collaborate to create and deliver a regional climate action plan, thereby avoiding duplication of effort and maximizing economies of scale.

Mission Statement
The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) promotes resource conservation, energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy in order to reduce energy consumption, decrease the emission of pollutants, strengthen the economy and lower utility costs.

Encourage the community to integrate resource conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy into their daily lives
Bring resource conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities to consumers, businesses and institutions
Help regional resource conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses to succeed and thrive
Work collaboratively with regional organizations and municipalities to maximize efficiencies and carry out the mission

Reduce per capita energy consumption X percent by the year 20XX (actual percentages and dates to be determined)
Reduce per capita peak day energy demand X percent by the year 20XX
Increase the use of renewable energy to X percent by the year 20XX
Reduce carbon emissions by X pounds by the year 20XX
Water (to be determined)
Solid waste (to be determined)

Emission Reduction Plan Development - Analyze regional emissions inventory and facilitate public process to create regional climate action plan

Emission Inventory Management - Provide ongoing maintenance of regional emissions inventory database

Outreach/Education Program Management – Develop public education campaigns, educational materials, Website, public service announcements, events, etc.

Green Business Program Administration – Develop voluntary certification and recognition program to encourage the business community to implement resource conservation and sustainability practices

Rebate & Incentive Management – Act as “agent” for expanded utility energy efficiency & renewable energy incentive programs. Supplement utility incentives with incentives from Local Clean Energy Fund (LCEF).

Energy Efficiency Program Design & Delivery – Assist utilities with developing and managing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs such as:

Energy Audits
Weatherization
Lighting Programs
Programmable Thermostats
Low-flow toilets and faucets
HVAC
Energy Star Appliances
Refrigerator Recycling Events
Solar PV/Solar Thermal

Grants & Sponsorships
4CORE receives funding support at a local and state level from grants and coalition partnerships.

Staffing
4CORE is managed by a team of paid staff, volunteers and student interns with the oversight and guidance of a volunteer board of directors. Initially, the scope of the organization is to serve the area of La Plata County with the goal of scaling its reach to service surrounding regions as the demand arises.

Board of Directors
Greg Caton, Chair
Chad Tidwell, Vice-Chair
Greg Phillips, Treasurer
Sue Morris
Joelle Riddle
Tim Wheeler
Ed Zink

Please join us: Monthly (except December) Board meetings, 2nd Tuesday, 2 to 4 p.m., West Conference Room, City Hall

Projected Outcomes
As a result of the various efforts of 4CORE, it is estimated that La Plata County residential, commercial and industrial CO2 emissions will be reduced by ~19,000 metric tons in the 3rd year of this program with an estimated $1.4 million annual savings in energy usage.