Energy Conservation and Greening Government

Capitol Complex - Energy Conservation and Greening Government

Energy Conservation

Capitol Complex makes every effort to maintain a comfortable working environment in our buildings. However, to be as green as possible, we ask that tenants try to conserve energy whenever possible. Turning off computers, lights, and fans when you are not in the room and/or when you leave for the evening creates enormous energy savings. Also, turn off any office equipment that does not need a constant supply of electricity.

Greening Government

The State of Colorado recognizes its impact and its potential to address a number of environmental and economic concerns. The Executive Branch established the Colorado Greening Government Leadership Council. The Council directs all State agencies to “develop and implement policies and procedures to promote environmentally sustainable and economically efficient practices.”

State of Colorado Energy Performance Contract

Capitol Complex is committed to energy conservation through sustainable operations by utilizing the U.S. Green Building Councils (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The LEED program and procedures will not only enhance environmental protection, but also save taxpayers money.

The Department of Personnel & Administration/Division of Capital Assets entered into several energy performance contracts to install energy saving equipment within the Capitol Complex managed buildings.

The performance-based energy savings program will enhance the working environment and current long-range energy planning requirements such as:

• Enable the energy manager to track long range energy conservation measures;
• Improve the working comfort for the tenants of Capitol Complex buildings; and,
• Extend value to the Complex by upgrading facilities and increasing the life expectancy of existing building systems.

Tenant Awareness

The areas in which tenants can help implement Greening Government practices are many and varied. From water and energy consumed; to the solid waste generated; the type of vehicles we drive to work; and day-to-day government operations. All these actions have an impact on the local, regional, and even global environments. There are two main areas where tenants can assist Capitol Complex in meeting its Greening Government Goals:

• Energy and resource conservation
• Utilize the recycling programs in your building 

Office Recycling

Employees are encouraged to keep a bin or box for collecting mixed office paper in their personal work area and periodically dumping it into a larger collection box that is located in copy areas. Custodial staff will not collect recycled material from individual workstation boxes. Commingled recycling bins have been set up throughout buildings in break rooms and kitchen areas. If you have any questions regarding recycling please contact Richard Lee at 303-866-3838 or richard.lee@state.co.us.

A conservation program is a vital component to minimizing energy consumption and waste within the Capitol Complex. Tenant’s cooperation in becoming conservation-conscious consumers is a critical part of the program. Attention to energy issues and recycling will add up to substantial energy savings over the year. Please do your part to reduce the State’s carbon footprint within your work area. 

To see a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, visit the Recycling page.