Welcome to all of our new Sustainability Newsletter subscribers —we’re glad you’re here and we hope that you enjoy our monthly email with updates about our ongoing work, upcoming events, and highlights of efforts around the community.

We want to recognize that the work we do is only possible with support, input, and action from the entire Superior community. This newsletter is an opportunity to share the inspiring stories of sustainability and climate action happening right here in our backyards, businesses, parks, and more! Are you an expert at backyard composting? Do you enjoy teaching others about electric bikes, gardening, or water conservation? We want to hear from you and highlight your story in our next newsletter! Email Alyssa Vogan, Town Sustainability Analyst, your story for a chance to have it shared with the community.

Don’t feel like you have the right story yet? That is OK! Keep reading for inspiration and ways to get involved.

Sincerely,

Mike Foster, ACES Chair
Alyssa Vogan, Town Sustainability Analyst

The Town of Superior, City of Louisville and Boulder County EnergySmart are hosting a series of in-person workshops and networking events to help residents navigate the resources and tools available on the County's RebuildingBetter.org website and learn about rebates and incentives for rebuilding.

The July 13 workshop will cover the elements required to earn the Colorado Energy Office's $10,000 incentive for electric homes:

• Heat pumps for space heating and cooling (both air source and ground source)
• Heat pump hot water heaters
• Induction and electric resistance cooking demonstration

Attend this workshop and talk with experts about each of these technologies.

The first workshop of the Rebuilding Better series took place on June 1 and covered Optimizing Comfort and Construction Cost Savings in Your New Home. This workshop was recorded and is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/7l4CJGwAQgU

June is National Pollinator Month

National Pollinator Month brings attention to the importance of the relationship between pollinators and plants. Pollinators are insects and animals that transfer pollen from one plant to another. This pollen transfer leads to plants being able to produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts. According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), “Bees are the most important pollinators, but over 100,000 invertebrates—including butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, and beetles—and over 1,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, act as pollinators.” Unfortunately, pollinators are in decline worldwide. Habitat loss, invasive species, parasites, and pesticides play a large part in this loss. Take a moment and read this blog from the NWF to learn ways you can directly help pollinators and protect and restore these critically important wildlife species.

Pollinators bring life to burn areas

In partnership with Vargas Property Services and Miles McGaughey, PROS staff began a pilot pollinator program in Community Park and Autrey Park on Tuesday, May 3. The first phase of this program consisted of creating native, non-stinging bee habitat in several areas of each park and populating these areas with pupate to encourage more efficient results. Once established, these native, pollinating bees will expedite growth for a diverse set of plant species and enhance Marshall Fire recovery efforts.

Bike to Work Day is June 22

The forecast shows sunny skies - a great excuse to ditch your vehicle, grab your bike and join us Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to celebrate Bike to Work Day. This year’s theme is “Shifting Gears,” and participants are encouraged to rethink how you get around. Instead of driving, try biking – it’s good for the environment, your health and your wallet.

Superior's station will be at the bike path junction just east of the former Element Hotel location where the bike path passes under U.S. 36.

Register online for BTWD and be automatically entered to win this year's grand prize: a custom Fat E-Bike!

The Residential Green Building Program was first adopted as part of the Superior Municipal Code in 2008 to promote high-performing sustainable development within the Town through education, regulations and incentives. The adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) earlier this year, as well as changes and improvements in the available resources, programs and newer building technologies, prompted a necessary update to the program, which the Board of Trustees approved on Monday, July 13.

The following are highlights of the changes to the program:

• Landscape Design – Added opportunities to encourage pollinator habitat, turfgrass reduction and hydro-zoning.
• Smart Watering – Included choices to utilize weather-based or soil moisture-based irrigation controllers, water budgeting tools and rainwater collection systems.
• Energy Efficiency – Removed items that were out of alignment with 2021 IECC, incentivized use of air source heat pumps and encouraged passive cooling design.
• Water Efficiency – Updated flow rates to be in alignment with current efficiency best practices and standards.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging – Added opportunity to be awarded points for installing EV charging in one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.

These updates draw elements from the best practices we see in efficient and sustainable design today, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED, as well as the 2020 National Green Building Standard. The residential sector accounts for 41% of the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions. Development meeting the updated Green Build Program standards will create cost-effective, energy efficient structures that will lessen the impact of this sector on our emissions profile.

Fall Garden in a Box kits now on sale

Are you ready to add more low-water plants to your yard? Then, you’re in luck because Resource Central and the Town of Superior have a limited number of $25 discounts on Garden In A Box kits! On June 21, five low-water garden options will be available for late summer or early fall planting, an ideal time for your plants to root deeply before the cooler temps enter the scene. Place your order for a kit soon because this sale is fast and furious!

Recycle your hazardous materials for FREE anytime at the Boulder County facility

Superior residents can safely dispose of unwanted paints, cleaning supplies, automotive liquids, and garden/yard products for FREE at the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility. Visit the facility anytime Wednesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. to dispose of your items. Appointments are recommended for drop-off and can be scheduled online at boco.org/HMMFappointment

Sign up for Resource Central’s Slow the Flow and start saving water today

FREE Slow the Flow Sprinkler Evaluations are now available from the Town of Superior and Resource Central. These 75-minute, personalized appointments run a few tests to check efficiency and diagnose any problems. You’ll receive a customized watering schedule designed to reduce water waste and keep your lawn healthy and beautiful!

Call (303) 999-3824 or sign up at ResourceCentral.org/SlowtheFlow.