Summer is transitioning into fall, with kids heading back to school and warm days balanced by cool nights. We’ve got some great opportunities and events to share with you as we approach the end of the season, including a group solar purchasing program, a chance to be part of the Chili & Beer Fest zero waste team and tips to address air quality in our community. As always, thanks for being a part of making Superior a sustainable, resilient and vibrant community!

-Town of Superior Sustainability Team

This fall, Boulder County residents can join Solar Switch Boulder County, a solar group purchasing program with Solar United Neighbors (SUN). This program builds on the success of last year’s county-wide solar co-op which had over 400 participants! Members leverage bulk-purchasing power to receive discounted pricing and a quality installation while still signing individual contracts that ensure the right system for their home. 

Solar Switch Boulder County will help Superior homeowners and small business owners learn about solar together and purchase solar panels at a group rate from a single installer. Residents have until Nov. 1 to participate in the program.

Want to learn more in person? Join SUN on Aug. 28 at the Boulder Main Library from 5:30 - 7 p.m. or on Aug. 30 at the Lafayette Library from 6 - 7:30 p.m. to hear more and ask questions! Light refreshments will be served.

There is no purchase obligation if you sign up. Interested residents can sign up for the program or learn more at SolarSwitch.com/BoulderCounty.

Join us for a super spicy, fun-filled day at Chili & Beer Fest on Sept. 7 and help support our Town's zero waste efforts as a member of the Green Team!

Green Team volunteers will help by educating and guiding attendees on where to return reusable chili bowls and water cups, as well as letting attendees know where to put their trash and recycling. This is mostly an educational, hands-off assignment; pickers will be provided if sorting is needed. Volunteers must arrive at 1:30 p.m. for a brief training session and work the full shift until 6 p.m. Breaks are supported. No prior Green Team or waste sorting experience necessary. 

Thanks to our ACES committee, Green Team volunteers will receive a $100 Visa gift card as a thank-you for serving in this very important role. Green Team volunteers also receive a special Green Team t-shirt and a free lunch. Sign up for the Green Team shift on the volunteer sign-up today!

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) competitive Climate Pollution Reduction Grant awards were announced, and both the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) application to decarbonize the metro area’s homes and buildings and the Colorado Energy Office’s grant application for climate mitigation were fully funded at $199.7 million and $130 million respectively! This funding will be transformational for our region and state.

Almost two years ago, Superior partnered with other leading experts from over 25 local governments to form the Front Range Beneficial Electrification Network (FRBEN). This network has been pivotal in advancing building electrification across the region to the benefit of all communities. FRBEN played an important role in helping develop the DRCOG grant proposal that was funded. Superior staff also participated in stakeholder engagement with the Colorado Energy Office, and we are thrilled to see both of these projects awarded! The EPA grant process was extremely competitive; only 25 applications were selected out of over 300 proposals. Stay tuned for details as these grants move into implementation.

Want to transform your thirsty lawn into a beautiful, low-water landscape? Check out Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program for discounts on lawn removal before summer ends! Visit ResourceCentral.org/Lawn to enroll.

As the hot weather persists, Resource Central can help with a free sprinkler evaluation for your lawn! At the 75-minute evaluation of your sprinkler system, an expert will help you tune up your system, make recommendations to reduce water waste and provide a customized watering schedule designed to optimize your water use. It’s easy to sign up and schedule! Simply register at ResourceCentral.org/Sprinklers.

Make your home renovation more eco-friendly through our partnership with Resource Central! Their Zero Waste team will be in Superior every Tuesday, picking up your old cabinets, working appliances, tools or other large items for FREE. Plus, your donation is tax deductible! Help put conservation into action, reduce the environmental impact and economic costs of new buildings in Colorado, and make a sustainable difference, one donation at a time. To schedule your free pickup and see accepted items, visit ResourceCentral.org/Reuse/Material-Donations. 

As the hot weather sticks around, ground-level ozone is the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem. Emissions from gas-powered vehicles, gas-powered lawn equipment and oil and gas production combine on sunny summer days to form this invisible, odorless pollutant. Take these simple steps from the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) to reduce your emissions and help your Colorado community breathe easier!

• #JustSkip2 car trips each week! Carpool, combine car trips, bike or scoot to your destination.
• Don’t idle the car when it is parked.
• Upgrade to a high MPG vehicle or electric vehicle.
• Electrify your lawn and garden equipment (take advantage of the 30% discount at local retailers provided by the State this year!)

Learn more about what simple steps you can take for better air: SimpleStepsBetterAir.org.

Are you enjoying the Sustainability newsletter? Did you know the Town also sends a Historical Commission, Parks, Recreation & Open Space and Superior Sentinel newsletter? You can also subscribe to receive Superior Community Center updates, Town Board information and more. For more information and to view your preferences, visit the Town's email and text messages subscription page.