If you attended Aspen’s Independence Day Parade, you probably noticed two electric vehicles cruising almost silently amidst the procession. One was decorated with a beak and tail, symbolizing a commitment to Aspen’s Canary Initiative. The second was toting potted trees, a subtle promotion of Aspen’s Green Tree Award for Environmental Stewardship.

The force behind these “green” vehicles, the parade’s only environmental proclamation, was the Aspen Alps Condominium Association.

Winner of the 2005 Green Tree Award, the Aspen Alps has operated an electric vehicle since 2000, enabling the Maintenance Department to retire a pick-up truck every summer. In June, management added a second electric car to its fleet.

The new four-seat “E-Car” will be used to shuttle guests around town, as well as throughout the Alps six and one half-acre property. The vehicle is manufactured by Global Electric Motorcars (GEM). Prices range from $6995 to $12,495 depending on size, but e-car owners are eligible for a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the purchase price. Another perk to going green, no more parking tickets. The City of Aspen allows electric vehicles to park in town for free.

According to the “GEM Cost Calculator” the Aspen Alps will save close to $1000 annually based on an average usage of 30 miles per week, per vehicle. More important is the reduction in carbon emissions. Reducing the miles driven in its gas fueled vehicles will prevent 1,100 pounds of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

To offset the minimal amount electricity used to operate an electric vehicle, owners can purchase wind power from companies such as Renewable Choice or Holy Cross. The energy needed to drive an electric vehicle 80-100 miles per week will run between 500-600 kWh annually. This amount can be offset with a wind purchase of only $10.

It is the hope of this writer that more local businesses will step up to the plate and join the Aspen Alps in their fight against global warming.