The Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) to Fund $1.3 million in Valley-wide Grants. CORE to Disperse an Additional $115,000 to Energy Efficiency Initiatives 

Aspen, CO January 15, 2008 – The Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP), managed by CORE, received final approval on Wednesday afternoon to disperse over $1.3 million in grants to a variety of Valley-wide initiatives. REMP funds are generated through an energy budgeting program, which is part of the Aspen and Pitkin County Building Code. REMP Funds have been supporting energy efficiency programs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley since 2000.

This year’s REMP giving will fund a wide array of programs including the installation of a ground source heat pump at ACES’s Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, the implementation of the City’s hydroelectric system on Castle Creek, the support of the successful Aspen Renewable Energy Day and many of Pitkin County’s Green Programs.

Over the years REMP funds have helped eliminate several hundred million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and have also supported major green initiatives throughout the Valley community including programs at Aspen Middle School, RFTA, the Woody Creek Community Center and a number of affordable housing projects. The REMP program has also been emulated in other communities throughout the Western Slope.

“We received an exceptionally high number of grant applications this year that included a wider variety of programs from years past, which was really exciting,” said Nathan Ratledge of CORE. “And, we’re thrilled to continue supporting the many environmental programs that help create the foundation for our community.”

In addition to managing the REMP grants, CORE will also be funding a variety of smaller grants within the Roaring Fork Valley. CORE grants will support energy audits at Colorado Mountain College, education programs through the Green Sprouts Foundation, Aspen High School’s Reusable Bag Program and solar installations at the Carbondale Community School and Solara Preschool.

“It’s encouraging to see so many green initiatives move forward,” said Josh Smith – Carbondale’s Energy Manager and an employee of CORE. “The Valley has really taken a lead in making energy efficiency a priority, and it’s exciting to work with these innovative programs.”

This year’s REMP funds will also continue to support a number of energy efficiency rebates that are available through CORE. Rebates support the purchase of energy efficient dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, pv systems, solar hot water systems and programmable thermostats. For more information on any of these programs or the Insulate Colorado program please contact CORE at 544.9808. CORE has offices at 215 North Garmisch in Aspen and

in Carbondale, and all are welcome to stop by at anytime.

Nathan Ratledge

Climate Project Manager / Interim Director

Nathan@aspencore.org 

Check out CORE’s Reusable Bag Programs at http://www.aspencore.org/sitepages/pid124.php

CORE 

Office:

.

Mailing:

Aspen, CO 81611

970.544.9808

www.aspencore.org

CORE Sponsors:

The City of Aspen

Pitkin County

Holy Cross Energy

The Town of Carbondale

Fenton Construction

Bluegreen

The Neenan Company

Greenspot