Welcome to SASCO's Smart Energy Committee!

Formerly the Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SWCRES), these dedicated volunteers have merged with the Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado (SASCO).

On November 15, 2007, the SWCRES membership affirmed a resolution to dissolve SWCRES and form the Smart Energy Committee of SASCO. SASCO formed in 2006 with a broad mission that encompassed the energy agenda of SWCRES. It was decided that by combining the vital functions of SWCRES with SASCO, the committed corps of community volunteers would be able to work more effectively and efficiently toward mutual goals.

Goals

The goals of the Smart Energy Committee are:

• To promote healthy communities through cleaner, more efficient energy options.
• To influence and engage utilities, the local private sector, city, county, state, and national political entities toward this mission.
• To continue a cooperative working relationship with the local utilities.
• To continue advocacy for various initiatives, including accessibility to and marketing of green power programs.
• To act as a forum and agent for implementing government, utility, and private-sector renewable power and energy efficiency initiatives.
• To continue advocacy for a sustainable alternative to coal-fired electric power plants in the Four Corners region.
• To assist the Governor’s Energy Office in meeting or beating the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado by 20 percent by 2020.

Accomplishments

Here is a sampling of some of the contributions of SWCRES/the Smart Energy Committee in recent years:

• Providing community education and successful campaigning toward the passage of Amendment 37. (2004)
• Working with La Plata County in 2004 and the City of Durango in 2005 to adopt the International Energy Conservation Code.
• Encouraging the Durango City Council and La Plata County Commissioners to unanimously adopt the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. (2006)
• Organizing and supporting the annual La Plata County Solar Tour and arranging for free educational talks on passive solar design and photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. (2004–2007)
• Providing education and collaboration with the City of Durango and La Plata County in LEED-certified construction standards for municipal buildings. (ongoing)
• Working with La Plata Electric Association, the City of Durango, and La Plata County to develop a Four Corners Office of Resource Efficiency (4CORE). (ongoing)

History

Up until late 2007, SASCO’s Smart Energy Committee was known as the Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SWCRES). SWCRES grew out of the Southwest Colorado Smart Energy Alliance, which became a regional group of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) in 2004.

Beginning in 2008, local energy efficiency and renewable energy advocates who formed the committees of SWCRES will begin working under the SASCO banner. The SWCRES Education & Outreach Committee will merge with the existing SASCO Education & Outreach Committee. The Economic Development/Private Sector Committee will merge with the SASCO Sustainable Local Economic Development (SLED) Committee. All other SWCRES committee functions (including the Utilities and Government/Policy Committees) will move under the umbrella of SASCO as the Smart Energy Committee.

SWCRES enjoyed three productive years as a regional group of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society. We encourage you to visit the CRES website and consider joining this statewide organization.

To Get Involved: Please contact us at: info[at]sustainableSWcolorado[dot]org

Meeting Minutes [to come]

Additional Web Resources:
American Solar Energy Society
Colorado Renewable Energy Society
Colorado Governor’s Energy Office