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The Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) is amplifying its efforts to combat climate change by substantially refreshing its funding application process.
Funding of up to $200,000 is available per project, with priority going to construction projects that have the largest impact on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Projects eligible for grants and rebates must fall within Pitkin County or the Roaring Fork Valley boundary of Eagle County.
“We’re thrilled about these changes,” said Ryland French, the senior director of climate programs with CORE. “In 2023 compared to 2022, we quadrupled the amount of heat pump projects that we advised on and incentivized, mostly in single-family homes. In 2024, our goal is to double down on that, while also increasing participation from multifamily housing and commercial projects.”
In 2023, CORE awarded $990,931 in funding to support 177 energy-saving projects, up from $706,811 for 129 projects in 2022. The surge in community interest, combined with the charge to meet local greenhouse-gas reduction goals, has compelled CORE to adopt an even more proactive approach to raising and allocating funds in 2024.
French continued: “The recently released Eagle County Energy Inventory revealed a 6% increase in greenhouse-gas emissions between 2022 and the baseline year 2014. While the 2020 Pitkin County Greenhouse Gas Emissions report indicates a consistent decrease in emissions from 2014 to 2020, the current trajectory suggests we are not on track to meet our climate action goals by 2030 and 2050.
“We are challenged with a pressing timeline,” added French. “Buildings are the largest source of emissions in both counties. CORE is taking bigger and bolder strides to reduce emissions in the built environment and address climate change now for the sake of our community, our environment, and our future generations.”
Funding applications are accepted on a rolling basis, contingent on funding availability. The entire process is designed to be accessible, with CORE’s Energy Concierge team ready to help identify projects, recommend engineers and contractors, and explore additional incentives available beyond CORE.
Grants and rebates are available for individuals or entities in single-family homes, multi-family homes, or commercial buildings. Community Priority Participants are eligible for double the amount of rebate funding for projects in their homes or buildings and receive priority consideration for grant applications. They include organizations and individuals in childcare, education, nonprofits, local government, the energy-efficiency industry, first responders, local workforce housing, active military, veterans, local workforce housing, and households under 150% of the average median income.
For more information, including application guidelines, visit AspenCORE.org/savings-finder.
