What the City is Doing

We strive to responsibly manage the City’s resources to meet the needs of today without sacrificing our ability to meet the needs of the future.  

Examples of the city's sustainability practices:  

Buildings 

The City is constantly improving the energy efficiency of its buildings through HVAC upgrades and lighting projects. The City is in the process of developing a sustainable City building policy that will cover new construction, renovations and operations and maintenance.  

Capital Improvement Projects 

The City uses sustainability criteria to evaluate and improve long-term capital projects. The Envision rating tool is currently being used to evaluate some Public Works projects and we have one Envision Silver Certified building (solid-waste dewatering facility). All new City buildings are required to meet a LEED Silver Certification. 

Clean energy 

70% of the City's occupied buildings source their electricity from 100% solar sources. The City partners with SUNSHARE, a community solar garden provider, to source this electricity. In addition, photovoltaic solar panel arrays are mounted on City Park Recreation Center, West View Recreation Center, The MAC, and the Public Safety building.  

The City has over 30 solar-powered LED parking lot lights throughout Downtown and City Hall. 

Commuting and transportation 

The City offers innovative and practical commuting and transportation benefits for its employees. As of 2024, all benefitted employees receive RTD's EcoPass, an unlimited ride pass for all of RTDs transit and rail services. In addition, the City and Commutrics partnered to provide employees with a one-stop shop that offers resources and rewards for different types of commuting, emphasizing sustainable options (e.g., transit, biking, walking).  

Electric vehicle charging stations

Fleet 

The City purchases vehicles with the most efficient gas/diesel mileage appropriate for their use. As new technologies come to the market, the City will consider purchase of those vehicles. Currently, Westminster has 35 hybrid vehicles including hybrid police interceptors, two Toyota Prius, and three plug-in hybrids (Chevy Volt). The City has two electric motorcycles for use in City parks and open spaces and one fully electric vehicle for parking operations. 

Transportation and Mobility Plan

Water 

The city's reclaimed water system treats wastewater for use in landscape irrigation. By build out, the system will save 3,500 acre feet of water, enough to supply 8,150 single family homes with all of the water they would need for a year. 

Recognitions:  

• SolSmart Gold Designated Community: SolSmart recognizes cities, counties, and regional organizations for making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar. Read about the recognition! 
• "Clean Air Champion" Award, Winter 2022: Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) recognized the City of Westminster as a “Clean Air Champion” for its work in reducing emissions by supporting electrification efforts and promoting low/no emission transit options. 
• Colorado Solar Friendly Communities, Platinum-level Certification: Recognition for resident and installer friendly solar permitting and review processes  
• Colorado Clean Commute Approved: The Sustainability Office worked with our local transportation management agencies, Smart Commute and Commuting Solutions, to become Colorado Clean Commute Approved! The City completed an assessment about our workforce, conducted employee surveys, and were presented with a trip reduction plan that outlines clean commute suggestions. 
• Drive Clean Colorado Member: As a member, the City works with Drive Clean Colorado to support their vision for clean air and sustainability rooted in equity and economic opportunity. 

Plans and Reports