Welcome to the first edition of Westminster’s sustainability news. Each quarter, Westminster’s Sustainability Office will provide you with actions you can take, the most important updates on our community programs, and a special highlight of a resident or business who went above and beyond to achieve their sustainability goals.
Actions You Can Take
October is Energy Efficiency Month. One of the best ways to kickstart your energy efficiency journey is with a home energy assessment. Westminster residents can receive a free home energy assessment from Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Squad Plus program.
As part of the assessment, a licensed professional will assess your home for energy and money-saving opportunities. They will complete basic efficiency upgrades like swapping in LED light bulbs or installing a smart thermostat, and offer additional information on rebates for larger energy efficiency changes. To claim a free assessment, visit Xcel’s website or call 303-446-7910 and use code WESTY2026.
If you’ve already started your energy efficiency journey, consider a heat pump. Heat pumps are the most modern and efficient heating and cooling solutions currently on the market. Westminster is working to make heat pumps more affordable through rebates. Navigate to Power Head Colorado to find more information about rebates and connect with professional advisors.
Community Programs
Downtown Westminster CarShare
This quarter saw the launch of two major new programs! In partnership with Colorado CarShare, the City of Westminster recently unveiled an EV CarShare program. Anyone can sign up to use the AWD and ski-rack-equipped electric vehicle located at the Downtown Parking Garage (8855 Eaton Street, Westminster CO). On average, the vehicle costs about half the price of an Uber to ride the same distance, and you get all the control! Sign up at Colorado CarShare’s website, and for a limited time, use code WEST_EV at signup to get $50 in credit toward your application and account.
Youth Sustainability Grant
On September 28, Westminster launched its new Youth CARE Grant. Short for Climate Action, Responsibility, and Education (CARE), this grant seeks to fund youth-driven sustainability projects up to $1,000. From community gardens to recycling campaigns to art installations, the City is funding creative ideas that showcase just how much Westminster youth care about our city. If you or someone you know would like to apply, you can do so through the grant’s webpage.
Celebrating a Sustainability Superstar
This quarter, we’d like to highlight Penny Quinn for leading the way on commercial building electrification. Penny oversees the maintenance and operation of the Penguin Building at 7265 Lowell Boulevard. The Penguin Building, constructed in 1951, originally operated as a pharmacy. Nowadays, it hosts a variety of businesses and needed some efficiency upgrades to bring it to modern standards. Penny has championed that effort, helping to install a mini-split heat pump system and much needed insulation upgrades. According to Penny, she opted for a heat pump system because “they use a next-generation refrigerant that is much better for the planet. It will allow me to heat and cool the two units in the Penguin Building efficiently without relying on fossil fuels.”
Thank you, Penny for all your work to champion energy efficiency!
For more information on sustainability in Westminster, visit the sustainability office website.