Index: Environment
Environment - Use of Resources
Quick Data Links
What's New (updated 11/17/08)
Human Development Report 2007/2008 [pdf] delves into climate change challenges and the strategies needed for mitigation. This report was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme. (2007)
Human Development Report 2007/2008 [pdf] delves into climate change challenges and the strategies needed for mitigation. This report was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme. (2007)
What We Measured:
- Electricity Consumption
- Natural Gas Consumption
- Open Lands
- Recycling
- Solid Waste
- Water Consumption
- Wind Energy Consumption
Highlights:
- The total acreage in the Larimer County Open Lands program increased by 156% from 2003 to 2007. In terms of square miles, the total acreage increased from 25.6 square miles in 2003 to 65.5 square miles in 2007 (640 acres = 1 square mile). (Open Lands)
- The amount of solid waste collected at the Larimer County Landfill decreased 125% from 1999 to 2008. According to the 2006 Waste Characterization Study, at least 25.5% of all waste collected at the Landfill is made up of paper products. (Solid Waste)
- Total annual consumption of electricity in Colorado is increasing with largest increases in residential and industrial sectors. According to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the population of Colorado grew an estimated 12% from 2000 to 2006. (Electricity Consumption)
- From 1997 to 2006, consumption of natural gas in Fort Collinsincreased by 158%, while the number of natural gas customers increased by 46%. Between 2004 and 2005, Fort Collinsexperienced a 167% increase in natural gas consumption. (Natural Gas Consumption)
- Recycling in Larimer County decreased by 10% from 2000 to 2001 due to changes in collection regulations. Recycling has since rebounded, increasing by 30% from 2002 to 2008. (Recycling)
- Larimer County utilized 83% of water resources for crop irrigation (2000). Of all community water systems, the City of Fort Collins had the highest usage (8.9 billion gallons, 2007), however the City of Loveland had large increases in both residential (26%, 2003-2007) and commercial (6%, peaking in 2006) sectors. (Water Consumption)
- Wind energy consumption in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park continues to increase as the public becomes aware of the environmental impacts and more wind turbines are available. (Wind Energy Consumption )
Related Studies:
- Feeling the Heat: Global Warming and Rising Temperatures in the United States [pdf] states that the summer of 2007 was the tenth warmest on record for the continguous United States. The report examines the long-term trend toward rising temperatures and extreme weather events resulting from global warming. (Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center, October 2008).
- Global Warming Solutions That Work: Cutting Edge Efforts to Curb Global Warming Pollution and the Lessons They Hold for America [pdf] (June 2008) details more than 20 examples of of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities, states, and countries are using to reduce global warming pollution.
- Environmental America Congressional Scorecard 2008 [pdf] (June 2008) takes a look at the key environmental votes taken between March 2007 and February 2008. (Produced by the Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center.)
- Front Range Water Meter: Water Conservation Ratings and Recommendations for 13 Colorado Communities [pdf] (November 2007) - provides an snapshot of how Colorado Front Range communities (including Berthoud and Loveland) compare across many water conservation categories, including rates of per capita use, breadth and depth of implementation of conservation programs, water loss, conservation funding, and many others. (Western Resource Advocates)
- Losing Ground: Colorado's Vanishing Agricultural Landscape [pdf] documents Colorado's loss of 1.26 million acres of agricultural lands since 1997, and the impact to rural economies. (Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center - April 2006)
- Facing Our Future: A Balanced Water Solution for Colorado [pdf] - this report by the Western Resource Advocates, Trout Unlimited and the Colorado Environmental Coalition discuss how Front Range water demands can be satisfied over the next 25 years.
- Larimer County 2004 - Water Supply Issues [pdf] - a report by the Larimer County Division of Health & Human Services, which explores efforts to ensure our local water supply. (September 2004)
- The Colorado Drought [pdf] (August 2004) - this report contains information on the impact drought is having on wildfires, tourism and agriculture. (Larimer County Division of Health & Human Services)
- A Roadmap for Natural Capitalism [pdf] (Harvard Business Review, May/June 1999 Issue) - this article discusses the benefits of using a natural capitalism business approach, which include protecting the biosphere while improving profits and competitiveness.
- Statewide Water Supply Initiative Phase I [pdf] (November 2004) and Statewide Water Supply Initiative Phase II [pdf] (November 2007) - According to this study, commissioned by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado water providers have planned for nearly all the State's increased water needs through 2030, with approximately 68,000 acre-feet still needed. See the study for more information on projected demand and shortfalls, and public comment on the initiative process.
- Home Energy Use and Costs: Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) 2005 - provides information on the use of energy in residential housing units in the United States. This report is published by the United Stated Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy.
- Energy Use of Some Typical Home Appliances - this Consumer Energy Information brief includes a formula for calculating the daily energy usage of an electrical appliance, as well as wattage estimates for many common home appliances.
Related issues within Compass:
- Community Development: Transportation
- Environment: Quality
- Housing Units
- Miles of Road
- Population Size & Growth
- New Residential Units
Additional Resources:
- City of Estes Park Public Works
- City of Fort Collins Utilities
- City of Loveland Water & Power Department
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
- Colorado State University
- Colorado Water Conservation Board
- Colorado Water Institute - an affiliate of Colorado State University, exists for the express purpose of focusing the water expertise of higher education on the evolving water concerns and problems being faced by Colorado citizens
- Drought Monitor - provides a synthesis of multiple indices and impacts representing a consensus of federal and academic scientists
- Environmental Protection Agency- includes water and hazardous waste data.
- Larimer County Department of Health & Environment
- Platte River Power Authority
- Poudre Valley REA
- Statewide Water Supply Initiative
- Xcel Energy