Program areas at 4CORE
Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE): Through administering the CARE program, 4CORE has served between 30-35 lower income residents per year since 2017. Of those residents, 72% are older adults. Program participants are located in La Plata and Archuleta counties. In 2023, 4CORE provided 29 CARE energy efficiency installations for income-qualified households. The health and well-being of residents and the direct correlation to indoor air quality and comfort is only possible through these kinds of home support services and installations.
Green Business Certification: 4CORE launched its Green Business Certification program in 2023. Developed alongside the City of Durango, it is a robust program to assist businesses in streamlining operations, reducing their energy burden and providing a just and equitable workplace. The comprehensive certification process awards businesses when they reduce water use, reduce waste and become more energy efficient. 4CORE completed the first year of the Green Business Certification in 2023 for local businesses with 8 fully certified businesses.
Community Access to Electric Bicycles: 4CORE received a grant from the Colorado Energy Office to offer free eBikes for lower income older adults in the disproportionately affected Cortez, Colorado region. 4CORE delivered a total of 35 free eBikes and eTrikes to older, income qualified adults in Cortez in 2023, for a total of 51 free eBikes and eTrikes delivered in the 4CORE region to deserving individuals. This innovative clean transportation option provided operation training, safety and education, and participants received a free eBike or eTrike with accessories that make eBike travel safe and convenient.
--ReCharge Colorado: ReCharge 4COREs work with the Colorado Energy Office promotes the adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure development, and increases zero-emission transportation across southern Colorado in an 11 county territory. The ReCharge Colorado program has significantly increased the adoption of electric vehicles and because the program supports and provides education for businesses and towns across southern Colorado, the charging infrastructure for Level 2 and DCFC charging stations is steadily growing in rural communities. 4CORE assists businesses, towns and governments with developing EV charging infrastructure through grants and education encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption through the States ReCharge program. 4CORE provides EV Ride and Drive events, workshops, and coordination webinars. --Energy Smart Colorado: Through Energy Smart, 4CORE completed 5 business energy assessments and 33 residential energy assessments in 2023, which can save businesses and homes as much as 30% on utilities if the recommendations are implemented. The Energy Smart Colorado Program is similar to CARE, but for people of any income level. The residential energy assessment costs $500 or more depending on location on the open market (value is $500 or more), but with incentives, rebates and tax credits, the assessment through Energy Smart Colorado can be as low as $95. --Rain Barrels: 4CORE offers an annual group buy for rain barrels at 50% off retail price to encourage water savings through rainwater harvesting. In 2023, the 132 rain barrels sold through the annual rainwater barrel promotion, in partnership with Rainwater Solutions, addressed regional water conservation. Collecting rainwater has more benefits than just saving money on a water bill. Rain runoff often picks up debris or even pesticides and other noxious chemicals on its way from peoples yards toward waterways and the groundwater supply. Since 2017, 4CORE has introduced 459 rain barrels, which have saved an estimated 436,000 gallons of water annually. This is equivalent to watering 17 household landscapes each year. --Laundry to Landscape: Awarded a grant through the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Laundry to Landscape program will create the codes for safe and legal first graywater reuse in La Plata County. 4CORE is collaborating with La Plata County to launch the Laundry to Landscape graywater program. --Four Corners Carbon Offset Fund: The Four Corners Carbon Offset Fund is an innovative method for businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint, reducing their GHG impact by contributing, and will provide beneficial electrification upgrades to income-qualified residents. This fund will be used to provide grants for local low to moderate income households to install beneficial energy efficiency upgrades reducing their footprint and saving them hundreds of dollar utility costs annually.