Relevant

In 2007:
• We used 93 gallons of water per person per day. (less than the national average)
• 8.9% of our electricity came from Renewable energy sources. (Hydro, wind, solar) A drop from 9.2% in 2006.
• we get approximately 72% of our electricity from coal, 18% from gas, 9% from hydro, and only .04% from wind
• El Paso County’s annual consumption of electricity is approximately 7,730 kWH (kilowatt hours per year).  Colorado on average uses 8,350 kWh and the national average is 11,035 kWh.

As we depend heavily on burning of fossil fuels to produce our electricity, we must understand it comes at a price in CO2 emissions. Our Colorado Springs Utilities plants produce over 5,100,000 tons of CO2 annually. 

You can save CO2 emissions annually by making small changes:
• Installing an EnergyStar thermostat (500 pounds)
• Switching to low-flow showerheads (700 pounds)
• Using five compact florescent bulbs (300 pounds)
• Sealing up leaks around doors and windows (500 pounds)
• Reducing air-duct leakage (1,600 pounds)

Follow our local community progress via the CSU Environmental Annual Report:

Sources:
Colorado Springs Utilities
El Paso County, Environmental Solid Waste Division
Green, Greener, Greenest.  "A Practical Guide to Making Eco-Smart Choices." 2008. Lori Bongiorno

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:
Status and Challenges
NASA/C3P 2008 International Workshop on Pollution
Prevention and Sustainable Development
November 18, 2008
Stanley R. Bull, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado

Information on Energy & Water Conservation/Improvements:
-Visit Colorado Springs Utilities (PPSBN Member) at www.csu.org  or www.csu.org/environment/index.html
- Free Industrial Assessment/Energy Audit at Colorado State University