About CORE

CORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating the transformation to a sustainable future through action-oriented solutions to the climate crisis. 

CORE turns vision into reality by actively pursuing electrification efforts and addressing the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in our valley, preserving the remarkable place we call home. We are able to continue our work with the support of our member organizations, sponsors, and donors.

Since 1994, CORE has used innovation, connectivity and community to tackle climate change.

Together, we:

Removed over 34,000 metric tons of carbon through 6,000 energy efficiency projects.

Connected community members and businesses with over $10 million in grants and rebates.

Advanced mitigation efforts to eliminate massive amounts of methane  leaching from an abandoned coal mine.

At our CORE, we are guided by our:

Purpose

We believe CORE is uniquely positioned to significantly curb carbon emissions in the built environments of Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield County communities and effectively create a region where everyone can live, work, and recreate sustainably.


Mission

To urgently reduce carbon emissions through optimizing efficiency, electrification, and resiliency of the built environment, while advancing innovative climate-saving solutions.

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Vision

100% of buildings in Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield County communities are electric, efficient, and contributing to the region’s health, safety, and resiliency.


Impact

A region where individuals, businesses, and government connect ideas, people, and resources to take collective action to slow the pace of climate change.

Values


Action

We are driven by results.


Accountability

We deliver on our promises.


Environmental Justice

Our processes, experience, and solutions are accessible to every community.


Innovation

We adapt and respond to opportunity.


Collaboration

We work together with those advancing a shared vision.

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Setting our sights high

The following are CORE's strategic goals outlined in our Strategic Plan (amended 2025).

  • Goal 1: Achieve verifiable and community-focused reductions of carbon emissions.
    • Achieve a 160,000 MTCO2e reduction in lifetime emissions through CORE-funded projects by 2030.  
    • Increase energy efficiency and electrification/fuel switching projects to reduce carbon emissions by 20% annually to achieve the 2030 goal.
    • Develop and implement a tool to objectively evaluate existing and potential projects to make data-informed decisions on annual program priorities by 2024.
    • Advance energy benchmarking and support building performance standards within our region.
    • Verify that grant-funded projects achieve projected carbon reduction targets and report verified and rebate-funded projects deemed savings, annually. 

  • Goal 2: Support under-resourced and workforce communities to reduce carbon emissions.
    • Deepen relationships to develop and align community engagement and communications strategies with under-resourced and workforce communities by 2024.
    • 40% of resources allocated directly to under-resourced and workforce communities by 2025.


  • Goal 3: Demonstrate organizational excellence in regional climate action knowledge and capacity building in the built environment.
    • Align staff capacity, expertise, and skills to effectively reduce carbon emissions in the built environment, in alignment with organizational and regional goals.
    • Collaborate with organizations whose work intersects with climate action in the built environment to increase collective impact.
    • Achieve 90% satisfaction in delivering technical advising, planning, and implementation, from the region’s municipalities, utilities, and CORE customers. 
    • CORE will be recognized by all staff as a great place to work, via annual performance review feedback.

  • Goal 4: Seek out and pursue high-impact greenhouse gas reduction demonstration projects with potential for exceeding the return on investment of existing programs and projects.
    • Determine greenhouse gas reduction impact and project viability for methane capture opportunities by 2025.
    • Establish a restricted “innovation fund” to pursue high-potential, high-impact program opportunities by 2026.

  • Goal 5: Diversify and increase sustainable funding that meets or exceeds the board-approved annual operating budget.
    • Expand fee-for-service revenue by 5% annually.
    • Increase philanthropic giving by all sources by 10% annually.
    • Increase government and foundation grant revenue by 15% annually.
    • Evolve the board composition to adequately support increased capacity for philanthropic fundraising by 2025. 

Staff

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Open Staff Positions

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on climate change and the Roaring Fork Valley? Do you want to harmonize your passion and profession? Do you want to work with stellar people who align with your values of environmental justice, innovation, collaboration, action, and accountability? Join our team and apply for an open staff position with CORE.

Learn More and Apply