Energy Spotlight: Tiny Homes, Big Impacts

CORE Awards Nearly $1.42 Million for 130 Local Energy Projects in First Half of 2026

Carbondale's New Aquatics Center Makes a Splash with All-Electric Innovation

 When Carbondale resident Sheri Gaynor decided to install a heat pump, her motivation was simple: she wanted to create a healthier home. After living in Colorado for more than 40 years, Sheri has seen firsthand how the climate has changed. In recent years, wildfire smoke has made it increasingly difficult to open windows for fresh air while managing an underlying health condition. "Unfortunately, with climate change, Colorado has changed in the 40 years I have lived here," Sheri shared. "The last few fires have made it very challenging due to a health issue. I was not able to open windows for ventilation." At the same time, Sheri recognized that Colorado's increasingly extreme weather wasn't going away and wanted to reduce her natural gas consumption while creating a healthier home. To improve year-round comfort, Sheri chose to install a three-head Senville heat pump system. Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, helping homeowners maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Deciding to install a heat pump had been years in the making. "I've priced this for several years, and this year I decided to take the leap," Sheri said. "The rebate made that possible." Sheri worked closely with CORE's Energy Concierge team throughout the process and credits their guidance with helping her feel confident every step of the way. "CORE was amazing to work with," she said. "They were totally supportive, answered all my questions, and offered guidance as needed along the way. I can't thank Sam enough for the support each step of the way!" Since her installation in May, Sheri has only had limited opportunities to use her new system, but she's looking forward to the difference it will make for years to come. "I did this mostly for my health, but also as a way to reduce my climate impact." Sheri hopes her experience encourages others considering similar home improvements. "CORE will help make this possible for you through solid guidance." Interested in creating a healthier, more comfortable home? CORE's Energy Concierge can help you explore heat pumps, available rebates, and resources to find the right solution for your home.

Heat pumps are having a moment, and for good reason. As more homeowners and building owners look for ways to improve comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and modernize aging HVAC equipment, heat pumps are becoming one of the most talked-about solutions in building efficiency.

When a catastrophic fire destroyed Clint Coerdt and Kate Sartain's home in Old Snowmass, Colorado, they faced an impossible choice: leave the Roaring Fork Valley or rebuild in the shadow of devastating loss. What emerged from the ashes is a blueprint for resilient, all-electric mountain living powered almost entirely by the sun--and it could inspire your own home energy transformation.

Learn how a nonprofit overcame floodplain and zoning challenges to build a sustainable healing center that sets a new standard for green construction.

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency has announced the appointment of Tara Stitzlein as the new chief executive officer. Stitzlein takes the helm from John Dougherty, who was appointed by the board as the organization’s contracted CEO in 2023. She is “marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history and the broader climate movement,” a press release states. “I am honored to continue serving CORE as CEO, building on the legacy that John and the previous climate leaders at CORE have shaped.” she said in the release. “The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we expand our impact while ensuring that our work remains community-rooted. I am thrilled to steward CORE’s mission and make climate action accessible for all residents throughout Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties.” Dougherty will remain with CORE for a transitional period to support Stitzlein in her new role. Her official start date in this new role in Sept. 15. She holds a Master of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Molecular Environmental Biology from The Arctic University of Norway, where she researched the marine plastic microbiome for her thesis. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Environmental Law at the University of Denver. She has also served in various leadership roles at CORE since June 2022, most recently as the director of Climate Action Programs. She has overseen operations, strategy, personnel management, and significant projects like the Coal Basin Methane Capture initiative.  “We are thrilled to welcome Tara as our new CEO,” said Tessa Schreiner, CORE’s board chair, in the release. “Her extensive experience as a leader in climate action, coupled with her impressive educational background as a scientist, makes her the perfect fit for CORE at this pivotal time. Tara’s unique blend of scientific expertise and passionate commitment to environmental sustainability aligns seamlessly with our mission. We are confident CORE can scale climate solutions to meet the increasing urgency of the climate crisis, and we believe that under her leadership, CORE will expand its impact and further engage the community.” And Stitzlein is no stranger to the Roaring Fork Valley. Her husband, Cole Green-Smith, is a native of the area who graduated from Aspen High School and currently works as a hydrologist for the U.S. Forest Service, bringing over a decade of experience in public service. They reside in Missouri Heights with their 16-month-old daughter, June. “This personal connection to the community further enhances Tara’s commitment to leading CORE and making a positive impact in our region,” the press release states. Stitzlein will be at CORE’s Green Expo on Sept. 12 at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen. The community is encouraged to attend this event from 1-5 p.m., followed by a social hour from 5-6 p.m. where attendees can meet her and learn more about her vision for the future. The event is free and open to the public — registration can be completed at aspencore.org/green-expo . CORE has pledged to address climate change “swiftly, impactfully, and courageously while enhancing its capacity to combat the climate crisis.” CORE aims to align community priorities with climate action and bridge the gap between ambitious climate goals and measurable action. For more information about CORE and Stitzlein’s vision, visit the aspencore.org or contact the organization directly.

Just beyond the Downtown Core lies Smuggler Park, a fabled Aspen subdivision the HOA says is made up of “real homes for real locals.” Two of those locals, Sam and Desi Barney, are using a CORE grant to drive real change when it comes to how their home uses energy.

In Pitkin County, buildings account for over 55% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a property owner, your building design choices significantly impact both your bottom line and our shared environment.