Local Climate Action Gains Momentum:
A Midyear Look at CORE’s Impact
A Message from CORE’s Cedric Gamble, Director of Climate Action Programs
Dear CORE Community,
Since joining the CORE team as Program Director last December, I have been so impressed by our community’s willingness to take climate action. The first half of 2026 has been a big success for local climate action and a tangible reminder of the effects of climate change.
Coming off a warm, dry winter and moving into a very hot summer has put climate change at the forefront of our minds. Fortunately, we have the technology and infrastructure to mitigate its effects on our homes and commercial buildings while simultaneously removing the fossil fuel use driving climate change from those same buildings.
The basic formula for turning any home or building into a climate-resilient, healthy, and energy-efficient space is simple, though not always easy to enact:
- Improve the building envelope by air-sealing and insulating.
- Install energy-efficient equipment and appliances.
- Electrify the HVAC system.
CORE makes these three steps accessible to homes and buildings throughout our region, resulting in spaces that eliminate on-site fossil fuel use, provide cooling and cleaner air during wildfire smoke events, and reduce overall carbon emissions.
Through June 30, CORE awarded nearly $1.42 million for 130 residential and commercial energy efficiency and electrification projects across Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties—nearly double the number supported at this time last year. These projects included 85 cold-climate heat pumps, while 60% of the incentive funding went to Community Priority Participants. Completed projects are expected to prevent approximately 3,785 metric tons of carbon emissions over their useful lives.
This success demonstrates both the demand for energy efficiency and electrification projects in our region and CORE’s ability to help transform homes and commercial buildings into climate-resilient, healthy, and energy-efficient spaces. We are grateful to our residents, businesses, contractors, donors, and community partners for their interest in CORE’s work and their dedication to building a climate-resilient, healthy community. Atlantic Aviation’s renewed challenge grant, which matches donations at 50%, is helping CORE continue this important work.
Together, we are creating healthier buildings and a more resilient future for our region.
Sincerely,
Cedric Gamble
Director of Climate Action Programs
Community Office for Resource Efficiency
Nearly $1.42 Million Invested in Local Energy Projects
During the first half of 2026, CORE awarded nearly $1.42 million in grants and rebates to support 130 energy efficiency and electrification projects across Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties.
The 120 residential and 10 commercial awards are nearly double the number distributed during the same period last year. Together, these completed projects are expected to prevent approximately 3,785 metric tons of carbon emissions over their useful lives—the equivalent of not burning 425,903 gallons of gasoline.
From cold-climate heat pumps to energy-efficient building improvements, these projects are helping create healthier, more resilient homes and buildings throughout our region.
Healthier Kitchens Start at Home
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the air we breathe matters. Induction cooking offers fast, precise performance without combustion, helping support a healthier indoor environment while producing less excess heat in the kitchen during warmer months.
CORE offers rebates for qualifying induction ranges, and City of Aspen residents may be eligible for additional incentives.
Learn More About Induction Cooking Rebates!
Energy Spotlight: Creating a Healthier, Cooler Home with Heat Pumps
For Carbondale resident Sheri Gaynor, installing a heat pump was about more than home comfort—it was about creating a healthier home. After several wildfire seasons made it difficult to open windows due to smoke, Sheri looked for a solution that would improve indoor air quality while reducing her reliance on natural gas.
With guidance from CORE's Energy Concierge and available rebates, Sheri made the leap. Her experience shows that heat pumps are cool for more than just heating and cooling—they can help create healthier, more comfortable homes year-round.
Upcoming Events
The Green Expo, CORE's Annual Event, returns on Friday, September 11, at Aspen Meadows, bringing together sustainable businesses, products, and services from across the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. This free, half-day event will inspire community members to explore practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Attendance is free; registration is required.
We’re seeking exhibitors that are doing meaningful work in energy, electrification, and sustainable building for The Green Expo.
The Green Expo, CORE's Annual Event, returns on Friday, September 11, at Aspen Meadows, bringing together sustainable businesses, products, and services from across the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. This free, half-day event will inspire community members to explore practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
We’re seeking exhibitors that are doing meaningful work in energy, electrification, and sustainable building for The Green Expo.
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Your donation helps bring practical energy solutions to more homes and businesses across our region - and goes 1.5x further through Atlantic Aviation’s match. Read more about Atlantic Aviation's commitment to
