These priorities steer projects that promote the livability of the community, stewardship of resources, sustainability, and social and recreational opportunities.
These efforts also draw on a history of successful conservation programs that help the City care for its valuable natural resources and make more economical choices to improve the efficiency of City facilities and operations.
The City continues to address environmental challenges facing the community through efforts to conserve water, divert and mitigate waste, transition to clean energy, preserve natural landscapes, and reinforce community resiliency to changes.
Federal Agencies, Communities to Map Heat Inequities in 14 U.S. Cities
This summer NOAA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as community scientists, mapped the hottest neighborhoods in 14 U.S. communities including Grand Junction, and four international cities. Identifying these areas, called urban heat islands, helps communities take action to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat and provides cooling relief for those living in the hottest areas. The final heat island maps can be seen on the UHI Engage GJ website. This information will be used to help identify ideal tree planting locations, identify cooling center locations, allow us to work with GVT to install shaded bus shelters, and more.
Current Resource Stewardship and Sustainability Projects:
- On July 3, City Council adopted the Sustainability and Adaptation Plan (SAP) that will guide the City's ongoing efforts in resource stewardship and prepare for the healthy future of our community, economy, and environment. The Plan was developed using community input and includes 95 strategies in six focus areas: built environment, climate resilience, energy stewardship, waste management, water conservation, and city leadership.
- In May 2024, the City of Grand Junction was awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities Silver Certification by the US Green Building Council. Grand Junction is one of only six cities in Colorado to be LEED certified and joins over 300 cities and communities worldwide in achieving a LEED certification. Read the full report.
- The Sustainability Division is currently implementing the Grand Junction EV Readiness Plan that provides strategies to leverage Grand Junction's favorable location to benefit from the ongoing transition to electric vehicles, and to increase equitable access to electric mobility in Grand Junction. Read the full plan.