Social, Economic & Environmental Issues Join Us for the Water-wise Yard Seminar Series
R
esource Central’s month-long Water-wise Landscape Seminar Series is in full swing! These free and online webinars are focused on low-water landscaping while connecting residents with local industry professionals who share their tricks of the trade and empower attendees to embark on their very own Do-It-Yourself projects. In 2022, Resource Central will host more than 20 unique webinars! Check out the full seminar schedule to sign up for one (or four!). Visit www.resourcecentral.org/seminars.
April 4
Garden in the community for all ages
April 5
Branch out with Colorado trees
April 6
Friend or foe? the insects that make or break your plants
April 7
Knowing the native plants
April 12
The wuture of Colorado’s water
April 13
Use what you grow: fruits in the landscape
April 14
Rain gardens and their benefits
April 19
Water wisely with alternative grasses and low-water landscaping tips
April 20
Best practices in western horticulture
April 21
New to Colorado landscaping
April 22
Earth Day – Feed the pollinators, feed the earth
Electrifying Transportation
T
he City of Golden aims to be a local leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and mobility sector, which in 2019 was estimated to be 38% of the community’s total emissions. The same year, the City committed to achieving a 20% fossil fuel-free transportation sector by 2030 and a 100% fossil fuel-free transportation sector by 2050. Electrifying transportation is one strategy within a fossil fuel-free future as we move toward greater energy independence through renewable energy and energy storage. There are two main types of electric vehicles: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs). PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle can be connected to an electric source to charge the battery or can utilize gasoline to power the engine. BEVs use a battery to store energy that powers the electric motor. A BEV does not have an internal combustion engine and is charged by connecting to an electric source. Industry-wide improvements to driving ranges and charging times have made EVs more dependable and more fitting for a variety of uses. Charging infrastructure is easier to access than ever before. Incentives, rebates and tax credits still exist for EV purchases, leases and even installation of at-home charging stations. The website www.driveelectriccolorado.org is a great resource to find out more about the financial realities of electric vehicles.
How Does EV Charging Work? Level 1 Range Added Power Cost*
4-6 mph
Level 2 20-40 mph
120 volts
240 volts
$0.21 per hour
$0.73 per hour
DC Fast Charging 150-500+ mph 480 volts $20 per hour
Location *all costs are approximate; Level 1 and 2 cost based on CO state average of $0.11 per kWh; DC Fast Charging based on $0.04 per kWh
GOLDEN SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PRESENTATION APRIL 26 The Community Sustainability Advisory Committee is recognizing community members and businesses who strive to create a Greener Golden through their annual Sustainability Awards program. Tune in to the City Council meeting on April 26 for this year’s awards ceremony.
City of Golden Announces Municipal Fleet Electric Vehicle Master Plan The City of Golden recently released a Municipal Electric Vehicle Master Plan which outlines a phased approach to electrify 100% of the City’s fleet by 2030 and adopt an “EV First” philosophy for new vehicles while electrifying other vehicles as quickly as practicable. The Plan was developed in coordination with internal and external stakeholders and includes a vision and defined roles for city departments. It is only one piece of a larger strategy to create a roadmap for electrifying transportation in the Golden community. The plan is available at www.cityofgolden.net/EVFleet.
April 2022 | 11
