City and County of Denver, CO

04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 08:04

Denver Accelerates Climate Action in 2026

Denver Accelerates Climate Action in 2026

Published on April 01, 2026

Denver is aiming to create a city where every neighborhood is powered by clean energy and protected from climate risks. During Colorado Climate Week, a statewide celebration of innovation, collaboration, and climate leadership, Denver is highlighting how local action can drive scalable, meaningful solutions for a more resilient future. Colorado Climate Week underscores the state's culture of climate innovation and community-driven strategies. Denver's 2026 agenda reflects this spirit by expanding clean energy, growing green infrastructure, and investing in programs that deliver immediate benefits while building long-term resilience.

Where We Are

In 2025, Denver built real momentum with 2,001 clean energy systems like solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and EV chargers installed, with 2,560 more contracted. 5,217 trees were planted citywide, and 21 million gallons of municipal water were saved through irrigation upgrades and native plantings.

In 2026, we're scaling up: installing 5,000 clean energy systems and delivering 50 acres of green infrastructure-roughly 38 football fields-to cool neighborhoods, manage stormwater, and support biodiversity. Our goals are driven by data and equity, with a focus on supporting Denver's most vulnerable communities.

What We'll Deliver in 2026

Clean Energy Systems

  • Homes & Small Buildings: Group buying and rebate navigation to make installing heat pumps and solar easier and more affordable.
  • Multifamily & Commercial: Support for engineering design and gap funding where other programs don't reach. Our programs target high-impact electrification, EV charging and efficiency.
  • Mobility Electrification: Expanding public EV charging and investing in electrifying the city's fleet.

We'll count systems installed across the city, not just from one program, to reflect the broader systems change underway by helping Denverites and building owners access hundreds of millions of dollars in state and utility incentives.

Green Infrastructure

  • Target: 50 acres citywide in priority heat vulnerable and flood-risk areas.
  • What's included: Rain gardens, trees, native/waterwise plantings, and pavement removal.
  • Why it matters: With 51% of Denver now covered by impervious surfaces, the need to convert paved, heat-trapping spaces into vibrant green landscapes has never been more urgent for cooling the city, protecting water quality, and creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

Community Programs

Our programs meet people where they are, making climate action practical and affordable:

  • Shift2: Replace two solo car trips per week with walking, biking, transit, scooter, or carpool.
  • E-Bike Rebates (reopening this spring): Targeted incentives for income-qualified households.
  • Denver Climate Project (Year 2): "Do More. Do Less. Do Something." behavior-change campaign.
  • Promotoras Climácticas: Community-based support in priority neighborhoods.
  • Wildfire Training Program: Wildfire mitigation work in Denver's Mountain Parks, integrating Indigenous knowledge of land stewardship and youth workforce development.
  • Training Rebates (launching this spring): Helping individuals skill up for green careers.

Funding Opportunities

Policy Priorities

  • Energize Denver (Building Performance): Efficiency requirements and benchmarking for existing buildings, supported by tools, a help desk, and a new resource hub (coming later in 2026.
  • Universal Recycling & Composting: Expanding citywide access; enforcement begins September 1, 2026.
  • Denver Energy Code: Collaborating with Community Planning & Development (CPD) to build clean, energy-efficient buildings
  • Regional & State Collaboration: Partnering with Xcel Energy, DRCOG, and the Colorado Energy Office, including engagement at the Public Utilities Commission, to accelerate electrification and expand incentives.
  • Resilient Landscape Code: Exploring code updates that advance climate-smart landscapes citywide.

Demonstration Projects: Leading by Example

  • Fleet & Equipment Electrification + Public EV Charging: Reducing fuel costs and pollution.
  • Ambient Loop Pilot (Downtown): District thermal (ambient water) system to decarbonize buildings-supported by a $4.9M Colorado Energy Office grant.
  • Community Solar Gardens: Delivering local clean power and utility bill credits to families who need relief.
  • City & County Building Planting Project: Replacing bluegrass with natives to save water and promote pollinators. Implementation Green Infrastructure (SIGI): Accelerating nature-based solutions citywide.

Tracking Progress & Looking Ahead

Denver has achieved an 18% reduction in emissions since 2019, though more action is necessary to reach zero carbon emissions in Denver as quickly as possible.

We're tracking and sharing updates quarterly and publishing an annual greenhouse gas inventory to show progress and next steps.

In 2026, we'll also develop the next Climate Protection Fund 5-Year Plan, with community engagement. Stay tuned for ways to participate.

City and County of Denver, CO published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 01, 2026 at 14:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]