One of the Third Street Centers critical roles in the community is to be an example of commercial and municipal energy efficiency and production. We generate over 100% of our electricity needs from the solar panels on our roof.
We are working to expand the solar electricity production to offset our natural gas use to heat the building during the winter and to generate more electricity to support the Geo-Thermal Energy Loop within Carbondale Net Zero District effort.
We are currently working to secure the funding to install the Geo-Thermal Energy Loop, battery storage capacity, and solar panel canopies over our parking and on the east and south sides of the facility.
Materials
A goal of the renovation of the old elementary school into the Third Street Center was to use resources wisely and use local labor, expertise, and materials whenever possible. While finding efficient boilers and lighting wasn’t too challenging, finding locally sourced, sustainability-harvested materials was. Despite the challenges, Third Street Center set a high standard for a renovated green building in Western Colorado.
Transportation
The Third Street Center is located an easy walk or bike ride 3 blocks from downtown Carbondale. Its location in the community makes it easy to access without a car.
We are also the site of a We-Cycle station, a free (30 min) regional bikes-sharing program. Carbondale also has the Downtowner, a free on-call bus that will pick you up and drop you off anywhere in Town.
EV Chargers
The Third Street Center is equipped with two EV charging stations available for public use.
EV Charging at Front of Building
(Capacity 1 vehicle)
Special Thanks to Rob Pew and Skyhook Solar
for making this station possible.
EV Charging at Back of Building
(Capacity 4 vehicles)
Special Thanks to State of Colorado
Charge Ahead Program and XCEL Energy
for making these stations possible.
Waste
Face it. No one likes to talk about trash. We’d rather it be hidden in a dumpster behind the building. It can then be hauled to a landfill (also hidden somewhere outside the community), dumped and covered with soil. Out of sight; out of mind. At least that is what we like to believe.
Trash, however, has an enormous impact on our economy and environment. At Third Street Center, we have partnered with Evergreen Events to reduce, compost and recycle waste generated by the many activities that happen here – from daily office work and meetings, to large events and celebrations. Our efforts are certainly a work in progress, but we are learning that with some education and some gentle nudging we can significantly reduce the amount of trash heading to the landfill. We are far from a zero waste facility, but we are heading in the right direction.
Water
Third Street Center added new no-flush urinals and dual low-flow toilets throughout the building – saving hundreds of thousands of gallons annually.
We incorporated some water-efficient landscaping in the parking lot area.
We continue to explore ways to increase the efficient use of water inside and outside the building.
