Castle Rock Project Green

Our environmental commitment

Reducing consumption of resources has positive impacts on the local environment.

In 2008, Town Council inspired staff to volunteer their time to build a more sustainable Castle Rock to benefit Town residents and our unique and beautiful region. Town staff created an environmental sustainability program called Project Green. The broadly focused program includes energy and water conservation, solid-waste recycling and other areas to help sustain the natural environment and be responsible stewards of the Town's resources.

Air quality

Reducing emissions

We are reducing emissions from Town vehicles by increasing our inventory of hybrid and alternate-fuel vehicles, downsizing vehicles, installing tracking devices to reduce idle times, and retrofitting older equipment with emissions control devices.

Reducing vehicle wait times

Traffic lights around Town have been timed to reduce vehicle wait times at intersections. Reducing idle times saves gas money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Development and building

Building codes

Among the Town's building codes is the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.

Endangered species

Parts of Town are home to an endangered species, the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. A habitat conservation plan for this species also preserved habitats for other native animals such as waterfowl, beavers, foxes and deer while providing residents with beautiful hiking and biking pathways along the East Plum Creek.

Open spaces

For wildlife conservation and human recreation, the Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County have preserved hundreds of acres of land as open spaces.

Energy-efficient lighting in Castle Rock

Many traffic signals in Town have been converted to LED lights, which not only save money but also reduce the amount of coal necessary to produce the electricity.

Energy-efficient LED lighting is being installed in Town buildings on an ongoing basis as lights burn out. Each LED fixture significantly reduces electricity consumption and reduces waste with the extended lifespan of LED bulbs.

Water conservation

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course and Town parks have sophisticated irrigation systems with weather stations that water only as much as is called for by real-time weather conditions.

Water conservation classes

The Town provides free Water Wiser classes to teach residents how to more efficiently water.

The Town provides classes to instruct property owners and residents on the principles of xeric landscaping and teaches xeric options for perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and grasses.

Long-term water

The Town is working to ensure water for our future through the Long-Term Water Master Plan. Castle Rock Water has also been recognized by the State for voluntary efforts in environmental sustainability.

Flooding and water control management

To prevent flooding and control water management, extensive stormwater systems have been installed and are monitored to protect water quality and personal property.

Other efforts

  • The Recreation Guide and other Town publications are printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper.
  • The Police Department recycles its bullet casings and bulletproof vests.
  • Firefighter bunker gear is kept as a spare rather than being replaced every three years.
  • The Parks Department collects branches and leaves during cleanups and reuses them to stabilize slopes and prevent water runoff.
  • The Town implemented a "Turn it off, Add it Up" program to remind employees to turn off the lights of rooms they are not using to reduce electricity use in the buildings. The Town also implemented energy-saving standards for heating and air-conditioning in Town Facilities. During the heating and cooling seasons, thermostats are adjusted to reduce energy consumption around the clock.
  • Town staff members recycle paper, glass, aluminum, batteries, cardboard, cell phones, plastic and plastic film, printer ink and toner cartridges, and tires.
  • In an effort to reduce the effects of chemical fertilizers on the local water resources, golf courses and parks around Town are using organic fertilizer and compost to nurture lawns and landscapes.

Awards

2020 Commitment Award - Castle Rock Water

Castle Rock Water was awarded the Commitment Award by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Commitment Award is given to a single drinking water system that has shown an impressive commitment to the culture of protecting public health, and/or has taken impressive steps to overcome a difficult challenge. The award recognizes Castle Rock Water's previous leadership as the first water provider in the State to be recognized for Gold-level achievement in the Pursuing Excellence Program and the commitment to developing best practices in standard operating procedures for source water protection measures, treatment goals and distribution components.

Bronze Environmental Achievement Award

The State of Colorado awarded its Bronze Environmental Achievement Award to the Town of Castle Rock, recognizing its "voluntary and significant environmental achievements." As a Bronze level member of the Environmental Leadership Program, the Town was recognized at the ELP awards in October 2008.

More information

For more information, call the Facilities and Risk Management Division or Project Green at 303-660-1374.