Case Study: Achieving Sustainability Goals with EPEAT and ICLEI ClearPath in Durango, CO
Durango is a small city of 18,500 residents in southwestern Colorado. The local government is candid about their commitment to sustainability and is "dedicated to promoting sustainable economic viability while responsibly stewarding [the] community's resources." Approximately 96% of U.S. cities, towns and villages have 25,000 residents or fewer. This case study demonstrates the positive impact a single locality can make by identifying and pursuing sustainability goals. To track and measure progress toward these goals, Durango uses EPEAT, the leading global ecolabel for the IT sector, and ICLEI ClearPath, the leading online software platform for completing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, forecasts, climate action plans and emissions monitoring. Durango ("the City") is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by systematically, creatively, and thoughtfully utilizing environmental, human and economic resources in a manner that maintains the unique character of the community for the benefit of present and future generations. Durango's Municipal Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) was designed to support this commitment.
EPEAT and ICLEI's ClearPath are utilized by the City of Durango to achieve sustainability goals set forth in a Municipal Sustainability Action Plan. Durango's EPEAT-Registered IT product purchases have resulted in quantifiable environmental benefits, significant cost-savings and public recognition. Durango also utilizes ClearPath, an ICLEI USA tool, which enables Durango to develop GHG inventories, forecast emissions growth and reduction scenarios, visualize climate action plans, and track progress on meeting emissions management goal. As a result of Durango's use of EPEAT it realized the following environmental benefits: • Electricity saved: 179,000 kWh • GHG Reductions: 31.6 metric tons • Hazardous Waste Avoided: 434 kg • Solid Waste Reduced: 1.6 Metric tons • Water Pollutant Emissions Prevented: 254 kg • Cost Savings from Energy Use Reduction: $18,600
