Keep Centennial Green!
Looking for a way to conserve water and energy? Want to know where you can take your cardboard for recycling, or how to dispose of hazardous waste like batteries or old paint? Researching ways to build green or renovate your home in an environmentally-friendly way?
The City of Centennial has provided the following resources so that you can find information about conservation of resources and reduction of pollution.
Regional Air Quality Council - Serves as the lead air quality planning agency for the Denver metropolitan area
AIRNow - One-stop source for air quality data such as conditions and forecasts
Simple Steps. Better Air - Lists simple steps for how to make a positive impact on Colorado’s air
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities - Explains a green roof system and lists benefits and design details
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Building - Encourages organizations and businesses to create structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle
Partners in Energy - A program from Xcel Energy that supports communities by helping to develop and implement energy plans. Learn about Centennial's Partners in Energy plan
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) - Information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States
Energy Star - Provides simple, credible and unbiased information to help people make well-informed decisions for energy efficiency solutions
National Laboratory of the Rockies - Applies real-world research to advance new energy materials and technologies that lower costs, boost the economy, strengthen security and deliver abundant and reliable energy
Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) offers a collection program for residents of unincorporated Arapahoe County and the City of Centennial. Contact SEMSWA at semswamain@semswa.org or call 303-858-8844 for details.
Waste Management offers a convenient service in your community to collect household hazardous materials from your home. For a complete list of acceptable items, program guidelines and to schedule a home collection, visit At You Door Special Collection. A $20 co-pay is required.
Example of collection materials include:
- Automotive products
- Batteries
- Electronics
- Garden chemicals
- Household chemicals
- Mercury containing items
- Paint products
- Swimming pool chemicals
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recycle City - Games and activities to help kids learn about recycling
EPA Learning and Teaching about the Environment - Homework resources, lesson plans and project ideas for learning and teaching students about the environment
Wheels For Wishes - Picks up old and broken down vehicles, at no cost to owners, and recycles or auctions them to benefit Make-A-Wish Colorado
More Recycling Information - View additional resources for recycling items such as Christmas trees and electronics on our recycling page
Transit - Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides convenient bus and rail services in the Denver Metro Area
Carpooling - Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Way to Go helps employers find the right commute options for their employees
Walk to School Programs - Safe Routes to School programs aim to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school
Xcel Energy is offering some tips to help customers find relief from the heat and their bills during summer. Home cooling can account for about half of a summertime electric bill. There are small changes customers can make in their day and evening routines to save money, including setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher if your health allows, turning off unnecessary lights and postponing the use of major appliances until after 8 p.m.
Xcel Energy also offers a full selection of programs and rebates to help businesses save energy and money. View the options on their Smarter Energy Use for a Better Business page.
Additional summertime energy-saving tips include:
- Using electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical
- Closing drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods
- Avoiding using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running
- Operating energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers during early morning and late evening hours
- Limiting the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes
- When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours
Find more energy saving tips and resources online at Energy Savings Tip page.
Denver Water Xeriscape - Promotes water efficiency by using plants that are native to Colorado and offers ideas on how to reduce residential outdoor water use