SDSG Sustainable LibraryIntroduction Prepared by: Dr. Abel A. Chávez. June 2018.
Gunnison is located in southwest Colorado. The mostly rural county is home to about 80% public lands, with the City of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte representing the semi-urban areas of the county. Total county population is estimated at 16,145 people, with about 50% of the population concentrated in the semi-urban areas and near 18% living below the poverty line (Census, 2016). With an average elevation of 7,700 feet above sea-level, Gunnison is also one of the coldest counties in the continental U.S. averaging 37°F. Gunnison is an amazing place with rich diversity, a place whose people embrace a keen sense of stewardship, and a place that is proud for its novel approach to challenges. Energy, both production and use, presents one of those challenges that Gunnison’s people are embracing and developing novel approaches around.
As part of a larger study[1]intended to develop a baseline and forecast of energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Gunnison, the findings of the County and Western State’s CS2I Labpartnership has stimulated two significant energy-related actions, among others. First, the study revealed the top energy using sectors in Gunnison for 2015, in addition to an energy projection to 2030. The 2015 snapshot (see Figure 1) computed that of the 2.7 million MMBTU of energy used in Gunnison County, residential buildings, gasoline used in surface travel, and commercial buildings are the top three energy using sectors, respectively. Thereby creating a menu of novel and locally-based energy opportunities for Gunnison. The second action emerging from the energy baseline and forecast was a commissioner supported goal that calls for a 20% increase in energy efficiency by the year 2030. This first of its kind goal promises to be the catalyst for much anticipated energy innovation and community-wide creativity and economic development.
So, as you navigate the rich resources in this Energy section of the Library, attempt to see yourself within the energy uses in Gunnison, and challenge yourself to maximize this library by finding novel and dynamic ways of emerging Gunnison as an energy leader!
Figure 1: 2015 in-boundary energy use in Gunnison County. From Chavez (2017).
[1]Chavez, A. (2017). Energy, Materials, and GHGs: Baseline and Forecast for Gunnison County. Community Solutions Incubation + Innovation (CS2I) Lab. http://www.western.edu/cs2i
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