Sustainability
The daily activities of state government have a significant impact on the quality of Colorado's public health, environment and economy.
Since 2003, Colorado Governors have been endorsing and establishing a statewide commitment to sustainability. CDOT must be a conscientious and accountable agency that is as efficient, effective, and elegant as possible.
What is Sustainability
Sustainability is based on a simple principle:
"development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
All human needs, in one, way shape or form, depend on our natural environment. To pursue the model and goal of sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist to support present and future generations (social, environmental, and economic harmony).
As an employer, CDOT is responsible for upholding the health and well-being of its staff members by offering a safe and satisfying work environment.
As a service provider, CDOT must be socially and economically responsible to the taxpayers by achieving cost savings on resources, materials and waste management.
As one of the largest state agency consumers of natural resources (coal, oil, crude asphalt, petroleum, water) in Colorado, sustainability reaches beyond wise use and management of fiscal funds; sustainability encompasses the protection of natural resources and materials for future generations. Implementing sustainability principles leads to balanced use and conservation of resources over time, ensuring materials are available for future populations people and the planet.
The Polis Administration has led the charge in combating climate change by investing in clean energy technology, decreasing the state's reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing the power of alternative energy sources, and protecting Colorado’s natural resources and public lands for future generations.
This Executive Order outlines the state’s priorities in fostering a greener, more efficient government by:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% in State Operations by FY 2034 over the FY 2019 baseline.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 32% in the State Fleet by FY 2034 over the FY 2019 baseline.
- Reducing energy use per square foot in State Facilities by at least 20% by FY 2034 over the FY 2019 baseline.
- Reducing potable water consumption across Agencies by at least 20% by FY 2034 over the FY 2015 baseline.
Colorado Office of Sustainability
- Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan
- Statewide Water Efficient Landscape Policy for New Construction and Renovation: Any project where landscaping is being modified on real property that begins a design solicitation on or after January 1, 2025, shall meet the Statewide Water Efficient Policy.
As part of CDOT's mission to provide the best multi-modal transportation system for Colorado that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information, its Sustainability Program is committed to developing and supporting a sustainable organization and transportation system.
CDOT will:
- Strive to reduce its emissions, waste, energy use, and water consumption to preserve and enhance human, environmental, and fiscal health.
- Maximize and promote efficient resource use, reuse, recycling and repurposing.
We encourage all CDOT employees and partners to learn about and implement sustainability strategies via the resources on this site. Meanwhile, we will maintain our compliance with state requirements, improve our environmental performance and work toward being a leader in sustainable efforts.
