“Our mission is to advance policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, and safeguard our climate in order to build a sustainable, just, and resilient community.“
Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR)
Colorado communities are feeling the effects of climate change. They’re dealing with reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and dangerous air quality. Additionally, they face more extreme weather events, severe wildfires, and “high heat” days. In response, Boulder County has stepped up to take action. We’ve initiated bold measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our goal is to help our communities adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges. Learn more about our efforts, programs, and more below.
Latest News
Three urban greening projects awarded grant funding
April 15, 2026 $100k Grey to Green Fund will help transform unused urban areas into thriving green spacesU.S. Supreme Court decides to hear climate case against ExxonMobil and Suncor Entities
February 23, 2026 The United States Supreme Court today decided to review last year’s Colorado Supreme Court ruling that allowed the City of Boulder and Boulder County’s climate accountability case to proceed.Grant programs to support nature-based climate solutions now accepting applications
December 9, 2025 Boulder County is launching three grant programs in December to support nature-based climate solutions: the Soil Health Initiative, Grey to Green Fund, and Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund.Our Programs
Business Sustainability – Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE)
PACE provides free advising, financial incentives, and certifications to help county businesses decrease emissions and environmental impact, save money, and gain recognition for their work.
Nature Based Solutions
Nature-Based Solutions (or, NBS) are strategies that combat climate change with natural resources like vegetation, soils, and watersheds. Frequently, NBS overlap with farming and other land management practices already used across the world.
Residential Sustainability – EnergySmart
EnergySmart, Boulder County’s residential sustainability program, helps residents decarbonize their homes. As buildings are the county’s #1 source of greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing homes is critical to achieving our climate goals.
Sustainable and Electric Transportation
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Colorado, and the second largest in Boulder County. Boulder County aims to decrease transportation emissions through supporting efforts including multi-modal transportation, electric vehicles (EVs), and electric bicycles (e-Bikes).
Watershed Health – Keep it Clean Partnership (KICP)
KICP facilitates collaboration on water quality issues between our partner communities and with other organizations with the goal of improving watershed health. By working together with local governments and other organizations throughout the Boulder St. Vrain basin, we can increase our impact and make progress towards a healthier watershed.
About OSCAR
Boulder County’s leaders and employees have long held a commitment to stewardship of our land, environment, and community. The Boulder County Commissioners believe that by prioritizing environmental sustainability, we can achieve higher economic vitality in our communities, ensure cleaner air and water for the well-being and public health of residents, and combat major environmental issues, such as climate change. By striving to become as environmentally sustainable as possible, we are supporting countless human and environmental benefits for our county and beyond.