Two women sit on the banks of a Colorado creek in a forested canyon

Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR)

“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.“

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.

What’s the Latest?

June 9, 2025 | Boulder County and the City of Boulder are two of 112 local governments worldwide to earn “A List” recognition in climate action and transparency from CDP, an environmental impact nonprofit. Learn more in the A List award press release.
May 12, 2025 | The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Boulder County and the City of Boulder can move forward with their climate case against Exxon Mobil and Colorado Suncor entities. This case seeks to hold these companies responsible for knowingly contributing to climate change while concealing the dangers of their products. Learn more in the lawsuit press release.
May 5, 2025 | The Keep it Clean Partnership’s (KICP) new water quality dashboard now makes it easier to access and monitor water quality data and trends for the Boulder St. Vrain Watershed, including Left Hand Creek, St. Vrain Creek, Coal Creek, South Boulder Creek, and Boulder Creek. Learn more in the water quality dashboard press release.
April 17, 2025 | Boulder County, in partnership with Superbloom, has published a new toolkit to help local governments improve climate resilience and minimize carbon emissions. The toolkit provides practical guidance for local governments on using sustainable, ecosystem-driven approaches specific to the local geography and climate. Learn more in the toolkit press release.
April 15, 2025 | In light of significant changes to regulations and spending put forth by the federal government, the Boulder County Commissioners released a statement affirming the county’s commitment to local climate action. Read the Commissioners’ full statement.
April 2, 2025 | Solar purchasing program, Switch Together, is now open to county residents until June 18. The program makes it easier and more affordable for Boulder County residents to install rooftop solar, home batteries, and EV chargers at home. Read more in the Switch Together press release.

Resources

Our Programs

PACE advisor shakes hands with a client in front of a local business.

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.

Two horses pull a red compost cart across a field at Light Root Community Farm in Boulder. A man drives the cart, holding the reins as the horses move away from the camera.

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.

A Boulder County resident poses in front of her home's air source heat pump.

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.

A safe youth e-bike bicycle rider wearing a helmet at a school in the fall season.

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).

A couple walks along the banks of a wetland on a cloudy day, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance

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.

Newsroom Highlights

Visit our newsroom for an archive of press releases and media coverage of our work.

Clean Energy Is Booming in the U.S. The Election Could Change That. (New York Times, October 30, 2024): Trump has suggested he would dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act, which has reshaped America’s energy landscape. It won’t be easy.
Opinion: Coloradans should charge forward to cleaner buildings (Daily Camera, October 15, 2024): Beyond innovation, inclusion, comfort and convenience, electrifying our lives is essential to combat and build resilience to climate change in Colorado. It’s not only a personal upgrade to better technology; it’s a community revolution that will make the future better and brighter for everyone.
The Soil Under Your Feet Affects You More Than You Think. Here’s Why (Forbes, August 30, 2024): From the food on our plates and the water in our rivers to the air we breathe, soil quality influences everything.
How carbon removal can help curb wildfires and build houses (High Country News, August 30, 2024): Local governments in the Four Corners back homegrown carbon-removal projects.
A big idea for small farms: How to link agriculture, nutrition and public health (NPR, February 3, 2024): Boulder County invests in sustainable farming, supporting local produce purchases. This initiative benefits consumers, farmers, and the economy, creating a “triple win.”

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.

Learn more about OSCAR and meet the team here.