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Doug Beall,Vice President of Development-Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation

“It is important for us all to recognize the role we play
in promoting
and protecting
the natural environment.
It will be through our thoughtful dedication to living in balance with the natural order of the Yampa valley ecosystem that will ultimately sustain our own human communities. The members of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council have the vision, the passion and the energy to lead us toward that future and we are indeed privileged to have such dedicated individuals to guide us along the way.”

Craig Shifter,Chairman-Yampa Valley Recycles
“Yampa Valley Recycles is in
full support of
the YVSC and their goal to act as the "go to" organization
for information and education regarding
all things environmental and sustainable
in our local
and regional community”

Gavin Malia,Development Construction Coordinator

-Resort
Ventures West
“The Yampa Valley is fortunate to now have an organization in YVSC that can objectively research the issues and provide recommendations to the public
and private sectors of our community. There is a need for one entity to serve as a clearinghouse for issues while working within the community to educate, engage discussion and prioritize solutions.”

Sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

By Founding Board
Yampa Valley Sustainability Council
www.yvsc.org

These days, you can’t read the paper or watch television without hearing the word “green” or “sustainable.” Sometimes these terms create more questions than answers. What does “being green” mean for everyone living in the Yampa Valley? What can be done now to encourage sustainable practices?

Sustainability is broad in scope and crosses political lines, as it affects all of us without exception. It is about preserving the very things that draw people to this Colorado paradise: the beauty of the mountains, abundance and purity of the water, healthy air and the contagious sense of community that exists. But the question remains: what kind of footprint will be left for our children, grandchildren and others to follow?
It is for all these questions—and a search for answers—that, a group of concerned citizens felt a need for a community organization to act as a conduit for sustainability in our region. That organization is the newly formed Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, or YVSC.

Background of YVSC
The YVSC evolved out of the Green Team established by the City of Steamboat Springs in 2005. The original group was comprised of City employees and citizens with a passion to learn more about sustainable and green topics as they related to Steamboat’s public buildings. As interest in the Green Team and its membership and ideology grew, two organizations eventually emerged. The “City Green Team” returned to its roots of developing sustainable practices specifically geared toward city government offices and operations. The citizen aspect of the group went on to form the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council.

Over the past two years the core group that is now called YVSC has sustained over 100 members and is growing daily. Membership is diverse and includes experts in the sustainability industry as well business leaders, government employees and concerned citizens. The strong commitment and unique array of expertise of the YVSC membership can deliver environmental, economic and social leadership in the Yampa Valley and beyond.

The Yampa Valley Sustainability Council anticipates approval of 501(c)(3) status by early 2009. A “Founding Board of Directors” comprised of nine individuals with a variety of backgrounds in business and community service has been chosen: Co-Chairs, Angela Ashby and Lyn Halliday; Secretary, Sarah Fox; Treasurer, Kim Hornsby; and Board Members, George Danellis, Susan Holland, Noreen Moore, Myra Shunny and Emmanuelle Vital. This is definitely a “roll-up-your-sleeves-and-work” board during these formative months.

Sustainable development is integral to community prosperity in the Yampa Valley. Already, residents are seeking improved energy efficiency, healthier homes, “sustainably minded” businesses, alternative fuels, and new methods to deal with area transportation issues. A number of similar mountain communities in Colorado have integrated strong sustainable building and development measures. YVSC will study and learn from their efforts and then tailor the Yampa Valley program to the particular needs of this region. The remoteness of the Yampa Valley lends itself to the creation of a center for sustainability that can target the specific needs of its own communities and assure its well being and prosperity for the region.

Collaboration and Community Support
Another keystone of YVSC is to collaborate with like-minded organizations. Partnering can reach larger audiences, reduce duplicated efforts and have a greater positive impact for the community. Currently there is great work being done by many talented and passionate folks in the Yampa Valley. The YVSC has received letters of endorsement from the City of Steamboat Springs, Routt County Commissioners, Yampatika, Community Alliance of the Yampa Valley, as well as other community leaders and businesses listed on left column:

Upcoming Events and Areas of Focus

YVSC has made a commitment to continuing education on pertinent issues, and is project and product oriented, moving from the discussion phase to implementation of specific programs.

YVSC plans to launch several programs ranging in topics from green building to clean renewable energy, from transportation initiatives that reduce emissions to alternative fuels and water issues. One such program is an annual Expo and Green Building Tour.

Sustainability Expo and Green Building Tour Event
Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s Sustainability Expo and Green Home Tour, jointly presented by the Chamber and former City of Steamboat Springs Green Team, YVSC will host its version of the event. YVSC has already successfully obtained funding assistance from the Governor’s Energy Office for the event. Planned for fall 2008, there will be a wide array of speakers, topics, booths, innovations and once again a tour of local green properties.

Green Building Programs
YVSC anticipates a strong focus on energy efficient green building for many of its programs. Focus will be on basic green building concepts, cost efficient upgrades that lower operating costs, eco-friendly and recycled materials, and renewable energy systems for homes and buildings.

Measurable Programs
Currently, the local municipalities do not have a plan for energy efficiency and diversity of generation sources, nor does it have a measurable goal for the reduction of carbon emissions. Surrounding communities such as Aspen, Carbondale, and Crested Butte have developed models to calculate emissions, energy usage and reduction goals. It is one of YVSC’s goals to encourage the implementation of such provisions and programs, in order to provide for beneficial, measurable results.

Seeking Funding Sources
Many funding opportunities available for sustainable programs are not being utilized in our area. For example, the Governor’s Energy Office and the USDA offer grants for green building measures, geothermal and solar applications, bio-fuels, large scale renewable energy projects and event support to name only a few. It is a goal of YVSC to take advantage of these and other funding prospects, and develop programs accordingly.

The Future of Sustainability
A recent study by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) reports that renewable energy and energy efficiency industries have generated approximately 8.5 million green collar jobs in the United States. That number could grow to as many as 40 million green collar jobs by 2030. The remote location of Steamboat Springs and the surrounding communities means they are positioned to be excellent incubators for new jobs. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the IRS report that at least 10% of households in Routt County operate businesses from home. Aside from the tangible benefits of implementing sustainability such as increased jobs, energy efficient design for the built environment, reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, healthier air and water quality, it also conveys to visitors that our community understands its role in the global efforts towards sustainability.

We Need You!
Sustainability by its very nature requires community participation and cooperation. This organization is comprised of citizens of all backgrounds who share a passion for the mission of the YVSC. Future success is ultimately dependent upon the participation of the community. This is your opportunity to help build a sustainable tomorrow. Volunteers are always welcome. There are many fun programs to be launched. The future is bright for sustainability and the positive economic impact it will have on the Yampa Valley. Contact YVSC today at info@yvsc.org or visit the website at www.yvsc.org to learn more. Get involved and help reduce the Yampa Valley Footprint.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) is to provide leadership to advance environmental, economic, and social sustainability for current and future generations through education, programs and building collaboration among individuals, organizations, businesses and government.

Guiding Principles:

Promote sustainability as a core value of businesses and government to improve efficiencies in resource use and to reduce environmental impacts.
Foster the concept of sustainability as a public value and encourage stewardship of natural resources.
Incorporate "triple bottom line" analysis by integrating economic, social and environmental considerations into policy and program decisions.
Establish measurable performance indicators, targets, goals, and report on progress through annual reports.
Partner with local, state, and federal governments, community organizations, cultural institutions, businesses and individuals to achieve the goals of the organization.
Lead by example.