The Community Office for Resource Efficiency, based in Basalt and serving the Roaring Fork Valley, announced a record-breaking year in 2025. They had $2.5 million invested in energy efficiency grants and rebates across Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle counties, which doubled the previous year’s grants and rebates. In 2025, CORE completed 213 projects, preventing 13,124 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
CORE is now aiming for ambitious climate targets in 2026, including a 20% increase in emissions reduction impact, directing 40% of incentives to under-resourced community members, and building stronger regional partnerships to expand funding.
Tara Stitzlein, CEO of the nonprofit, highlighted the significance of putting resources towards commercial and multi-family buildings for high impact projects. Atlantic Aviation will continue its challenge grant in 2026, matching community donations by 50%. In 2025, they supported CORE with a $300,000 challenge grant, leading to $600,000 in community donations and a total impact of $900,000.
Stitzlein praised the partnership with Atlantic Aviation as their largest corporate donor, driving a successful year in program impact and fundraising. However, she pointed out challenges in 2026 due to shifting federal climate policies affecting grant opportunities.
For those interested in donating to CORE or getting involved in local climate action, more information can be found at aspencore.org. Residents and businesses can also explore rebate eligibility at aspencore.org/federal-state-and-local-funding-programs.
