Sustainability

The City of Arvada and its elected leaders are committed to conservation, sustainability, and resiliency. Following is a list of the many programs, policies, and partnerships adopted by the City of Arvada.

Arvada Air Quality

What steps can you take to improve Arvada air quality? Visit Arvada Air Quality for guidance.

Community Agriculture

• Community Gardens on City-owned land guided by the Community Agriculture Guide.
  • Arvada Gardeners Community Garden
  • Rose Roots Community Garden
  • Common Earth Community Garden
• Community Shared Agriculture Opportunities on City-owned landguided by the Community Agriculture Guide.
  • Forever West Farms (on the former Star Acre Farms property)
  • Front Line Farming
• Community Supported Agriculture
  • GoFarm Co-op
• Community agriculture-friendly codes allow for community gardens, bees, chickens, and goats.

Energy Conservation

• The City of Arvada is in the process of receiving SolSmart designation. SolSmart is designed to distinguish local government leadership in solar processes, programs, and procedures.
• All major remodels and new City facilities require LEED Silver certification.
• All office and interior building lights are being converted to LEDs
• Traffic signals being converted to LEDs
• Solar panels installed at five locations totaling 765 kW

Environment

• Stormwater (Waterways) Quality: Stormwater is water that flows across the land and into Arvada's streams, lakes, ditches, and canals.
• Source Water Protection: Protecting our drinking water is essential to preserve our own health and economy and that of future generations. 
• Education: Majestic View Nature Center

Forestry

• Tree City USA / Arbor Day Tree Planting with students
• Trees Across Arvada - low-cost tree purchase program for residents
• Parks Department Forestry Division tree assessment is now digitized as part of Arvada's Forestry plan for its 13,000 plus trees. The Forestry Plan includes strategies for tree diversification, preventative maintenance, spraying, and injecting for pests and diseases.

Recycle

• Leaf Recycling
• Christmas Tree Recycling
• Drug Take Back Program
• Adopt a Street and Adopt a Trail programs
• Partnership with local recycling company SustainAbility
• View the Recycling guide provided by the City of Arvada

Transportation

• Increased public transportation options through the opening of the G Line Commuter Rail
• Bike and pedestrian connection improvements throughout the community; specifically integrated with our three commuter rail stops on the G Line
• Bicycle recycling program and bicycle repair stations throughout the community to increase community access to non-motorized transportation options
• Emphasis on dual fuel capability in vehicle purchases.
• Multi-modal transportation availability and connectivity: Introduced in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan and expanded in the 2014 Plan.

Water Conservation

• Water conservation was introduced as a City goal in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. Goal reaffirmed in 2014 Plan. A Water Conservation Plan (PDF) was developed in 2019.
• 100% of City parks have computerized irrigation systems to conserve water.
• Water-saving programs are offered through a partnership with Resource Central.
  • Garden in a Box
  • Waterwise Yard Seminars
  • Lawn Replacement
  • Smart Controller Update