In a proactive move towards sustainability, the Eagle Town Council approved $25,000 in funding to the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund (Palmer Fund) at its regular meeting on Feb. 27. The funding was designated to “green” Brush Creek Elementary School’s (BCES) greenhouse, aligning with the town’s commitment to allocate $250,000 from its 2024 budget for sustainability initiatives, with $62,500 specifically earmarked to support the Eagle community in its sustainability endeavors.
The Palmer Fund, driven by its mission to collaborate with community leaders to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Eagle by 2030, will utilize the funds to reduce carbon emissions through electrification of the greenhouse. This involves installation of a new roof covering by Walking Mountains Science Center (WMSC) and solar panels by Active Energies Solar. The project will expand the capacity of the greenhouse to serve students during the winter months and offer additional educational opportunities related to renewable energy, engineering, sustainability practices, soil health, plant biology and food production.
The greenhouse enhancements are a collaboration effort involving the town, Palmer Fund, BCES, BCES Parent Teacher Association, Active Energies Solar and WMSC. According to Lauran Hartman, executive director of the Palmer Fund, the project demonstrates how partnerships can accomplish amazing programs in the community. She says it takes private sector, non-profit and government collaboration to bring about change.
“The Palmer Fund celebrates the legacy of former Eagle Town Council member Adam Palmer and he would be so excited to work on a project like this,” said Hartman. “We appreciate the support from the town and our partners in ‘greening’ the greenhouse, which also allows us to instill the importance of sustainability in our younger residents.”
Upon completion, the project is anticipated to eliminate an estimated 6,600 therms of natural gas annually, equivalent to a reduction of 5,200 gallons of gasoline. Any surplus electricity produced by the solar array will be directed to offset the electricity consumption of the school building.
In 2021, the Eagle Town Council set a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2028 for town operations and the broader Eagle community by 2030.
“We share the vision of the Palmer Fund of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Eagle by 2030,” said town Sustainability Specialist Kira Koppel. “This project exemplifies our dedication to sustainable practices, partnerships and education within our community.”
For more information, contact Koppel at 970-328-9658 or email kira.koppel@townofeagle.org. To donate to this project and other sustainability initiatives within Eagle, visit www.apsfund.org.