Fast Facts about Green Denver

In the early 90s, Denver created the first "Green Fleet" program in the nation by purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. Denver's Green Fleet is currently one of the largest in the country. More than 43% of the fleet is powered by alternatives, including 138 hybrid electric vehicles, as well as vehicles fueled by propane, compressed natural gas and biodiesel.

The city's use of 420,000 gallons of B20 biodiesel fuel in a pilot study in 2005 supported local economies and reduced air pollution and dependence on foreign oil. In 2007, all diesel-powered fleet vehicles began running on the cleaner-burning fuel.

Denver International Airport's fleet is 100% alternative and includes vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, hybrid technology and biodiesel.

Denver utilizes goat herds to help eliminate invasive weeds and manage brush in natural areas in a cost-effective, non-polluting manner. By grazing on vegetation and trampling plants with their hooves, the goats create natural mulch, add organic matter to the soil, and distribute seeds. The innovative program has received worldwide attention as an environmentally-friendly alternative to mowing and pesticides.

Denver Parks and Recreation uses 28% less water today in its parks than it did in 2001, due to replacing outdated irrigation systems and transforming bluegrass areas into native grasses where appropriate.

The city's expanded recycling program added seven new recyclable materials and sorting is no longer required. Since the launch of the program in 2005, recycling tonnage has increased by 18%.