Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR)
Two women sit on the banks of a Colorado creek in a forested canyon

Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR)

Our mission is to advance policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, and safeguard our climate in order to build a sustainable, just, and resilient community.

Colorado communities are feeling the effects of climate change. They’re dealing with reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and dangerous air quality. Additionally, they face more extreme weather events, severe wildfires, and “high heat” days. In response, Boulder County has stepped up to take action. We’ve initiated bold measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our goal is to help our communities adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges. Learn more about our efforts, programs, and more below.

What’s the Latest?

  • March 1, 2024 |Get up to $20,000 from PACE to create an electrification plan for your commercial building. Experts will deliver a set of personalized options to save energy, cut indoor air pollution, and future-proof your property so that whenever you’re ready—or when your heating, cooling, or hot water systems need to be replaced in an emergency—you’re equipped with everything you need to make the right decision for your building. Learn more via PACE.
  • March 1, 2024 | Boulder County is accepting applications for its Climate Innovation Fund grants, aiming to distribute $550,000 to initiatives focused on carbon dioxide removal and landscape resilience. The application period closes on March 24. For more details, please visit the web page.
  • February 13, 2024 | The county has announced the recipients of 2024 Environmental Sustainability Matching Grants. This year, the grants are dedicated to assisting commercial landscapers in switching to electric equipment, devising strategies to cool neighborhoods, and promoting practices that save energy and utilize clean energy in buildings. For more information, read official announcement.
  • January 18, 2024 | Boulder County has launched a $1.1 million Soil Health Initiative aimed at improving soil health. The initiative will fund soil health projects in the county. Learn more in the press release.
  • January 11, 2024 | Boulder County has received a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to bolster electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The grant focuses on expanding access to public EV charging facilities, with a priority for apartments, mobile home communities, and rural areas. Read more in the official announcement.
  • December 19, 2023 | Following unprecedented demand, Boulder County’s Solar Co-op has reopened its registration after quickly filling up after its September launch. This collaboration with Smart Wave Solar represents the state’s largest group buy with a single installer. More details are available in the press release.

Our Programs

Business Sustainability – Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE)
Residential Sustainability – EnergySmart
house being built
Marshall Fire Recovery – Rebuilding Better
East Boulder Creek
Nature Based Solutions
A couple walks along the banks of a wetland on a cloudy day, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance
Watershed Health – Keep It Clean Partnership
Vehicle Electrification and Sustainable Transportation

Newsroom Highlights

Visit our newsroom for an archive of press releases and media coverage of our work.

About OSCAR

Boulder County’s leaders and employees have long held a commitment to stewardship of our land, environment, and community. The Boulder County Commissioners believe that by prioritizing environmental sustainability, we can achieve higher economic vitality in our communities, ensure cleaner air and water for the well-being and public health of residents, and combat major environmental issues, such as climate change. By striving to become as environmentally sustainable as possible, we are supporting countless human and environmental benefits for our county and beyond.

Learn more about OSCAR and meet the team here

Contact Us

Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience

OSCAR Team Members

Location

Boulder County Courthouse
First Floor
1325 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO 80302
Map and Directions

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Mailing Address

PO Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306