The Environmental Advisory Board meeting held on August 8, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, focused on critical discussions surrounding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate resilience in the city. The meeting began with a presentation analyzing GHG emissions by sector, revealing that commercial buildings are the highest emitters in Boulder, a trend consistent with many urban areas.

The board emphasized the need to target GHG emission reductions, particularly in the commercial sector, where most buildings are heated and cooled using fossil fuels. Currently, only 15% of commercial buildings utilize electric heating and cooling systems. The analysis also highlighted that approximately 50% of commercial buildings use electric water heaters, while the other half rely on gas heaters. In residential areas, the situation is similar, with two-thirds of homes not using electric heating.

The board discussed the lack of central air conditioning in about half of Boulder’s buildings, noting that many rely on alternative cooling methods, such as window units or evaporators. Alarmingly, around 26% of mobile homes in the area lack any form of cooling. This has prompted the city to develop emergency cooling responses for extreme heat situations, as 25% of residential housing is at risk during heat waves.

The meeting concluded with a review of cost analysis and upgrade recommendations aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions across both commercial and residential sectors. The board's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing climate resilience and the need for strategic actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Boulder.