Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper are taking off their coats and ties and rolling up their sleeves to save on air-conditioning costs this summer.
The two leaders have urged their staffs and other government employees to do the same, encouraging them to wear short-sleeve, open-collar shirts and blouses.
“It’s time to take off those ties, shed those jackets and dress a little more casual at the office,” Hickenlooper said. “Turning up the thermostat and turning down the air conditioner in the summer is a simple, effective way to cut costs by using less energy and promote sustainability at the same time.”
Thermostats at more than 100 municipal buildings will be raised 4 degrees this summer, which reduces the amount of air conditioning used. Last year, seven buildings did the same and saved nearly $30,000 in energy costs, the mayor said.
Although settings vary from building to building, mayoral spokesman Eric Brown said the average thermostat setting will be 76 degrees during the so-called Cool Biz period, now through Sept. 21.
Gov. Ritter is doing the same in state buildings, including the Capitol.
“Government wants to lead by example and show every day that we are serious about saving taxpayer dollars, conserving energy and protecting the environment,” he said.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
