As President Barack Obama scouts solutions to the country’s economic and environmental problems, one of the places he’ll look is Denver.
Environmental Protection Agency director Lisa Jackson and Mayor John Hickenlooper visited Highlands’ Garden Village, a “smart growth” community that works to minimize its environmental impact, Tuesday to recognize its answer to some of the country’s biggest problems.
“There are a host of economic challenges we must face, and there are also escalating environmental consequences right in front of us,” Jackson said. “But President Obama has said we don’t have to choose, because we can have both a green environment and a green economy.
“What we’re seeing right here is how we can make that change happen.”
Developer Chuck Perry took Jackson and Hickenlooper on a brief tour of the 10-year-old neighborhood — built on the land that used to house Elitch Gardens — to show off some of its most environmentally friendly features.
“Solar awnings, those are so cool,” Hickenlooper said when Perry pointed out the technology attached to a 24-Hour Fitness building. The awnings collect enough sunlight to power the fitness center’s parking lot and lobby, Perry said.
Perry also described the community’s buildings, which are partially made of recycled material and use energy-efficient windows and water-efficient appliances. He said the compact neighborhood — 306 single-family and apartment homes in a 27-acre lot — minimizes residents’ need to drive.
In addition to reducing its environmental impact, Hickenlooper said, Highlands’ Garden Village benefits the local economy and provides affordable housing.
“This shows that sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand,” he said.
The development offers 75,000 square feet of commercial space, more than a third occupied by Sunflower Market, which earned a “Gold” rating for its sustainability and environmental efficiency from the U.S. Green Building Council.
A quarter of the development’s apartments are for Denver residents who make less than half of the city’s median income, while 40 percent of its senior housing apartments are for residents who make less than 60 percent of the median income.
Jackson said the development’s combination of economic stimulation and environmental innovation is what the president hopes to promote.
This week, top White House administrators are visiting other environmental projects across the country to highlight their push for clean energy and climate legislation. Last month, the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act, which will set up requirements for renewable-energy creation and emissions cuts.
The EPA has teamed with the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments to encourage more communities to follow the example of Highlands’ Garden Village.
“Colorado has been a leader in growing the green economy,” Jackson said. “We want more communities just like this one.”
Claire Trageser: 303-954-1638 or ctrageser@denverpost.com
