Get energy savvy

One place to gather energy smarts is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

What does state-of-the-art look like for the future of energy? What are we doing in terms of renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean energy? NREL can answer all your questions and offer more resources.

Golden is home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, which showcases technologies that save energy, improve the environment and lower the cost of energy bills. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of an interactive exhibit hall to learn about energy from the sun, wind, biomass and other sources of renewable energy. There are outdoor exhibits, a reading room and videos. Programs are available for groups with a minimum of 15 people.

The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends. The NREL is at 15013 Denver West Parkway in Golden. Call 303-384-6565,
or see www.NREL.gov/visitors_center/.

Next stop is Colorado Energy Science Center and E-Star Colorado.

The Colorado Energy Science Center and E-Star Colorado have merged to form the Smart Energy Living Alliance. The nonprofit’s mission is to help people make smart energy decisions.

The premise is that well-educated consumers will create a cleaner energy future.
Education programs are offered for homeowners, builders and students; conferences; workshops and the Smart Energy Living Magazine with energy solutions for Colorado homeowners. New editions are ready with stories exploring solar energy, shrinking your carbon footprints and growing water-wise.
The CESC can be reached at 303-216-2026. Call or go online for the magazine: SmartEnergyLiving.org.