Aspen recognized in top cities worldwide for climate initiatives

The city of Aspen has received an “A” score for the second year in a row for its excellence in committing to climate action initiatives.

The scores are awarded by CDP, a global nonprofit that operates the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system. Aspen is part of only 15% of 973 cities that earned an “A,” making it one of only 112 cities worldwide with a top score in 2024.

“Earning an ‘A’ score from the CDP represents the success of dedicated work by staff across all city operations,” Baker Casagrande, city of Aspen sustainability analyst, said in a press release. “It also reflects our community’s long-standing support for climate action through impactful municipal projects.”

The “A” is bestowed to cities that meet high sustainability standards and publicly report key environmental data. This data includes a city-wide emissions inventory submission, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and a published climate action plan.

Aspen has been reporting data to CDP since 2015, coordinating efforts across multiple departments including:

• Engineering: stormwater improvements and river health projects
• Parks: wildfire prevention and urban forest management
• Environmental health, parking, and streets: additional electric vehicle charging stations and fleet transition planning
• Community development: sustainable building and waste programs
• Police department: adoption of electric vehicles
• Utilities: renewable energy and intelligent metering initiatives

The city developed these initiatives to reach its science-based climate targets, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 63.4% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“Aspen remains committed to reducing emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and continuing the work necessary to meet its long-term climate goals,” the press release states.

Those interested in learning more about Aspen’s climate goals can visit aspen.gov/climate.