Aspen Animal Shelter gets upgrade with help from city, Pitkin County

The city of Aspen and Pitkin County have announced the completion of a series of energy efficiency and facility upgrades at the Aspen Animal Shelter that were started in the summer of 2024.

In addition to energy efficiency upgrades, the city and county provided cosmetic and logistic upgrades, assisting with better performance for day-to-day operations, a press release states. The primary efficiency upgrade was the installation of a 30 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar panel system with battery backup to generate enough electricity to power most of the shelter’s daily operations, including lighting, heating and cooling, and essential equipment. 

Energy upgrades also included conversion of lighting to LED, replacement of boilers, air handler, and water heater to more energy efficient models, insulation added to the underside of the roof, installation of six new energy-efficient windows, and kitchen and surgical room upgrades to commercial-grade energy efficient appliances.

“From the solar panels to the boilers to the windows, we are incredibly excited about the energy efficient upgrades at the Aspen Animal Shelter,” Seth Sachson, Aspen Animal Shelter director, told The Aspen Times. “We are also ecstatic about the shelter-specific enhancements like the new epoxy floor in our surgical suite and the stainless steel shelves, counters, and sinks in our kitchen areas. Together, these renovations are not only enhancing the quality of life for the animals and the staff within the walls of the facility, but also softening our impact on the world beyond our physical footprint.”

There is also a new insulated metal back entry door to streamline deliveries, three outdoor shade awnings for animals, painting, drywall repairs, and other cosmetic improvements.

The project was jointly funded by the city and county, who share ownership of the Aspen Animal Shelter.

“This project created a great opportunity for partnership with the city and county,” said Ryan LaPointe, city of Aspen project manager, in the release. “We were able to invest in an important community resource in a way that benefits the animals, the people who care for them, and the environment we all share.” 

Buildings contribute 57% of Aspen’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the release, this makes “improvements in the built environment critical to achieving the city’s climate goal of 100% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050.”

The recent upgrades ensure the building remains functional, efficient, and well-equipped to meet community needs. Read more about the Aspen Animal Shelter and its critical community impact at https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-animal-shelter-moonlights-as-local-sanctuary-for-dogs-people/.