Sustainability

Robin’s leadership paved the way for greater energy efficiency in commercial buildings and across the city’s own building portfolio, dramatically improved recycling and composting rates, transformation of a brownfield into an open space and advanced climate-friendly mobility funding and action in Denver.

2023

Energy Benchmarking

First phase adopted in 2016. Energize Denver Phase II adopted in 2022, requiring commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency.

Councilwoman Kniech participated in the ordinance-creation task force and was a champion for passage of ENERGIZE Denver, which required public reporting of energy usage by large buildings and has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Denver.

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2022

Expanded Recycling and Composting With Volume-Based Pricing

In January 2023, Denver implemented a new solid waste program that provided residents with free recycling and compost services, that charged people less if they threw away less trash. In the first three months, residents increased recycling by 17%.

Thousands of tons of recyclable materials and yard waste end up in Denver's landfill each year, producing harmful methane gas. While Denver was a leader in providing curbside recycling and composting, our system only picked recycling up every other week and charged a fee for compost--incentivizing the landfill over recycling and composting. Robin Kniech first advocated to expand curbside composting until it was available citywide, then joined with a coalition of partners to build the community and political will to finally pass the ordinance expanding recycling, removing the fee for composting and charging a modest fee that decreases the more you recycle. The program also included equity rebates for low-income families. Early results demonstrate the incentives are working, citywide compost roll-out was underway in late 2023 as Robin left office with the focus turning to community education.

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2021

Denver’s First Mobility and Transportation Fund Established

Fund established in 2021 with incremental funding from parking and permit fee sources, initially $16 million.

In partnership with colleagues and mobility advocates, Robin Kniech championed the importance of dedicated funding for mobility. The fund reduces vehicle miles traveled, expands mobility options and improves safety through investments in transit, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways and intersection safety.

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2020

Platte Farm Open Space

Open space is complete and open to the public for enjoyment.

A community-led initiative to purchase and transform a once environmentally contaminated brownfield site into a restored open space park was championed by Councilwoman Kniech in a nearly decade-long partnership with Groundwork Denver and Globeville neighbors and the city. The 5.5-acre open space now features restored native short-grass prairie, crusher fines walking trails, pollinator beds, and play space. It is also an example of improved stormwater management utilizing green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping.

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2017

City Electric Vehicle Purchasing Policy

Remains an ongoing priority.

After serving on the City’s Green Fleet Committee, Councilwoman Kniech successfully advocated for the City’s adoption of an electric-vehicle purchasing policy.

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2014

At-Home Sales of Fresh Produce and Cottage Foods

Passed in 2014

It may sound silly, but at one point, it was illegal for someone to sell a few jars of homemade jam or extra zucchini to their neighbors. Councilwoman Kniech worked with the local food leaders to pass a zoning change that allowed Denverites to sell fresh veggies and food that doesn't require refrigeration to consumers, a small but significant step for localism and economic self-sufficiency for Denver’s communities.

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