Press Release 
  

City and Pitkin County partner to complete upgrades at Aspen Animal Shelter  

Aspen, CO – The city of Aspen and Pitkin County have completed a series of energy efficiency and facility upgrades at the Aspen Animal Shelter. The project began in the summer of 2024 and reinvested operational funds through capital improvements focused on energy performance and upgrading facility operations. The project was jointly funded by the city and county as they share ownership of the Aspen Animal Shelter.

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

The completed shelter upgrades improve energy performance, reliability, and daily operations, while supporting the health and safety of animals and staff. In addition to energy efficiency upgrades, the city and county provided cosmetic and logistic upgrades, assisting with better performance for day-to-day operations. 
  
 “This project created a great opportunity for partnership with the city and county,” said Ryan LaPointe, city of Aspen project manager. “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.” 

The primary efficiency upgrade was the installation of a 30 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar panel system with battery backup that can generate enough electricity to power most of the shelter’s daily operations, such as lighting, heating and cooling, and essential equipment. 

Additional energy upgrades include:  

• 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. 
• Kitchen and surgical room upgrades to commercial-grade energy efficient appliances. 

Cosmetic and logistical upgrades: 

• New insulated metal back entry door to streamline deliveries 
• Refreshed epoxy flooring in the surgical room and ceiling work in the grooming room 
• Addition of three outdoor shade awnings for animals 
• Replacement of countertops and new cabinets  
• Painting, drywall repairs, and other cosmetic improvements 

“We are really excited about these upgrades,” said Seth Sachson, Aspen Animal Shelter director. “They not only improve the quality of life for the animals and the working environment for our staff but also make a positive impact for the environment.” 

The Aspen Animal Shelter serves as a key community resource, providing care for animals while supporting adoption and education programs. The recent upgrades ensure the building remains functional, efficient, and well-equipped to meet community needs. 

For more information, visit www.aspen.gov. 

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For more information, please contact:   
 Ryan LaPointe, city of Aspen project manager   

Phone: 970-319-8752 

Email: ryan.lapointe@aspen.gov 

Madie Bailey, city of Aspen communications coordinator     
 Phone: 970-309-1569 

Email: madie.bailey@aspen.gov