Fort Collins Named to CDP's A-List for Climate Transparency

Fort Collins has earned the highest climate rating—an "A-List" designation—from CDP, placing it among just 30 U.S. cities and one of only four in Colorado recognized for climate transparency. The rating shows Fort Collins tracks emissions rigorously and plans to hit net-zero by 2050—decisions that will touch residents' energy bills, development approvals, and air quality.

Colorado earned A-List status for the second straight year, one of only two states nationwide to do so out of 91 states and regions that disclosed data to CDP in 2025. Aspen, Denver, Fort Collins, and Lakewood were the Colorado cities honored alongside the state, according to the Colorado Governor's Office.

To qualify for A-List status, governments must meet three requirements: publish an emissions inventory, conduct a climate risk assessment, and adopt a climate action plan. They must also commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and track progress toward that goal, according to the Colorado Governor's Office.

Fort Collins' 2015 Climate Action Plan Framework set targets (baseline: 2005): 20 percent reduction by 2020, 80 percent by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050. The city exceeded its 2020 interim goal, with community emissions reported at approximately 24 percent below 2005 levels in 2020-2021.

The 2021 "Our Climate Future" plan reinforces the 80 percent reduction target by 2030 and adds goals for 100 percent renewable electricity and zero waste by 2030. These commitments tie directly to utility planning and will influence how much fossil fuel the community consumes.

Those goals will soon become building requirements. Fort Collins is advancing Building Performance Standards requiring most large buildings—apartment complexes, offices, commercial properties—to meet efficiency targets by 2030 or 2035. Owner upgrade costs average around $200,000 per building, or roughly $4 to $5 per square foot.

Governor Jared Polis highlighted the practical benefits of the designation. "Colorado is proud to be leading in data-driven approaches to combat the impact of climate change, save Coloradans money, and protect our natural resources," Polis said. "Data helps Colorado to make informed decisions to help save people money and maximize environmental, economic, and health benefits in our communities."

Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, emphasized the link between emissions data and community health. "Lower emissions protect communities, improving health and reducing costly health impacts," Ryan said. "Strong data helps us set targets, implement emission reduction strategies, and measure progress."

Climate risk assessments will now guide where Fort Collins develops next—and how fast.