The Conservation Hardware Center will open Monday, offering compact fluorescent bulbs, electricity monitors and dozens of energy-cutting devices at cost, plus advice on making homes more energy-efficient.

But if customers can buy the same products closer to home and avoid a trip to the downtown Colorado Springs store, so much the better.

“In fact, we hope that customers don’t drive down to ask a question,” said Richard Skorman, a local businessman and former Colorado Springs City Council member who has spent the past two years working to open the hardware store and other ecology-minded enterprises through his Colorado Springs Conservation Corps.

The Colorado Springs Conservation Corps, which was granted nonprofit status last month, also includes a weekly farmers market and an “Adopt a Building” program, which will pair volunteers with homeowners to cut energy costs.

Skorman is practicing what he preaches: The 1,500-square-foot building at 409 N. Tejon St. is being converted to an entirely green-friendly space. Floors are bamboo, a renewable resource. Motion sensors automatically turn lights off when people leave. And the shelving and cabinets are salvaged, some from the church behind the store.

In addition to compact fluorescent lights – the store’s logo – the shelves will be stocked with temperature sensors, faucet aerators to save hot water and smart power strips that can be programmed to shut off at certain times.

“There’s a lot of things out there that are not very expensive that make a big difference,” Skorman said. “All these things, the vast majority will be under $5, most under $3. The idea is to get thousands of these out.”

The front part of the store has products on display, while the back has been set aside for classes and advice.

With one part-time paid employee, the store is staffed mostly by volunteers, and 400 have already signed up. Out of the $200,000 budget, more than $137,000 has been donated in kind. The Downtown Development Authority has given a $30,000 grant as well, and the corps is also doing fund-raising.

“The idea is that we can take pride as a community that lives within its means, and that Colorado Springs is a place that is truly conservative,” Skorman said.

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Contact the writer at 636-0368.

DETAILS

What: Grand opening Conservation Hardware Center

Where: 409 N. Tejon St.

When: 4-6 p.m. open house

Thursday

More information: 636-2852

ALSO ON TEJON

The Homegrown on Tejon farmers market is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 15 on the 300 block on North Tejon Street.

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