Building Resilience from the Ground Up

Danniel Tigereros has always believed in investing in his community. His journey began as an educator and coach with Teach for America, then as a high school math and economics teacher in New Orleans. Today, he’s channeling that same passion for impact into climate resilience as an ICLEI CORE Intern for Telluride, Colorado.

For the past six months, Danniel has worked on benchmarking building performance standards for Telluride’s existing infrastructure. This effort is more than a technical exercise—it’s about preparing the city for a future where electrification and energy efficiency are essential. His work involves understanding building policy, identifying electrification needs, and finding funding pathways for building owners—whether commercial or multifamily—to retrofit properties with heat pumps, improve weatherization, and reduce carbon footprints.

From Classroom to Climate Action

Before entering the sustainability space, Danniel spent 3.5 years teaching in New Orleans. There, he witnessed firsthand how vulnerable communities are to extreme weather. “I saw a city so rich in culture and beauty at the mercy of hurricanes and flooding,” he recalls. While teaching gave him a sense of purpose, he wanted to create a lasting impact beyond the classroom—one that addressed systemic challenges like housing resilience and energy equity.

That desire led him to pursue a Master’s of the Environment at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in renewable energy and urban resilience. CU Boulder stood out because it allowed Danniel to build on his strengths in math and economics while gaining technical expertise in energy modeling, solar potential, cost-benefit analysis, and project financing. “I wanted a program that balanced what I knew with policy and legal frameworks,” he explains. “That combination would give me the tools to drive real change.”

Community-Driven Solutions in Telluride

Danniel’s internship has reinforced one key lesson: every city is unique. In Telluride—a historic mountain town—resilience planning must respect the character of its architecture while preparing for climate risks like wildfire. Much of his work involves coalition building, attending city council meetings, and collaborating with stakeholders to align on priorities. “One of the projects I’m working on started as a community member’s idea,” he says. “It’s exciting to see those ideas gain traction.”

Wildfire mitigation remains top of mind for many Colorado communities. Danniel emphasizes that education and collaboration are critical. “If we can get everyone on the same page, we can start working on implementation plans—or at least secure grants and funding—before an emergency happens.”

Beyond Buildings: Circular Solutions for Resilience

Electrification is just one piece of the puzzle. Danniel is also passionate about circular economy strategies that strengthen local food systems. One initiative he’s exploring is a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program connecting low-income households with local farmers in the San Miguel region. “This ensures families have access to fresh, affordable produce without relying on long supply chains,” he explains. The program also reduces emissions by cutting transportation distances.

To close the loop, Danniel envisions adding a composting component. “If we can start small—get a section of town composting, transport that to a hauler, and return it to farmers—we create a circular system for food waste,” he says. While logistics are still being worked out, the potential benefits are clear: healthier people, reduced landfill waste, and stronger community ties.

Looking Ahead

For Danniel, the most rewarding part of his internship is seeing how interconnected these efforts are. “No matter which project you work on, they overlap and create benefits for each other,” he reflects. From electrification to food systems, resilience is a shared responsibility—and Danniel is helping Telluride lead the way.