OUR STORY
FROM ABANDONED MINES TO REAL, MEASURABLE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
We believe climate solutions should be built with the people and places they affect
Switchback began in the high desert mountains of Western Colorado, where abandoned mines are part of the landscape and local history. Working in this region means respecting the land, supporting local workers, and restoring places that shaped the communities around them.
Switchback was founded after observing major methane leaks from the abandoned Bowie #1 mine in Western Colorado. These emissions had been escaping for decades—unseen but significant.
In late 2023, Switchback acquired the site and began installing a capture and destruction system designed to permanently eliminate the leaks.
What started as a single project became a model for identifying and addressing methane emissions at abandoned mines across the region.
We’re restoring landscapes, communities, and ecosystems.
FOUNDED BY AN ENGINEER, OPERATOR, AND CLIMATE PRACTITIONER
Drawing on experience in mine engineering and site remediation, energy systems and methane destruction technology, environmental monitoring and carbon markets, and local operations and land stewardship.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Auden Schendler
Auden led sustainability programs at Aspen One for 26 years, focusing on large-scale climate solutions spanning clean energy, policy, advocacy, and movement building. A former Rocky Mountain Institute researcher, Protect Our Winters board member, Colorado Air Quality Control Commissioner, and Basalt town council member, he’s been recognized by Time and the EPA for climate leadership. He’s also the author of Terrible Beauty and Getting Green Done, a candid look at the realities of sustainability work.
Matt Jones
Matt Jones is the former Aspen Skiing Company CFO and COO, Mountain Division. He has over 20 years of experience in ski operations, hotel operations, development and acquisitions, and resort planning and development. At Aspen, pioneered (along with Auden Schendler) a coal methane-to-electricity plant. He holds an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and is an avid musician.
Christopher Caskey
Chris is a scientist and entrepreneur who is passionate about climate, energy, conservation, and economic development. He founded Delta Brick & Climate Company in 2018. Previous positions include research assistant professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, materials science consultant, and mountaineering guide. He is a board member of the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority and a previous board chair of the Western Slope Conservation Center.