What is the Greener Denver Business Program?
The Greener Denver Business Program is the City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) environmental sustainability initiative to assist local organizations to voluntarily become more efficient through energy conservation, resource management, and operation efficiencies.

Why is the Office of Economic Development implementing an environmental sustainability program?  Isn’t that more of  a function of regulatory agencies?
 In 2008, OED committed to the Mayor’s Greenprint Denver Initiative to contribute towards Denver’s Climate Action Plan.  In the plan, 19% of the carbon reduction goals have been determined to come from the private sector.  OED will utilize its on-going relationships with local companies to uncover means for local companies to increase profits that can be used for future capital improvements and/or the hiring of new employees.

Who can join the Greener Denver Business Program?
Any local business or organization with an interest in measuring and reducing resource consumption.  OED will contact any organization that registers and will try to visit all Denver-based organizations to deliver a welcome packet that includes a Recommendations for Greening your Business document.  OED will invite other local governments to participate to deliver the appropriate welcome packet.  If you think your city or county government should be involved, please have them contact Christopher Smith at christopher.smith@denvergov.org.

Can organizations outside the metro area participate?
Yes, they will be invited to attend the training seminars and industry events.  However they will be expected to travel to Denver to attend.

How does an organization get involved? 
Organizations are encouraged to register on-line at www.GreenerDenverBiz.org .  Registration includes a short survey with questions regarding resource consumption (electricity, natural gas, water), waste habits (recycling, composting), usage of fuel (fleet and commuter miles driven), and green change management policies (green team designation, preferred purchasing policies, etc.)

What if we can’t answer a registration question because we are a tenant or don’t receive a billing notice from the utility company?
All questions include the option of “I don’t know”.  You are encouraged to complete the entire survey.  If appropriate, answers can be updated following registration using your selected username and password.

What kind of information will I be asked to provide to participate in the Program?

• Basic company information - specific to the metro area, including contact information, number of employees and square footage of buildings owned and/or leased
• Energy Efficiency - 12 months consecutive documentation of your electricity and natural gas consumption (Xcel bill, lease invoice, etc.) 
• Water Conservation - 12 months consecutive documentation of your water consumption (like Denver Water bills which are available on- line for free at www.denverwater.org/consumption)
• Recycling - Verification from your recycling provider indicating amount diverted, if available
• Commuter Mile Reduction –survey your local staff to determine the average weekly number of miles traveled between home and work by themselves in a car 
• Renewable Energy- indications of energy offsets include (Windsource line item on your Xcel bill, confirmation of carbon offset purchase, or receipt for renewable energy system installation 
• Change Management, Planning and Involvement - names and e-mail addresses of three (3) staff, vendors, service providers, or volunteers interested in being part of your green team.
  

What is a Green Team Member?
Once registered, all organizations are encouraged to register three (3) additional contacts to act as a green team to give guidance and overview.  Green Team members can simply be included with only their e-mail address being requested.  Green team members will be invited to attend all events and be included in all Greener Denver communications.

What will the collected data be used for?
The data will be consolidated with responses from other participating organizations to determine baseline statistics for comparison with data gathered in future years.  The current Climate Action Plan has goals for 2012.  The intent is for 2008 carbon footprint statistics to be proportionately larger on a per employee basis than 2012 due to the greening efforts of local organizations.

Will our data be distributed publicly?
Only contact information will be published in a Greener Denver Participant directory at www.GreenerDenverBiz.org.  All other information will remain confidential and only published in an overall  consolidated format.  Registration is for a 12-month term and participated will need to re-register with new data the following year.

What are the benefits of participating in the Greener Denver Business Program?
OED has contracted with CORE Colorado to develop a full training curriculum to educate local organizations on implementing greening practices as well as the local resources available to assist in your efforts.  Additionally, OED is working within Strategic Industry Networks to coordinate like-minded organizations within defined industries (restaurants, hotels, etc.).   There will also be an on-line networking forum for participants to engage one another and share best practices.  Other resources are being investigated and will be rolled out when available.

What are the expectations of a Greener Denver Business Participant?
As a Greener Denver Business participant, you will be expected to a commitment towards environmental sustainability.  We encourage you to attend all relevant trainings and to consider implementing the relevant Recommendations for Greening Your Business suggestions.  Ultimately, you are expected to reduce your resource consumption, increase profitability and contribute to the Climate Action Plan reduction goals.

What educational opportunities are available?
The training schedule will include a series of educational seminars on a variety of greening initiatives your company might undertake. The topics include: Creating a Plan and Getting Staff Involved, Demand-side Management & Energy Efficiency, Green Building, Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets, Recycling, and Water Efficiency.

Who do we contact for additional information?
Please contact Christopher Smith at 720.913.1999 or christopher.smith@denvergov.org.