Resources

Guidelines for Sustainable Business Practices
Businesses on the Path to Sustainability
Colorado Resources
National Resources

Guidelines for Sustainable Business Practices

Food Service Industry Green Action Plan: .excel
Hotel Green Action Plan: .pdf .excel

Various guidelines, rating systems and lists of indicators are available to help businesses, governments and communities evaluate how well their practices are moving them forward on the path of a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. These systems are helpful in creating benchmarks for environmental management systems, procurement guidelines, and goals. The key to all rating systems is understanding that sustainability is a continuum of practices, not an end state, unique to each entity.

CASBA members have collaborated to create these seven principles which lead any entity on the path toward sustainability.
CASBA Sustainable Business Guidelines

Here is a sampling of rating systems:

Global Reporting Index
The GRI vision is that reporting on economic, environmental, and social performance by all organizations is as routine and comparable as financial reporting.

State of Colorado Environment Leadership Program
The Environmental Leadership Program is a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (the Department) Sustainability Program. The Environmental Leadership Program offers benefits and incentives to members that voluntarily go beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and are committed to continual environmental improvement.

Co-op America Business Network
The companies approved by Co-op America are the social and environmental leaders, representing the best practices of the top ten percent of their industries.

The following sustainable business rating systems are available for review:
Environmental Leadership Program (by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) (PDF)
Global Reporting Initiative (PDF)
Micro Business Development guidelines (PDF)
Co-op America Business Network (PDF)
Green Star (by the Eagle Valley Alliance) (PDF)
Green Restaurant Association (PDF)
Green Hotel Association (PDF)
ReDirect Guide (PDF)

Businesses on the Path to Sustainability

SUMMARY

Principles for Sustainable Business Practices offers criteria to help businesses identify practices which lead them on a "path to sustainability". Those practices positively impact society and the natural environment while achieving business prosperity.

Guidelines for Sustainable Business Practices

This site hosts descriptions of individual businesses in Colorado which have made a commitment to follow the Path to Sustainability. These businesses are also listed as "green" businesses in the Denver 2008 Democratic National Convention Host Committee Vendor Directory. http://www.denverconvention2008.com/index.cfm?page=vendordirectory

Questions or concerns about an business' sustainability practices should be addressed directly to the entity.

APPLY TO BE LISTED IN THE VENDOR DIRECTORY
Any company doing business in Colorado may apply to be in the vendor directory.
http://www.denverconvention2008.com/index.cfm?page=ContactForm

GREEN RECOGNITION
In order to receive the "green" insignia in the vendor directory, a company must complete the additional questionnaire about sustainability practices. Vendor directory 11-7-07 sustainability application.

The completed sustainability questionnaire should be submitted electronically to green@denverconvention2008.com

Please note:
1) The identification of a business in this directory does not imply any kind of endorsement or verification of claims from the City and County of Denver , CASBA, Greenprint Denver, or the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. Those users who select a self-recognized "sustainable" company should use this resource as a guidepost and make their own independent judgment as to the veracity of each claim. We encourage you to report any issues to green@denverconvention2008.com.

2) For businesses: This directory is a pilot for future sustainability leadership development programs in Denver and Colorado. By identifying your business as "sustainable", you are also agreeing to receive future communications about your sustainability activities, such as surveys and trainings.

Colorado Resources

Center for ReSource Conservation
ACTIVITES: The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) is a community nonprofit organization that is leading Boulder County in the sustainable use of energy and natural resources. Programming focuses on Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Water Conservation, Green Building, and Waste Reduction. CONTACT: Center for ReSource Conservation 1702 Walnut Street Boulder, CO 80302 Ph: 303.441.3278 Fax: 303.441.4367 E-mail: crc@conservationcenter.org
Community office of Resource Efficiency
ACTIVITIES: Working primarily in the Roaring Fork Valley, CORE works toward a sustainable future with successful partnerships and programs in fields of energy, transportation, and architecture. Their website includes information on cash incentives for homes incorporating energy efficient appliances, solar power and small grants through their Climate Change program. CONTACT: (970)544-9808 core@aspencore.org
CU Business Advancement Center
In an effort to inspire the growth of tecnology industries in Colorado, the CU Business Advancement Center offers a variety of business services including market research analysis, new venture feasibility, free business plan review, special projects and informal networking. CONTACT: CU-BAC UCB 034 Boulder, CO 80309 Ph: 303-492-8395 Fax: 303-492-3620 email: cubac@colorado.edu
LOHAS Online Journal
ACTIVITIES: Lifestlyes of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) describs a $227 billion U.S. marketplace. LOHAS offers consumer research reports, consulting services, a weekly journal and advertising targeting the LOHAS market.
Sustainable Futures Society
The Sustainable Futures Society (SFS) promotes an understanding and adoption of the principles, policies, and practices of sustainable development. We achieve these goals through applied research, education, publications, videos, community capacity building, and the creation of strategic partnerships. We work with individuals, businesses, schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, coalitions, communities, and governments.
The StEPP Foundation
ACTIVITIES: The StEPP Foundation assists non-profits and government entities in their quests to fund environmental projects including, but not limited to, energy efficiency and pollution prevention. CONTACT: The StEPP Foundation P.O. Box 468 Golden, CO 80402-0468 Ph: 303-277-0932 Fax: 303-384-3636 email: info@steppfoundation.org

National Resources

Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
BALLE envisions a sustainable global economy made up of Local Living Economies that build long-term economic empowerment and prosperity through local business ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship.
Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives
ACTIVITIES: Established under Swiss law in 1996, the ZERI Foundation is an international non-profit organization working toward production of society's goods and services without any form of waste. ZERI members offer trainings, presentations, conferences and persons supporting ZERI's goal. CONTACT: 1071 Governor Dempsey Santa Fe, New Mexico E-mail: taylor@zeri.org