The Colorado Green Business Network has presented the 24-Karat Gold Award to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in recognition of its sustainability efforts and a comprehensive waste reduction program. The ski area diverted more than 185,000 pounds of waste from local landfills through recycling and composting initiatives. These efforts included collecting hard-to-recycle items such as electronics, textiles, batteries, and light bulbs, as well as educating employees about proper recycling and composting practices at home.
At the same event, the network celebrated 198 certified green businesses throughout Colorado. Collectively, these businesses have saved nearly 50,957 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent—an amount similar to the annual emissions from over 11,880 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
“Colorado businesses are actively protecting our environment through operational efficiency and reduced energy,” said Rayna Oliker, Manager of the Colorado Green Business Network. “Our team is inspired to support the innovation and creativity of Colorado businesses.”
Six companies received Innovation Spotlight Awards for their achievements in areas such as water conservation, energy use, waste management, transportation improvements, and community engagement.
Carver Brewing Company was recognized for launching ReGen Ale—a West Slope IPA brewed with locally sourced regenerative malt and regional hops grown using climate-smart agriculture techniques like no-till farming and cover cropping. These methods help reduce soil emissions and prevent land degradation while supporting local supply chains.
Denver Water earned an award after purchasing ten electric vehicles (EVs) and two hybrid vehicles through its Carbon Reduction Value Stream Team. By retiring less efficient equipment, Denver Water expects to save approximately 231 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually. The organization plans to add another 25 EVs in 2025.
Gunnison Country Food Pantry installed a solar photovoltaic system made up of recycled panels that is expected to generate about 26 megawatt-hours of electricity each year. The pantry partnered with Equitable Solar Solutions for this project; savings on energy costs will allow them to buy more food for their community.
Ready Foods implemented a new process allowing peppers used in salsa production to be ground without cooling them first in water. This change resulted in saving 4.5 million gallons of water and $38,000 in expenses over one year.
Revvity Inc. tested shipping products at ambient temperature instead of using dry ice—a move that saved $41,315 annually and eliminated roughly 1,500 cubic feet of insulated packaging waste.
DIRT Coffee Bar created what it describes as Colorado’s first community café focused on workforce development for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. The shop also replaced its front lawn with sensory-friendly landscaping alternatives and upgraded its HVAC system to an electric model.
For further details about green businesses in Colorado or access to resources like the GreenBiz Tracker directory or the network’s website, interested parties can contact CDPHE.greenbusiness@state.co.us.
