Two Durango businesses have reached the top level of achievement for employment of resources in the workplace.
Renae Marie Apparel & Gifts, 809 Main Ave., and the DoubleTree Hotel are the first to reach the Going Beyond level in the Resource-Smart Business Program sponsored by the Four Corners Office of Resource Efficiency (4CORE).
Businesses must make three improvements in each of three areas – energy efficiency, worksite wellness and sustainability – to reach the Going Beyond mark, Theresa Shishim of 4CORE said in a statement.
“I started my involvement in the program in early 2012, soon after I opened my store,” Renae Marie Muller said Tuesday.
In the area of energy efficiency, Muller changed lighting to LED bulbs, installed weather stripping on the street door and insulated the water heater. The measures save an estimated $1,370 annually on Muller’s electric bill.
Muller improved morale by initiating an employee recognition program. A “box of gratitude” provides a wrapped gift chosen sight unseen from a box containing various items.
“It would be something like stationery or a bar of fine soap,” Muller said.
Sustainability projects included writing a green-business mission statement, carrying lines of friendly products and using recycled materials.
Recycled materials are found in a line of watches that Muller sells and store display tables.
“I bought old doors from Habitat for Humanity and my husband made legs from wood from Durango Salvage to build tables,” Muller said. “I left the doors as is, even with the door handles on. They’re quite the conversation pieces.”
Kristin Nielsen, the driving force behind the DoubleTree resource-smart program, is traveling and was not available for comment.
The 4CORE statement said the hotel changed lighting in its restaurant and parking lot to LED bulbs. LED bulbs also were installed for roof lighting and meters on rooftop air handlers were upgraded for efficiency. The annual savings on the electric bill is an estimated $14,000.
Among sustainability improvements were educating hotel staff members about sustainability, setting new computers on power strips and a proposal to name a “director of sustainability” to coach all other Hilton chain hotels about integrating sustainability into their operations.
The hotel also joined the city’s Way to Go Club that promotes alternatives to commuting by vehicle.
As part of its wellness program, the hotel encourages physical activity, healthful eating habits and good mental health. A mentor is available to help individuals achieve his/her goals, and employees can take advantage of a corporate discount at the Durango Community Recreation Center.
The resource-smart business program started in early 2012 and works with 30 businesses in La Plata County. It is funded by an Environmental Protection Agency grant that expires early next year, but organizers hope to keep it going.
daler@duangoherald.com
