Thirty La Plata and Archuleta county businesses are improving their energy efficiency, learning about workplace wellness and boning up on sustainable business practices through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Resource Smart Business Program is one of four recipients in the area funded by a $500,000 grant from the Climate Showcase Communities grant through the EPA.
The Four Corners Office of Resource Efficiency (4CORE) administers the grant. Assessment of business practices and recommendations for potential changes were made by 4CORE partners La Plata Electric Association, Healthy Lifestyle La Plata, Southwest Connection, Local First, the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center and Bright Green LLC.
Businesses make changes to satisfy customers, said Amanda Saunders from 4CORE. Studies have found that 80 percent of customers are likely to switch brands if theyre similar in price and quality to one that supports a cause and that nearly 60 percent of consumers ages 18 to 45 are willing to pay more for green products, she said.
Saunders cited Joshua Jackson, general manager of Durango Natural Foods, for switching from T-12 to LED lighting in refrigeration units. Jackson expects to save $769 a year on his electric bill and see a return on investment in two years.
Renae Muller, owner of Renae Marie Apparel & Gifts in Durango, said the Resource Smart assessment alerted her to potential changes to save money and make her four employees happier.
I learned through the online questionnaire my employees took that theyre interested in cooking classes in order to eat healthier and in beauty products that are more environmentally friendly, Muller said.
Muller said switching to LED lighting was an economically sound move, but increases in rates and base charges nullified savings.
It will require about four months more of electric bills before she knows the overall effect of the lighting changes, Muller said.
Businesses participating in the Resource Smart program are radio station KSUT, Pine River Valley Bank (Bayfield), Durango Natural Foods, Pediatric Associates of Durango, Durango Coffee Co., Browns Sport Shoe, Animas Museum, For the Birds, Renae Marie, Lindas Local Food Cafe, Backcountry Experience, Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum, Marias Bookshop, Housing Solutions for the Southwest, Diggs Restaurant, Pine Needle Mountaineering, Pet Haus, Habitat ReStore, Earthen Vessel Gallery, Dancing Willow Herbs, Axis Health System, DoubleTree Hotel, Urban Market, Target Rental, San Juan Basin Health Department, Durango Arts Center, Cyprus Cafe, Eno Wine and Coffee Cafe, Bank of Colorado and San Juan Hand Therapy.
Sharing the EPA grant with the Resource Smart Business Program ($280,060) were Durango Discovery Museum ($122,000); Healthy Community Food Systems ($64,000); Southern Ute Community Action Program ($21,120); and La Plata County ($12,820).
daler@durangoherald.com
