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SAGE Business

The SAGE Sustainable Business Program makes it easy for your business to:

  • SAVE money and resourcesSAGE Long Logo

  • ACT responsibly and sustainably 

  • GROW your business and connections

  • EARN community recognition and credit 

SAGE approaches sustainability through a business-first lens that connects your business to financial resources, technical assistance, and expertise to increase your business value through cost reduction, increased community recognition, conservation of resources, and improved competitive advantage over time. 

SAGE services are FREE, confidential, and voluntary and available to all business owners, landlords, tenants, managers, nonprofits and institutions located in the city.

Register your business 

Email sage@westminsterco.gov or call 303-658-2662 to set up an advising session and for any questions and comments.

Is your building 50,000 sq.ft. of more? If so, you need to report your annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office 

Owners of large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings 50,000 square feet or more to report their annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a free energy management tool used to track and assess energy and water consumption. By measuring and tracking energy use in buildings, also known as benchmarking, building owners and tenants can better understand how their building’s energy performance compares to similar buildings and identify opportunities to cut energy waste. In 2024, the State will establish building performance standards with which buildings will have to comply. 

Learn more, Register, and Report  

Bag Fee and Polystyrene Ban: 2024 Updates

Phase 2 of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act went into effect January 1, 2024, and includes the following components:

Plastic Bag Ban and Paper Bag Fee:

 

Learn more and remit fees collected here

Questions on the fee? Call our sales tax line at 303-658-2065 or email sales tax at salestax@westminsterco.gov

Polystyrene Ban:

Retail food establishments are prohibited from distributing polystyrene foam (commonly referred to as Styrofoam®) food and beverage containers (but may continue to use up remaining inventory until supplies are depleted).

SAGE Can Help You Comply 

Want help educating customers and employees?: Check out Eco-Cycle's Implementation Guide for Businesses or email sage@westminsterco.gov for assistance 

Rebate on Resusables: SAGE’s newest incentive is a one-time rebate for buying reusable solutions to help your business comply with the new state requiremnents. The refund will cover up to 75% of total costs up to $1,500. Reusable solutions include but are not limited to: 

  • Dishwashers (EPA WaterSense Certified) 
  • Durable dishware 
  • Returnable, reusable takeout container services 
  • Online systems for reuse services 

Apply for Rebate Here!

Up to $250,000 in tax credits for commuting programs 

New for tax years 2023 and 2024, the State of Colorado will provide a tax credit of up to 50% to employers to provide eco-friendly commuting options to employees. Eligible uses include:

  • Carpools, vanpools, and shuttles
  • Transit passes
  • Bike-share programs
  • Anything other than driving alone!

Email SAGE to talk more about your commuting needs and to be paired with a commuting specialist

Is your building 50,000 sq.ft. of more? If so, you need to report your annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office 

Owners of large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings 50,000 square feet or more to report their annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a free energy management tool used to track and assess energy and water consumption. By measuring and tracking energy use in buildings, also known as benchmarking, building owners and tenants can better understand how their building’s energy performance compares to similar buildings and identify opportunities to cut energy waste. In 2024, the State will establish building performance standards with which buildings will have to comply. 

Learn more, Register, and Report  

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Guide to Small Business Resources

In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fight the climate crisis, grow domestic clean energy production, lower prescription drug costs, expand access to affordable health care coverage, and raise taxes on high-earning corporations—all to rebuild the US middle class for families, workers and businesses. Within this massive bill come numerous opportunities for small businesses—from accessing solar energy to electric vehicles and more.

Learn how the IRA can benefit your business here! 

Sustainable Business of the Year Award-2023: Growing Home

Growing Home received the 2023 "Sustainable Business of the Year Award."   Growing Home, in partnership with the community, advances equity in food, housing, parenting education, and lifelong stability to create lasting change for the future. They also envision a thriving, healthy, and equitable community for all.    

So why was Growing Home chosen as the SAGE Sustainable Business of the Year? They stood out among SAGE businesses in the following ways:

  • They’ve improved their daily operations by starting a compost service and have upgraded to high efficiency appliances
  • They’re encouraging food security and local agriculture through the maintenance of a community garden
  • They’re partnering with the City on a pilot program to provide air purifiers to residents in an effort to address air quality and respiratory health concerns
  • And they are a two-time SAGE Accelerator Grant recipient 

Congratulations to our SAGE Certified Businesses! 

The following businesses have gone above and beyond to promote sustainability within their organization 

Join these businesses by becoming SAGE Certified: Learn about certification here!   

 

About SAGE:

The SAGE Sustainable Business Program makes it easy for your business to be sustainable. SAGE provides tailored assessments, resources, and assistance to businesses seeking a structured approach to implementing sustainability initiatives and measuring results. Expert advisers will work with you to create a personalized plan for your business and help you implement it at your own pace to reach your sustainability goals

If you choose to go further, SAGE recognizes businesses for environmental excellence through verification of sustainable business practices. Complete a check-list of best practices in energy, water, waste, transportation, and community and we will certify and promote you as a SAGE Certified Business. 

SAGE businesses demonstrate that profit and environmental benefit go hand-in-hand and can improve employee morale, increase operational efficiency and promote a positive public image.

Learn more through the program flyer

English Spanish

 

CONTACT SAGE: 

Email SAGE@westminsterco.gov or call 303-658-2662 to set up an advising session and for any questions and comments.

 

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  • 4800 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80031
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