Sustainable Q&A 

What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability might be thought of in its most simplistic form as harmonizing human activities with natural systems while keeping longevity in mind.  Sustainable business practices encompass the inter-relationship of three key components, 1) financial success, 2) social responsibility, and 3) proactive environmental management, attempting to maximize the well being of each, both now and for future generations.

What is the Sustainable Business Program?
The objective of the Chamber’s program is an educational one.  The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association with assistance from their consultant, Environmental Solutions Unltd, LLC is providing educational resources, tools, and personalized assistance for businesses in the Yampa Valley to learn about common sense business practices that help attain sustainability.

The program is strictly voluntary, there are no regulatory components.   Through the Chamber’s Steamboat Sustainable Business Program, member businesses can enroll, for a small fee, in a certification program which offers community-wide recognition as well as access to resources to help them implement, measure, and continually improve their environmentally sustainable practices.

When can I sign up?
Member businesses have the opportunity to take a leadership role by participating.  They will learn about how to identify and implement common sense practices to become more sustainable including the use of green products, clean energy, pollution reduction and waste minimization and reuse techniques, resource conservation, and better overall design of the built environment.  Other benefits to the business include potential cost savings associated with the practices, as well as recognition in the community and subsequent consumer preference.

Businesses may either go to the Chamber’s website, www.steamboatchamber.com, or call 879-0882 to obtain an enrollment form.  The form can be mailed, faxed or dropped off at the Chamber.

What happens once I enroll?
Enrolling businesses will be contacted by Environmental Solutions Unltd, LLC (ESU) and will receive a package of introductory materials. A meeting will be arranged to go over the process of achieving certification.  ESU will schedule a visit and walk through of the business for an evaluation.

The business can either perform a self assessment or can receive professional assistance in working through a checklist of common sense practices that might be applicable to them.  They will also be offered the option of obtaining a written report summarizing their current efforts and those that might be considered for the future.  Measuring success and goal setting components are also included.

Once certification is achieved, the business will receive a framed certificate and emblems to display at their business location.  The business will be granted permission to use the Sustainable Business logo, and a variety of other recognition programs designed by the Chamber will notify the community and consumers of the business’ achievement.

Will certification be difficult?
The certification process is designed for simplicity, is easy to follow, and easy to implement.  Tools and personalized assistance will be provided along the way.  Any type of business, school, or organization can apply and goals and programs will be tailored to the specific business.  Additional advice and services can be obtained for additional costs if desired by the business.
The overall evaluation includes a review of energy reduction practices, reduce/recycle/reuse of waste, and water conservation practices.  Examples of practices that receive additional elective points are:
• Utilization of green building materials or concepts in building construction
• Reducing vehicle miles traveled
• Participate in community sustainability programs
• Improve indoor air quality at the workplace
• Implement xeriscape landscaping practices
• Green purchasing programs
• Eliminate toxic or hazardous materials from their process

How long is the certification good for?
Certifications are good for one year.  Renewal will require a fee and a return visit on the business which will include a review of documentation that the established goals of certification were met, as well as the setting of new goals.