GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Helping SW Colorado Businesses Save Money, Save Energy, and Go Green!
what we do
4CORE has been providing services in southwest Colorado since 2008, including energy efficiency installations, renewable energy projects, weatherization, clean transportation, and greener living education for residents and businesses.
We can help your business increase its efficiency and sustainable practices through our Green Business Certification program. Our team will guide you through the simple process of certification.
Become part of the climate solution and start saving money and reducing emissions with green business practices and efficiency recommendations today.
Green Seekers MEMBERSHIP
Empowering Durango Businesses with Sustainability
Welcome to Green Seekers, 4CORE’s member-based educational program designed to foster sustainability practices in businesses within the region. Our goal is to educate and inspire businesses to adopt greener practices through accessible, engaging training sessions and curated informational resources. This innovative program empowers businesses in Durango and beyond to adopt green practices through accessible and engaging training sessions, curated resources, and networking opportunities.
For $50 annually, members gain access to:
In-Person Workshops, Webinars, and Presentations: Practical sessions on foundational and advanced sustainability topics.
The Green Seekers Online Learning Platform: A curated collection of educational resources available anytime.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded businesses and green certification veterans.
In-person workshops will be recorded and available on our online learning platform, courtesy of our partner organization Visit Durango, and will cover such topics as:
Green Business 101
Ask the Green Biz Experts
“Low Hanging Fruit” Sustainable Practices
Sustainability on a Budget
Show Me the Money
Finding the Time to Go Green
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Green Seekers program provides a significant first step toward green business certification with 4CORE.
Durango's Green Business Movement
Join us in making Durango a leader in sustainable business practices and take the first step towards Green Business certification today!
Green Business Certification
Join the Movement Toward a More Sustainable Future
Our Green Business Certification Program is designed to be straightforward and manageable. We provide comprehensive assessments and a clear certification process, guiding your business every step of the way to increase efficiency.
Join us in becoming part of the climate solution. Start saving money and reducing emissions with our green business practices and efficiency recommendations today!
Steps in the APPLICATION Process:
Sign your business up for the Green Business Certification program. The enrollment fee is $350, with an annual renewal fee of $200 a year, only $17 a month (scholarships are available! Email colleen@fourcore.org for more information).
Our Green Business Program Manager will walk you through the process. We’ll guide you through the categories and the specific possibilities for your business.
We’ll provide a consultation to assess your needs.
Once we determine your business needs and goals for certification, we’ll set up an energy assessment appointment with our BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified professional (this is optional and costs $375 for businesses with facilities less than 10,000 sq. ft). The City of Durango offers a rebate, as does LPEA ($300), as long as at least one recommendation is achieved.
After thoroughly assessing your energy consumption, employee information, commuting behaviors, and business footprint, we’ll recommend upgrades and enhancements for your business.
Be Recognized for Your Good Work!
4CORE recognizes all of our green-certified businesses through our Sustainable Business Awards held annually! Become one of the winning businesses that is saving in operation costs and reducing their impact.
The Categories and Actions:
Some of these categories will apply to your business, but not all of them will. We have designed the certification to accommodate different business types (manufacturing, retail, restaurant, etc) and the categories that would apply.
Energy Efficiency
Climate
Materials & Waste- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost
Food
Water
Landscape
Toxins
Transportation and Commuting
Materials- Production
Air Quality
Buildings
Community and Social Equity
Implementation and Reporting
Innovation and Accomplishments
What Will Your Business Achieve?
4CORE has five designated levels of certification that are based on a cumulative points system:
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
PLATINUM
PEARL
Current List of Green-Certified Businesses
Explore our Green-Certified Businesses to discover local leaders in sustainability and support a greener community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Full access to the Green Seekers online learning platform and resource hub.
Grant and rebate application assistance.
All participating businesses receive a certificate and a Green-Certified Business decal for display.
Annual Recognition in our September awards ceremony, where your business receives a plaque highlighting your sustainability certification level.
Business marketing amplification throughout 4CORE’s communities and social media channels.
Ready-to-Share Content: Receive social media-ready certificates to easily spread the word about your green commitment to your followers.
Business Directory Listing-the first three months paid for by 4CORE: Get featured in the Durango Sustainable Business Guide.
Responsible Tourism Spotlight: Tourism-related green businesses are featured on Visit Durango's Responsible Tourism page.
Visitor Center Promotion: Your green business will be highlighted on flyers at Visit Durango's Welcome Center on Main Ave (which received 9,391 visitors last quarter).
Networking and Growth Opportunities:
Sustainable Business Forum: Join monthly meetings to discuss challenges and solutions in going green with fellow eco-minded business owners.
Press Coverage: Press releases advertise the Achievements of the Green Business group and Sustainable Business Forum, offering additional exposure.
Becoming a sustainability leader in the community and inspiring others!
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Receive your official certification and promotional stickers.
Process any applicable rebates.
Get your customized marketing folder.
Have promotional photos taken.
Access the Sustainable Business Guide and Responsible Tourism resources.
Business acknowledgment at the Durango Welcome Center.
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Green Seekers Member- $50 annually.
Green Business Certification- The enrollment fee is $350, with an annual renewal fee of $200. Email colleen@fourcore.org for scholarship opportunities.
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The process typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on your current practices and the improvements needed.
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Absolutely! Our program is designed to support businesses of all sizes.
Join 4CORE's green business community today, and let us help amplify your commitment to sustainability!
Additional Resources-Green Business Funding & Incentives
FUNDING:
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Rural Energy For America Program (REAP)
This program, though competitive, can provide loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation, and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:
High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
Insulation.
Lighting.
Cooling or refrigeration units.
Doors and windows.
Electric, solar, or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
Switching from a diesel to an electric irrigation motor.
Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Funding available:
Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
"The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to make energy efficiency improvements and/or add renewable energy to their facilities. USDA awards grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs and guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Combined grant and loan guarantee funding cannot exceed 75% of total eligible project costs." -Laura Getts, Senior Electrification Analyst at Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc
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Through this USDA-funded program grant, eligible rural small businesses may qualify for a discounted energy audit and additional rebates. This program may also enable a business to apply for a USDA REAP (see info above) grant. Any business across Colorado may apply.
Reasons to Participate:
Energy audits and assessments are invaluable tools for better understanding which energy improvements may provide the biggest return on investment (ROI) for your specific building. The customized reports you receive will show all relevant improvement opportunities, projected savings, and ROI.
The USDA funding program will cover 75% of the cost of these audits, including the energy analysts’ travel fees. A comprehensive energy audit positions your business well for further state and federal funding opportunities.
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Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF offers a suite of commercial loan products that can help business and building owners save on operating costs by financing energy efficiency measures like solar and building electrification. We're proud to offer low-cost financing with favorable terms and rates that allow businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while actively working to improve their bottom line.
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Energy Project Accelerator Loan (Energy PAL)
CCEF can assist business owners with various commercial loan opportunities for clean energy and increased renewable energy generation projects. They support clean energy and energy efficiency improvement projects that result in reduced utility costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased electrification or electrification readiness, and/or increased renewable energy generation. One program, the Energy PAL, would be a good fit for small commercial borrowers.
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Kiva is a worldwide microfinance funding platform that allows businesses to access 0% /no-fee crowd-funded loans in the range of $1,000 to $15,000. The Kiva program allows otherwise financially excluded individuals, primarily women and minorities, to access affordable capital to assist in starting or growing a small business.
Things to Know:It requires a crowd-sharing process that demonstrates support for the business. Once a goal has been achieved, the business can access many other lenders in the Kiva network.
It requires entrepreneurs to initially raise a portion of their loan from their own network. KIVA believes "this approach underlines the importance of community support and validates the borrower's credibility, paving the way for broader fundraising from Kiva's extensive global lending community."
Kiva Colorado is a partnership between Kiva and Prairie Rose Development, a non-profit organization that assists business owners with the Kiva application process from beginning to end. Prairie Rose Development provides all services for free.
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The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund
The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund offers restaurants a unique opportunity to pilot food waste solutions for free. The initiative, supported by toast.org, focuses on preventing, donating, or recycling food waste and seeks to improve restaurants' operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact. Participating restaurants will get to pilot a food waste solution that best fits their operational needs.
INCENTIVES:
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Qualified Heat Pump Installers
Looking for qualified heat pump installers? 4CORE understands the importance of finding reliable professionals for your home energy needs. That’s why we’ve partnered with LPEA, a trusted provider known for its expertise in energy solutions.
Their qualified heat pump installers are equipped to transform your home’s comfort and efficiency. Whether you’re considering an HVAC upgrade or seeking to reduce your carbon footprint, LPEA’s recommended installers have the knowledge and experience to meet your requirements. LPEA rebates can cover up to 50% of equipment costs.
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LPEA’s Qualified Solar Installer Program
Are you interested in harnessing the power of solar energy for your home? 4CORE can connect you with trusted professionals from LPEA’s Qualified Solar Installer Program to assist you with all of your solar needs. Colorado solar incentives like tax credits and rebates allow you to save money when you go solar.
LPEA’s recommended experts are well-equipped to handle your solar installation, ensuring a seamless transition to clean, sustainable power. Their list of qualified solar installers can help you reduce your carbon footprint or lower your energy bills.
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LPEA’s 2024 Rebate Programs- Commercial and Residential.
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Calculator.
EPA’s Guide to Greenhouse Gas Management for Small Businesses.
Green Seekers online learning platform for 4CORE Green Businesses and Green Seekers members.
City of Durango’s Turf Grass Replacement Program.
Durango’s Sustainable Business Guide, featuring 4CORE’s Green-certified businesses.
Climate Collaborative’s Climate-Smart Packaging Guide
How to Calculate Your Waste Diversion Rate from The Colorado Green Business Network
For more information, contact the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) by calling (970) 259-1916 or emailing colleen@fourcore.org.