SAGE Sustainable Business Program

Grant: The SAGE Accelerator Grant provides one-time, project related, financial assistance on a reimbursement basis, of sustainability upgrades and services, that facilitate cost reductions and support resource conservation and environmentally friendly business operations. The Accelerator Grant may cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses with a cap of $5,000 per business. Applications are rolling and reviewed on a monthly basis.  Apply for the SAGE Grant here!    

*Limited grant funding remains for 2025 but please still reach out ASAP to start planning for next year! 

Rebate: SAGE offers rebates to cover up to 75% ($1,500 max) project costs per business each year. Rebates range from LED lighting upgrades and toilet/urinal replacements to compost services and DIY projects. Learn more about SAGE rebates and apply here.            

Free Products: Westminster's sustainability office also offers free products for Westminster businesses. Free products include: LED Exit Signs, Smart Power Strips, Occupancy Sensors, Boss Defrost, Pre-Rinse Spray Valve and Sink/faucet Aerator.

Xcel Energy: If your business is an Xcel Energy customer, you have access to many great services and financial support. We recommend you receive a Business Energy Assessment before inquiring about the following services or financial assistance:

• AC Rewards through their smart thermostat program which can provide your business a smart thermostat and free installation.
• Rebates on heating, cooling, and refrigeration appliances, as well as LED lighting projects

*Since these rebates and services are offered through Xcel Energy, their availably is subject to change. Westminster's SAGE program is happy to support you through this process and introduce you to our Xcel Energy partners.

Contact SAGE@westminsterco.gov for questions or more information!

SAGE advisors and partners provide expertise, strategies, and resources to help your business advance sustainable business practices in the following topics:

• Energy efficiency: SAGE can help you implement easy changes to reduce your energy bill such as installing LED lighting, thermostats, high efficiency HVAC systems; manage equipment, and more.

• Water conservation: A few simple tweaks can save thousands of gallons a year. We can help you switch to low-flow toilets, install sink aerators, and use low-water, native landscaping.

• Waste reduction: Save money and resources through implementing environmentally friendly purchasing practices, reuse and repurposing, and setting up successful recycling systems.

• Transportation: Encouraging your employees and customers to walk, bike, and take public transportation will not only make them happier. It makes our air cleaner too!

• Community: Connect with and benefit local Westminster community groups, organizations, sports teams, and members to grow a beneficial customer reputation and gain recognition.

• Business management: We'll help you engage your workforce to continue improving your environmental and social impacts and verify your compliance with all applicable environmental standards.

Westminster business can be recognized in multiple ways for going above and beyond with sustainable operations.

State-wide recognition: In partnership with the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), your business can pursue state-wide recognition, which includes a certificate signed by the governor, marketing and press kits, will be added to a green business web directory, receive additional state support like letters of recommendation and priority permitting.

SAGE Sustainable Business of the Year: Each year, one Westminster business is highlighted for their sustainable contributions to our community.  Award winners from previous years and the accomplishments that earned them this award, are shown below:

• 2024: Leanna Organics
  • All of their products are made with organically sourced ingredients, promoting customers' wellness and the planet's health. 
  • Leanna’s uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging to minimize their environmental footprint, ensuring that products are as green as possible from start to finish. They have entirely plastic free packaging and are transitioning to being a completely zero-waste operation! 
  • As a family-owned and operated small business, Leanna Organics is passionate about their customers and are passionate about helping them on their holistic wellness journey. 
  • And they are a two-time SAGE Accelerator Grant recipient.
• 2023: Growing Home
  • Improved their daily operations by starting a compost service and have upgraded to high efficiency appliances.
  • Encouraged food security and local agriculture through the maintenance of a community garden.
  • 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.
  • Are a two-time SAGE Accelerator Grant recipient.

• 2022: GQUE BBQ

• Participated in Xcel Energy's Small Business Energy Solutions program to identify high-impact energy saving opportunities for their building.
• Recycles and/or sells their used cooking oil.
• Provide compostable plates and service-ware in their catering services.
• Supports the local community through donations and sponsorships to over 35 different organizations ranging from schools to sports teams to humane societies.

• 2021: Vestar: the Orchard Town Center

  • Partnering with the City and Drive Clean Colorado to put on and promote an Electric Vehicle show-case at the summer farmers market.
  • Promoting and partnering with the City and Xcel Energy to encourage business tenants to participate in the Small Business Energy Solutions campaign.
  • Maintaining and promoting the use of two on-site EV charging stations.
  • Planning to retrofit their parking lots with LED lightings.
  • Utilizing water efficient landscaping throughout the property.
  • Being a dedicated community member and neighbor through community donations and sponsorship to A Precious Child, Mark Junior Fund, and Food for Hope.
• 2020: Premier Members Credit Union
  • Conduction of a comprehensive sustainability assessment that included gathering energy, waste, natural gas, paper, and water use baseline data and setting 2020 and 2021 reduction goals and achievement strategies.
  • Responsible purchasing practices, notably using copy paper made of 100% recycled-content and printing 100% of their marketing materials on uncoated, 30% post-consumer recycled paper with soy or corn-based inks.
  • Sourcing renewable energy across their branches through a solar electric system that offsets 14 tons of CO₂ pollution each year. This is equivalent to planting 1,078 total trees or to reducing 30,500 miles of auto travel per year.
  • Educating consumers on ways to integrate sustainability into their finances, home, lifestyle and community activities.

The Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) is a free and voluntary program that encourages, supports and rewards organizations that push toward true operational sustainability. By simply registering for the program in GreenBizTracker, you'll have access to many free and voluntary benefits, including:

• Individualized Recommendations: A custom Sustainability Report (Opportunity Assessment) with a list of recommendations, resources, and funding opportunities to help you save resources and money—specifically tailored to your business size and sector— no matter where you are on your sustainability journey.
• A Sustainability Coach: A trained Green Business Specialist is assigned to your business to answer your questions and provide ongoing, long term support for you and your organization.
• Connections to funding and other resources: Information and introductions to organizations and government programs that can provide grants, rebates, loans, and other resources.
• Monthly Newsletter: Email highlighting events, businesses, and funding opportunities.
• Events & Networking: Connection to our network of 900+ businesses that value sustainability.
• Mentoring/ Mentorship: Learn from (or teach) other businesses in your sector best practices.
• Workshops: Quarterly trainings on specific sustainability topics and skills.
• Marketing Opportunities: Listed in the statewide directory of businesses in the Network, a pin on the Green Business Map, and opportunities to be featured on the CGBN LinkedIn and monthly e-newsletter.

The State of Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (also known as the PPRA, the bag ban, or House Bill 21-1162) was passed in 2021 to reduce plastic pollution in Colorado.

As of January 1, 2024:

• Plastic bag ban: Large retailers in Colorado are prohibited from distributing plastic checkout bags. 
• Paper checkout bag fee: A minimum fee of $0.10 per bag will continue to be charged for paper checkout bags
• Polystyrene food and beverage container ban: Retail food establishments are prohibited from distributing polystyrene foam (often referred to as Styrofoam®) cups and food containers. 

What are alternatives to polystyrene food containers and cups?  

Eco-Cycle’s “Guide to Sustainable Serviceware” can help you navigate your choices.

Who needs to comply and what types of Styrofoam containers are included in the ban?

How can the City of Westminster help my business comply?  

The City of Westminster’s SAGE Sustainable Business Program offers private advising sessions for food establishments to create a compliance plan. Funding may also be available for small food establishments that are concerned with the increased costs of alternatives to Styrofoam® food containers and cups. Reusables are typically the most environmentally-friendly alternative to Styrofoam. Westminster's SAGE Sustainable Business Grant could be used to purchase an Energy Star rated dishwasher to offset the extra staff time managing reusable serviceware for in-restaurant dining. 

To learn more about these support resources, email SAGE@westminsterco.gov.