Creating Green Business Districts for Colorado’s Future:

Did you know that a modest change in consumer behavior - a mere 10 percent shift in market share to independent businesses from chain stores - would result in 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in wages, and a $137 million economic impact to the area. These were the key finding from Local Works! Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, September 2008, by Civic Economics.

I want to put the power of local purchasing to work in Colorado – starting in Northwest Denver – by creating a Green Business District (GBD) Initiative. Imagine businesses purchasing from each other, and using locally made products and products made from beyond recycled materials. This would encourage consumers to purchase more from those same businesses because of their green business practices. The potential impact of these changes could include:

1. Increased business income and jobs


2. Reduce energy consumption, business and consumer waste, and infrastructure expenses


3. Increased use of renewable energy, recycled goods, and local products

 The Basic Idea:

To start, a local business community (such as the Tennyson Business District) would agree to become green. A local partner such as Alpine Waste or Mile High Youth Corps (for example) would start the process with an energy, product, and waste audit for each business in the GBD. Each business would receive its own individual analysis of what it can do to decrease energy and reduce product waste. A district wide report would also be done. From this report, district-wide and business specific goals would be created and an implementation and evaluation plan would be designed.

Compost and recycling centers would be created in the business district. Using Alpine Waste, Pedro’s Plant, and others--the centers would be convenient for the business owners, and have collection containers within in each business that are then taken to the centers. The cost would be shared by all participating businesses. Additionally, products such as recycled paper, compostable products for break rooms and restaurants, and LED light bulbs would be purchased through Pedro’s or EcoProducts with free delivery and reduced group pricing. Energy efficiency improvements would be made by individual business owners. Incentives, reduced pricing, grant matches, rebates and loans would be sought from the state and federal governments, private entities, and utilities.

Additional greening could include: tree planting and xeroscaping, installation of a sidewalk bicycle rack to reduce local CO2 emissions, promotion of “Made in Colorado and Made in the USA” products, restaurant use of local produce in partnership with regional farmer coops for fruit, vegetables, meats, and eggs, water use reduction efforts, and installation of solar panels on rooftops and/or solar gardens in parking lots.

Other Thoughts:

Importantly, the program will not seek to recreate, but rather build upon what is already working in Colorado. For example, Jennifer will seek to replicate HB-1328 – The New Energy Jobs Creation Act of 2010 for Green Business Districts. HB-1328, which is sponsored by Representative Joe Miklosi and introduced in the House on February 8, 2010, would create a statewide special improvement district (SID) that would sell bonds and issue loans to an estimated 53,000 homeowners for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. If approved, the measure is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs for building, insulation and HVAC contractors, solar installers, and energy auditors.

Additionally, Jennifer would support the creation of a statewide association modeled after PACE in Boulder. PACE is a partnership of local governments and businesses that encourage environmental achievements. This is where rebate information, tax incentives (municipal), grants, and other award and recognition programs can be marketed to the business districts. It is also the group that could be responsible for assessing the changes made by the districts, individual businesses, and certifying business districts.

Job creation through the program would be both direct (see reference to HB-1328 above) and indirect. Creating demand for energy assessments and green and local products would create and maintain jobs. Reducing costs and increasing consumer awareness about a particular district will increase business job sustainability in the community.

Supporting local businesses strengthens the economy. Studies have shown that when consumers purchase from local businesses their consumer dollar has a 68 cent economic impact over a 43 cent impact when spending at national chains. When local businesses utilize local contractors and suppliers they also contribute to the local economy with greater impact. Additionally the state spends significant dollars to support infrastructure improvements for big-box companies’, investing in small local business is has been proven to increase jobs while decreasing state expenses. Supporting the local economy is a green business model that everyone can participate in.

With the wealth of small businesses and foot traffic in many of our neighborhoods, House District 4 is the perfect place to pilot and incubate a Green Business District Initiative. In addition, as Colorado is attracting renewable energy developers through the Governor’s initiatives, I would promote the district as a headquarters for developers who are seeking supportive communities that can provide a high quality of life for their employees. The Districts neighborhoods, centers of faith, schools, and green business districts would be a perfect solution.

What do you think? Send me your thoughts, feedback and guidance!