Resource Smart Business Program: Open for Business

The RSBP is a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses operate more efficiently. Businesses who participate will learn how to assess their energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability. Businesses that make positive changes will then become “Resource Smart Certified” and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts. The RSBP is a collaboration between  Fort Lewis College Environmental Center (FLCEC), Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata (HLLP), Local First, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and SWConnect and is funded through a grant from the EPA that was awarded to La Plata County. The RSBP enables local businesses to participate in the program free of charge. A total of 30 businesses are expected to participate in the RSBP and become “Resource Smart” certified by the end of 2013. Current business participants include:

Pine River Bank in Bayfield,  KSUT Four Corners Public Radio in Ignacio,  Durango Natural Foods, Pediatric Associates of Durango,  Durango Coffee Company,  Task Masters,  Brown's Sport Shoe,

Animas Museum,  For the Birds LLC,  Gloss,  Linda's Local Food Cafe,  Backcountry Experience, and  Southern Ute Cultural Museum.

Anticipated and realized benefits for these businesses include:

• Free business assessments, valued at $1,500; 
• A $1000 rebate for implementing energy efficiency measures; 
• Reduced operations costs, which improves profit and cash flow; 
• Exposure to new markets and new customers; 
• Increased employee productivity; 
• Boosted brand integrity for competitive advantage;
• Positive media exposure and promotional materials; 
• Multiple levels of participation and recognition; 
• Access to ongoing support and education on sustainable business practices; and 
• Networking opportunities with other resource smart business participants.

The goal is to transition into a fee-for-service program after 30 businesses are served through the EPA grant. It is the RSBP’s vision to make the “resource smart” certification recognized and valued by all La Plata County businesses, employees, and consumers as the most highly valued certification for businesses.

To receive certification, business owners and employees will be required to complete a six-step certification process, which includes:

Orientation,  Assessment,  Recommendations,

Implementation,  Education, and  Third party recognition.

For businesses that want to implement recommended energy efficient measures, the RSBP website provides a list of qualified local contractors.

Currently, 4CORE coordinates the  program to ensure consistent scheduling, follow-up, and resources for businesses.

For information on how to apply and to learn more about the RSBP visit the website.

About the Author: 

Brent Walsh is the Sustainable Business Developer for the RSBP. Brent is from Denver, CO and graduated from Fort Lewis College in the spring of 2012 with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Spanish. While living a San Jose, Costa Rica for a year he took a sustainable development class and has wanted to work in the field of international sustainable business development ever since. Brent is responsible for developing the business plan for the Resource Smart Business Program. When not working Brent enjoys hanging out with his friends and family, music, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and traveling.