Did you know that investing in energy conservation in your business can create one of the highest returns on investment of any expenditure you can make? Many business leaders have learned that making changes to encourage an energy conscious business not only make for a better and healthier work environment, but also saves money and makes for a better bottom line. The Chamber Environmental Committee will recognize these efforts with the 2013 Environmental Business Award.

Unveiled at the 2004 Annual Dinner as a new award, the program recognizes outstanding efforts by Chamber members to enhance the environmental performance of their organization. The 2013 award, presented at the Annual Dinner will recognize efforts organizations have taken relative to Education and Advocacy, Conscientious Purchasing, Conservation, Green Building, Recycling and Solid-Waste Reduction, Toxic Materials Awareness, Indoor Environmental Quality and Natural Area and Habitat Protection. As well, there will be a “ripple” award that will recognize those organizations affecting change in others.

The award criteria is designed and managed by the Chamber Environmental Committee and a nomination form is now available with a submission deadline of January 8, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Once a company is nominated, they will be given the application form to complete by February 3, 2014.

“I am very excited about the committee and the opportunities that the development of this committee provides to our membership,” said Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce executive vice president. “We really have an opportunity to disseminate good information that can help our members be more environmentally aware while recognizing outstanding efforts by our members to be environmentally responsible”

Previous award winners include Columbine Health Systems, United Way of Larimer County, Platte River Power Authority, Porter Industries, Front Range Community College, Alliance Construction Solutions, Colorado State University, New Belgium Brewing Company, Trinity Lutheran Church, Land Images, Drahota, BHA Design, Fine Print Imaging, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Poudre Valley Hospital, Gen Green LLC, R B + B Architects, Trees, Water and People, In-Situ, Inc, Avago Technologies, the Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Association, Hewlett-Packard, Larkburger of Colorado, LLC, Mountain Whitewater Descents, Advanced Animal Care of Colorado and DOG TALES Activity Center, Odell Brewing Company and Gallegos Sanitation, Inc.

Business efforts to conserve resources and increase environmental quality can range from simply recycling office paper and purchasing wind power to more elaborate changes such as installing sun tubes to increase day lighting or to building a new facility with environmentally conscious attributes.

All Chamber members are encouraged to nominate a fellow business or themselves for this recognition. Nomination forms for the award can be received by contacting Ann Hutchison at [email protected] or 482-3746. Click here to download nomination forms. Deadline for nomination submission is January 8, 2014.