Green businesses abound at both ends of the Gunnison Valley

ORE helps area businesses reduce energy consumption

A car parts store. A gas station. An RV rental shop. Not the usual suspects for “green” businesses. But all along Main Street (and beyond) ORE’s Energy Wise Business Program has helped more than 70 businesses of all types achieve their energy reduction and sustainability goals.

“Our program has focused on commercial building assessments and upgrades to reduce energy use,” says Frank Meadors, Energy Wise director, “and we help our businesses get there through technical assistance, project management, rebates and contractor referrals.”
In partnership with the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), ORE was able to offer 70 energy assessments to businesses in Gunnison and Hinsdale counties. GCEA received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to perform commercial energy assessments at 25 percent of the cost to the business.
ORE used its Governor’s Energy Office funding to provide a rebate for the 25 percent cost-share, making it free for the business owner. The assessment provided business owners with a better understanding of their building and a report on what improvements will provide the “biggest bang for their buck” in energy reductions and cost savings.
Forty-eight of those businesses moved forward with improvements to their building, including 38 lighting upgrades. These improvements have resulted in more than $44,000 in annual energy cost savings and $149,538 in project costs, a direct boost to the Gunnison Valley economy.
The Firebrand Deli was one of the many businesses to upgrade lighting. “We were surprised and very pleased that our kitchen is brighter and more pleasant to work in,” says owner Heidi Magnus.
On top of the cost savings these businesses will enjoy, ORE provided rebates totaling more than $50,000, for assessments and improvements.
Glo Cunningham of the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum thanked the program for helping her building become more efficient: “It is not an easy task in this old building!! Your work with us has made a huge difference and we are grateful. Your work is really important in this day and age.”
The Ruby Bed and Breakfast in Crested Butte has also made some impressive strides in their quest to be a socially and environmentally responsible operation. Having already upgraded lighting and appliances, the Ruby got a GCEA assessment, retrofitted their crawlspace, installed a new high-efficiency boiler for in-floor heating and domestic hot water and outfitted their building with programmable thermostats.
In addition to small businesses, Energy Wise also helped upgrade some public buildings, such as the city of Gunnison Community Aquatics Center, the Crested Butte Public Works Shop and the Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte South Fire Departments. “The boys at the shop love the new lighting,” says Bob Gillie, Crested Butte’s building and zoning director, “and I’m sure that we will show some energy savings.”
Though the initial grant funding may have run dry, this is not the end of the road for Energy Wise. “The Energy Wise Program is a huge asset to the Gunnison Valley,” says Jay Prentiss of Altitude Painting, “and has already helped my business save huge amounts annually with suggestions and offers.”
Energy Wise will live on, offering businesses guidance in reducing their energy use and greening their operations. ORE will offer technical assistance, project management, contractor referrals, assistance applying for rebates/financing and marketing to help businesses build their green brand. Commercial GCEA members wishing to receive an energy assessment can contact GCEA while reduced costs are still available.
The green business community is also growing through the 2012 Gunnison Valley Green Business Directory, which is hot off the presses with nearly 200 listings with support from Mountain Colors Paint and Design, Global Linings, Thurston Kitchen and Bath and many other sponsors.
For more information on Energy Wise contact ORE at info@resourceefficiency.org or (970) 641-7682. Visit www.resourceefficiency.org to see how local businesses reduced their energy use and have grown their bottom line.