The City of Longmont’s Sustainability program celebrated the Sustainable Business Awards Celebration virtually on Thursday, Jan. 21.

The Sustainable Business Program (SBP) officially launched in August of 2019 after a five-month pilot program featuring 18 local businesses. So far, 41 businesses have been certified as a sustainable business and 27 were awarded for the 2020 certification.

“The purpose of the program is to support and recognize all businesses, including nonprofits and farms, that make substantial efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and show commitment to the community and contribute to Longmont’s local economy,” said Berenice Garcia-Tellez, Economic Sustainability Specialist for the City of Longmont.

The voluntary, free program, which offers resources in both English and Spanish, helps business owners learn about and implement sustainable practices in the three different areas, known in the business world as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). Some examples of measures in each area include the following:

• Environmental: Employing energy and water conservation techniques, increasing waste diversion and encouraging sustainable transportation.
• Social: Participating in volunteering and community opportunities, donating to non-profits, implementing diversity and inclusion strategies and offering an employee wellness program.
• Economic: Implementing fair labor practices, mentoring local entrepreneurs, buying local, hiring members of the local workforce and paying livable wages.

Before the virtual ceremony, participating businesses completed questionnaires about their TBL-related sustainability actions, using the GreenBiz Tracker platform. Winners are selected based on how many weighted points they have completed for the year.

Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin, Council Member Susie Hidalgo-Fahring and Longmont Chamber Membership Director, Karen Stallard participated in the virtual ceremony and complimented businesses for their sustainability efforts during difficult and uncertain economic times.

During the ceremony, businesses were recognized as gold, silver or bronze standard winners. Honorable mentions also were given to the best environmentally friendly, best socially responsible businesses and to the best contributor to the local economy. Below is a list of program participants and awards.

Gold standard winners:

• Simply Bulk Market — Best Environmentally Friendly Business
• Main Street Mat Company — Best Gold
• Colorado Aromatics
• PCD Engineering

Silver standard winners:

• Philanthropiece Foundation — No. 1 Business Contributor to the Local Economy
• Flavor of India — Best Silver
• New Edison Lights
• Premier Members Credit Union (north and south Longmont branches)
• Circle Graphics
• Print Experts
• Guacamole’s Mexican Restaurant
• SNOW Apparel
• Taco Star
• Hacienda Jalisco Restaurant

Bronze standard winners:

• Abbott & Wallace Distilling Company — Best Bronze
• Éclipse Glove — Best Socially Responsible Business
• Tetra Tech
• Tacos Al Molcajete
• Noa Noa Fitness Club
• Burn & Tone
• Rosario’s Peruvian Restaurant
• Benny’s Tacos
• Visit Longmont
• Flores Insurance
• Oasis Fresh Fruit
• Polleria La Fogata

2020 was a difficult year for many, yet Longmont businesses rose to the occasion, Garcia-Tellez explained. Despite financial hardships, program participants continued implementing sustainable actions such as changing lighting to LED, mentoring local entrepreneurs, donating to nonprofits and hiring employees from underserved groups.

“In times of financial crises, no one expects businesses to take extraordinary measures to help their many stakeholders,” she said. “However, the bold and creative steps these businesses take today to show their commitment, will define their legacy tomorrow.”

Learn more about the Sustainable Businesses Program and register today.