About Us
ClimateWise is a free, voluntary program to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. We take the guesswork out of, “What can my business do?” by providing you with best management practices and local resources to help your business reduce it's impact and save money.
ClimateWise Badges
Your business can choose to pursue strategies that make the most sense for your business model, objectives and resources. Each year, your business can earn ClimateWise badges in the following categories:
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Transportation
- Social Responsibility
- Specialty Badge - WorkWise Challenge badge available through 2016
Your overall points across all badges will earn your business a level each year - Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Business Benefits
Being a ClimateWise Partner sends a strong message to customers that your business is invested in Fort Collins and supports community goals. Your business receives:
- Support to implement money-saving greenhouse gas reduction strategies
- Networking and educational opportunities
- Community recognition
Background
The ClimateWise program originated from the first Climate Action Plan passed by the City of Fort Collins in 1999. Recognizing that commercial and industrial businesses contribute just over half of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the voluntary program was formed to provide technical assistance, engagement and recognition for businesses that reduced GHGs. Over the 16-year span, the program has supported nearly 400 business Partners, who have voluntarily reduced GHG emissions by more than 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and saved over $92 million through efficiencies and behavior change. In 2008, the ClimateWise program was honored as a “Top 50 Innovative Government Program” by Harvard University.
In the spring of 2015, the City Council approved an updated Climate Action Plan framework that accelerated our greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. Learn more about our progress. The new Climate Action Plan goals are to reduce community GHG emissions:
- 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020
- 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2030
- Carbon neutral by 2050
To help achieve these goals and to continue to support the needs of Fort Collins' businesses, City staff worked with ClimateWise stakeholders to redevelop the program and offer a new model to Partners.
The purpose of ClimateWise 2.0 is to:
- Simplify program requirements
- Streamline Partner reporting
- Engage more businesses
- Create and strengthen alignment with other City departments and programs
- Support the Climate Action Plan