Denver has been working hard to become more sustainable in recent years, and even made the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2016 list of U.S. cities with the most ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Through Denver’s Department of Environmental Health, the Certifiably Green Denver program offers sustainability advisors that help Denver businesses become more sustainable and efficient. Through meeting different standards in the areas of energy and water conservation, resource and business management, and alternative transportation, businesses can earn a green business certification. We’re proud to be a part of this environmentally conscious community, and we encourage everyone to support Denver’s green businesses.
To celebrate the green initiatives local businesses are taking here in Denver, we’ve come up with a list of our top 10 Certifiably Green Businesses that are raising the bar in terms of providing quality services or products to their customers while adopting more sustainable practices. Here’s our list of the top 10 Certified Green Businesses in Denver!
Declaration Brewery opened its doors in 2015, and is the only brewery to be deemed a Certified Green Business (as of the time of this article). Soon after it’s opening it was named as one of The 15 Hottest New Beer Bars in the U.S. and one of Denver’s 12 Best Beer Gardens and Patios by Zagat. This brewery has a large outdoor patio, food trucks to curb your hunger, and a huge selection of awesome beers to quench your thirst!
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We’re sure you’ve heard of this Denver breakfast mecca, but did you also know that its 7co, Ball Park, and Union Station locations are Certifiably Green Businesses too? So whether you’re in the mood for a luscious benedict or some outrageous pancakes and French toast, you can enjoy your amazing brunch knowing that they’re also working to help out the environment.
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Vesta Dipping Grill opened its doors in 1997, and has been a Denver favorite ever since. It’s won numerous awards, and been featured on top lists, like The Culture Trip’s 10 Best Denver Restaurants. The restaurant sources 100% clean wind power for every kilowatt-hour used, and makes an effort to use as many locally and responsibly produced ingredients. Vesta is also dedicated to philanthropy, and works closely with Denver Peak and Denver Housing Authority.
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The former historic Olinger Mortuary building was brought back to life when Linger opened it’s doors and began offering an ethnically diverse menu, great happy hour, amazing atmosphere, and incredible view of the city. This LoHi favorite has received national attention and praise, including being featured in Travel and Leisure’s list of America’s Coolest Rooftop Bars, and Thrillist’s 18 Most Important Restaurants in Denver. And if this place couldn’t get any cooler, it even has its own food truck… on the roof!
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In the mood for some amazing seafood? Look no further. Not only has Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar been labeled as one of the Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S., it also stands out because of the team’s dedication to sustainable seafood practices. In addition to being a Certified Green Business, it’s the first restaurant in Colorado to be certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, and it’s also partnered with FishChoice and Sea to Table.
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This eco-friendly co-working space in the RiNo Arts District offers a comfortable working environment for socially conscious and green entrepreneurs. The 12,500 square foot space is powered almost entirely by the 160+ solar panels on the roof, and it even has two ZipCars stationed at the building. Green Spaces hosts numerous educational and networking events for members, and the friendly culture allows for like-minded members to connect and support each other in their growth.
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Looking for a way to get in shape and relieve stress? This is your place! The River is a boutique yoga studio that opened in 2012, offering tons of classes for all levels and even for kids. In addition to their amazing studio, their instructors also lead Yoga On The Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
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One of Denver’s best kept secrets, Aloy Modern Thai offers some of the best Thai food in the city. To top it off, their ingredients are locally sourced and oftentimes organic. They call themselves “Farm to Table Thai Cuisine” with Colorado-sourced food crafted by “some of Bangkok’s best chefs.” Stop by for lunch for their $10 lunch menu, get drinks and dinner, or order takeout – their most popular option. This place is low-key (for now) but seriously good! They also have a Boulder location.
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This luxurious salon offers top-notch services all while having zero waste for each client visit and supporting local nonprofits! Their facility is completely eco-friendly, and they only use cruelty free, organic, and eco-friendly products. Their team volunteers regularly and donates money, food, and products to several charities. Let Em Have It Salon was even chosen as the top hair salon for 5280 Magazine’s Top of the Town 2016!
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Denver Food Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit that is dedicated to improving health equity and increasing access to healthy food in low income areas. They gather good produce from farmers markets and grocery stores that would normally be thrown away, and deliver it to local organizations that distribute food to low-income communities. Their system of food “rescue” helps local people in need, ensures perfectly good food isn’t wasted, and they also do 75% of their deliveries by bike. Want to contribute while also getting some exercise? Become a volunteer!
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Sustainability is a core value of Davies Media Design, and we’re proud to be a part of a community that is dedicated to conservation and improving our amazing city. These are just a few of Denver’s many outstanding Certified Green Businesses, and we encourage you to check out the full list and the Certifiably Green Denver Certification Programs and resources!
Think your business is worthy of this list? Send us an email at info@daviesmediadesign.com and include what makes your business a top green business in Denver! You might just make the next update to our list!
*Correction made on July 20, 2016 – we originally described Declaration Brewery as a “dog-friendly” brewery. We were informed that they no longer allow dogs due to new health codes.
