Breckenridge recently recognized several businesses for their sustainability efforts, which earned them certification in the SustainableBreck Business Program.

The year-old program sponsored by the town and High Country Conservation Center provides free energy and resource conservation audits and coaching and support to help business owners save money on energy and operating costs while reducing their environmental impacts.

Eight businesses were awarded certificates for making significant energy and sustainability upgrades in their facilities and operations: Abbett Placer Inn, Breckenridge Dental Group, Breckenridge Grand Vacations (Grand Lodge at Peak 7), BookBreck Lodging, Hearthstone Restaurant, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, Peak-A-Boo Toys and Ski Village Resorts.

Mayor John Warner thanked the group of businesses at a dinner April 7.

“This initially started as a discussion about how to keep business doors closed to avoid energy and heat loss,” he said in a news release, “but quickly evolved into an incentive program that provides a variety of options for businesses to improve their efficiencies, save money and help the environment.”

The program, which was adopted in 2011, helps businesses evaluate and improve their lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, appliances, water conservation, transportation and renewable energy.

Another 17 businesses now are participating in the program and actively seeking certification. The town has allocated funding that will allow more businesses to participate, so businesses are encouraged to enroll.

For more information visit SustainableBreck.com or contact Julia Puester, with the town’s community development department, at (970) 547-3174 or juliap@townofbreckenridge.com.