Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Rural economic development
• Employee ownership
• Renewable energy
• Lower healthcare costs
• Environmental protection
• Social equity
• Diversity and inclusion

Environmental Achievements

• Increased net new jobs in the renewable energy sector (though below target)
• Supported the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP)

Social Achievements

• Engaged 1262 businesses through the Employee Ownership Commission (126% of goal)
• Increased new businesses in rural counties (105% of goal)
• Signed 51 Memoranda of Understanding for a health and wellness toolkit (102% of goal)
• Created the Colorado Artist Relief Fund and Colorado Music Relief Fund to support artists and musicians impacted by the pandemic
• Supported minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses through the Minority Business Office
• Launched the Location Neutral Employment Program to drive remote work in rural Colorado

Governance Achievements

• Supported the Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth, resulting in over 200 recommendations to the Governor and state legislature

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented economic interruption
• Reduced ability to travel for business development activities
• Impacts on rural communities and small businesses

Mitigation Strategies

• Created rapid response teams (Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth and Innovation Response Team)
• Deployed programs and outreach to support businesses impacted by the pandemic (COVID-19 Hotline, COVID-19 Newsletter, CLIMBER fund, Energize Colorado Gap Fund, Enterprise Zone Relief Funds)
• Pivoted to virtual engagements with partners
• Secured donations of PPE for frontline workers
• Assisted state agencies in accessing and distributing funding
• Developed a new Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) incorporating virtual learning

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities