ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE COLORADO ANNOUNCES HEROES OF SUSTAINABILITY FINALISTS

The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (www.sustainablecolorado.org) today announced the names of six of its eight Heroes of Sustainability finalists who have led the way to a more sustainable future in four categories: non-profit, business, government and academia. The finalists will be showcased during the Sustainability Gala scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at the Sherman Events Center in Denver.

Residents of Colorado were encouraged to nominate people who show leadership and innovation in addressing any aspect of sustainability – economic, social and/or environmental. The selections are intentionally diverse – from major corporations to the grassroots efforts of a few concerned citizens – to emphasize the full collaborative scope of the sustainability movement.

“The finalists have led the way to a more sustainable future through leadership and innovation,” said Aaron Nelson, Project Director for Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. “We are proud to be able to recognize these Heroes of Sustainability for their perseverance and hard work in bettering their communities. Their contributions will have a positive impact on many generations to come.”

1. Kris Holstrom, the Regional Sustainability Coordinator for The New Community Coalition is an organic farmer and community activist and has done work with the Youth Empowering Sustainability Club, recycling and composting regional project and the regional zero waste plan.

2. Katrina Blair does work with the Turtle Lake Refuge whose mission is to celebrate the connection between wild lands and personal health. She provides locally grown organic greens to public schools.

3. Evolve is a company that has learned to turn a profit while making the world a better place by developing and selling apparel - custom uniforms from organic fabrics and materials.

4. Lend Lease Communities build green communities, mixed use, master planned, with holistic approach that covers environment, social and economic sustainability.

5. Fort Carson (Army base) made incredible progress by accomplishing 45 percent water reduction, a new 12-acre solar photovoltaic array generating 3,200 megawatts of power annually, new facilities constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver criteria and solid waste reductions that saved the installation over half a million dollars in 2007.

6. Director of Greening for Denver’s Host Committee, Parry Burnap led the community-based Greening Subcommittee to promote and foster sustainable operations, policies and practices.

The Sustainability Gala will include cocktails, live and silent auctions, and dinner prepared from local and organic foods. Local growers will be on hand to exhibit and discuss their products and processes.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Rick Blauvelt at rblauvelt@sustainablecolorado.org or by phone 303-572-1536 x1016.

The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is a nonprofit organization created to unify the sustainability movement in Colorado by building collaborative networks among individuals, nonprofit organizations, business, government, and academia. The organization’s green office building, the Alliance Center at 1536 Wynkoop Street near Union Station, is a multi-tenant sustainability hub housing 27 nonprofit organizations. To request a tour of the Alliance Center, contact Emily Andrews at eandrews@sustainablecolorado.org.