25-16.5-106. Statewide voluntary sustainability program

25-16.5-106. Statewide voluntary sustainability program. (1) The department shall establish a statewide, voluntary program that:

(a) Encourages, supports, and rewards businesses, such as for-profit entities, nonprofits, local governments, schools, and state institutions of higher education; and

(b) Moves the state toward evidenced sustainability.

(2) In implementing the statewide, voluntary program, the department may:

(a) Provide assessments and technical assistance to businesses seeking to increase sustainability in their operations;

(b) Facilitate business collaborations and peer-to-peer support;

(c) Establish regional partnerships and partnerships with local governments, where partners consistently apply the department framework for achieving sustainable business operations;

(d) Support businesses in marketing their sustainability achievements and efforts;

(e) Recognize businesses' sustainability achievements;

(f) Promote funding opportunities that can assist businesses with achieving their sustainability goals;

(g) Provide services and funding to assist small businesses; and

(h) At the discretion of the department, deliver additional sustainability services to meet business needs.