Across the Denver metro area, there are green businesses adding another page in the history of our region's success.

The Chamber’s annual Business Awards luncheon presented by Colorado Business Bank recognizes organizations in our community that make our region a great place to live and do business.

Get to know our Green Business of the Year finalists from their own voice, sponsored by WhiteWave Foods.

Ambient Energy

Established: 2004

What we do: Ambient Energy is a third-party consulting firm specializing in energy analysis, sustainable design, commissioning and occupant engagement, delivering high-performance solutions for new and existing commercial buildings.

Did you know:

• The vast majority of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects is in the private sector and receives no incentive to pursue LEED.
• Ambient Energy became the first Colorado company to become JUST certified March 15. JUST is a socially responsible corporate rating by the International Living Future Institute.
•  Denver Water redevelopment, one of RNL Design and Ambient Energy’s projects, may be the first to pursue One Water, a utility-connected water reuse and recycling program. The project will feature rainwater harvesting and a Living Machine.

Fun traditions, celebrations or culture you have as a team that make you unique? 

• We regularly get the team together for various events, whether it be happy hour, climbing a 14er or going bowling.
• We celebrate each person’s birthday with their favorite treat!
• We take turns passing around our company mascot, the Lorax stuffed animal and book, once a month.
• We are a dog friendly business.
•  On Earth Day we break out the solar cooker and hope for a sunny day.

Bayaud Enterprises

Established: 1969

What we do: Bayaud Enterprises is a 501(c)3 social enterprise nonprofit that provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Our document services program employs members of that population to shred and recycle paper, cardboard and computer hard drives.

Did you know:

• We turned 47 years old in 2016.
• We’ve recycled 17 million pounds of paper over the past six years.
• We employ over 90 individuals who have disabilities.

Favorite quote: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” - Gandhi

Favorite Colorado spot: The Maroon Bells Wilderness

RNL Design

Established: 1956

What we do: Headquartered in Denver, RNL is an international full‐service architecture, planning and design firm specializing in sustainable, integrated design. We offer a continuum of design services, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, lighting design, urban design and planning. For 60 years, we have focused on providing transformational design solutions that exceed our clients’ aspirations and embody their values through collaboration and understanding. RNL is also a certified B Corporation, meaning we have committed to meeting rigorous third-party standards of social and environmental performance and improving the quality of life in our communities through our business.

Best advice received: Aim for the stars and you might land on the mountains; if you only aim for the mountains you’ll never get past the trees.

We love doing business in Colorado because: Denver is an amazing city with great weather, progressive thinkers and has mountains nearby. We wouldn’t want to live and work anywhere else.

Please join us on Friday, April 29, to see the winners announced live at the 2016 Business Awards.

Maggie McEntee is the digital communications and brand manager for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Eighteen finalists have been named in the six award areas of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Business Awards, which will be held Friday, April 29.

The Chamber will also recognize an individual who assists entrepreneurs and small businesses with the David E. Bailey Small Business Advocate Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Please join us on Friday, April 29 to see the winners announced live at the 2016 Business Awards.

 Laura James is the communications and marketing coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.