Arts & Venues closely aligns with the City of Denver’s Climate Action goals to ensure that we mitigate our environmental impact and our public art and cultural events can be enjoyed for many years to come. We accomplish this through a comprehensive waste diversion strategy and continually improving the efficiency of our buildings.
Waste Diversion:
- Three-bin waste collection systems are located throughout the complex so patrons can sort recycling and compost from the trash. In addition, a sorting team then works to eliminate contamination to ensure that recycling and compost can be processed by our waste hauler.
- The Arts Complex has recently partnered with Compost Colorado, who now collects and processes all compost from the campus. Compost Colorado or “CoCo” is a local, employee-owned, community focused company.
- Our theatres are joining the reuse movement, in collaboration with r.Cup. Reusable r.Cups are not unlike the regular dishware that we all have in our homes- beverages will be served in reusable polypropylene cups, then collected, sanitized and used over and over again. These cups can be reused hundreds of times, making it much more sustainable than single-use plastic or aluminum. We are excited to launch this initiative and the success of the program depends heavily on patron support. Please do your part by returning used r.Cups at the venue so they can be reused again.
- We highly encourage partners to utilize recyclable or certified compostable (BPI or CMA) packaging.
- Patrons and staff are permitted to bring empty, reusable water bottles for use at filling stations within the venues.
Energy Efficiency:
- The Buell Theatre façade was replaced in 2021 with energy efficient glass to increase HVAC efficiency, lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. These renovations resulted in a 38% reduction in electricity consumption in 2023 compared to a 2019 baseline.
- In order to improve building efficiency and comply with the Energize Denver ordinance, the Arts Complex has brought in a consultant to conduct a comprehensive energy performance audit. This project will help guide future facility improvements to ensure that our buildings operate sustainably and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy efficient LED lighting has been replaced throughout venues. Replacing and/or adding new LED fixtures in the garage is underway.