1. (1) The department shall establish a statewide, voluntary program that:

   1. (a) Encourages, supports, and rewards businesses, such as for-profit entities, nonprofits, local governments, schools, and state institutions of higher education; and
   2. (b) Moves the state toward evidenced sustainability.

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

   1. (a) Provide assessments and technical assistance to businesses seeking to increase sustainability in their operations;
   2. (b) Facilitate business collaborations and peer-to-peer support;
   3. (c) Establish regional partnerships and partnerships with local governments, where partners consistently apply the department framework for achieving sustainable business operations;
   4. (d) Support businesses in marketing their sustainability achievements and efforts;
   5. (e) Recognize businesses' sustainability achievements;
   6. (f) Promote funding opportunities that can assist businesses with achieving their sustainability goals;
   7. (g) Provide services and funding to assist small businesses;
   8. (h) To the extent funding is available, provide annual training that includes food waste prevention and reduction strategies, develop a food waste reduction guidance document, place the document on the department's public website, and update the document at least annually; and
   9. (i) At the discretion of the department, deliver additional sustainability services to meet business needs.

Source: L. 2024: Entire article R&RE, (HB 24-1449), ch. 192, p. 1114, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2025: (2)(g) and (2)(h) amended and (2)(i) added, (HB 25-1166), ch. 90, p. 372, § 1, effective August 6.