Section 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.Amended by 2024 Ch. 192,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.L. 92: Entire article added, p. 1329, § 1, effective July 1.