The Wheeler Opera House is proud to announce its recent recognition as a Silver Level Member of the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), a program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This prestigious certification celebrates the Wheeler’s commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

The Silver Level designation is awarded to organizations that have successfully integrated sustainability into multiple aspects of their operations, including policy decisions and efficiency upgrades. The Wheeler Opera House was recognized for its outstanding efforts in reducing resource use and implementing best practices in environmental management.

As Aspen’s historic performing arts and event venue, the Wheeler Opera House has long been a leader in responsible operations. In recent years, the venue has implemented a series of impactful sustainability initiatives, including:

• Becoming a single-use-plastic-free venue in 2017, eliminating plastic bottles on stage and backstage by providing grant-funded, reusable Wheeler-branded bottles.
• Expanding waste reduction policies to all facility rentals, requiring composting and zero single-use plastics since 2022.
• Integrating composting programs across backstage, front-of-house, and rental operations.
• Recycling or repurposing over 26,300 pounds of material—including 25,000 pounds of steel, 800 pounds of aluminum, and 500 pounds of copper wire—during a major capital improvement project in the fall of 2024.
• Replacing 1,000 feet of outdated heat tape with high-performance alternatives and smart controls to significantly reduce energy consumption.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Colorado Green Business Network,” said Mike Harrington, Wheeler Executive Director. “This award reflects the dedicated efforts of the Wheeler staff – especially Maddy Overton, Michael Baca, and Pete Hadju – and our ongoing commitment to our role as a responsible steward of Aspen’s cultural and environmental legacy. The Wheeler Opera House acknowledges the valuable support provided by the City of Aspen’s Environmental Health & Sustainability Climate Action Office throughout its sustainability journey.”

The Colorado Green Business Network has provided the Wheeler with valuable resources, technical assistance, and access to a statewide community of like-minded organizations. These connections have helped the Wheeler improve its practices, access grant opportunities, and stay accountable to long-term sustainability goals.

Aspen’s climate action goals include reducing organic material going to landfill by 25% by 2025 and diverting 70% of solid waste by 2050. As a major venue and community hub, the Wheeler Opera House plays a vital role in modeling sustainable practices for locals, visitors, and national partners. Looking ahead, the Wheeler Opera House plans to build on its zero single-use plastics and composting initiatives by exploring energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy integration.