Researchers at Colorado State University published “The Hidden Value of Landscapes: Implications for Drought Planning” this year and are speaking with Colorado water managers and stakeholders this summer about their findings.

This study, for the first time, has quantified the return on investment (ROI) of the water used for landscapes given the significant environmental, economic and social benefits our green spaces provide. It reports that Colorado landscapes use only 3% of available water consumed in Colorado.

If your green industry business is in Denver and is more than 25,000 square feet, you are now required to benchmark your energy use and report it to the city. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $2,000.