The Epicurean Environmental Management Team (Rebecca Pino, Paul Hunter, Jenna Johansen, Joel Villezcas, Meghan Sibert) posing with Lynette Myers, Coordinator for the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program (Photo by Evan Semón).

At Epicurean Group, we don’t just set the table, we set the standard, creating amazing events and experiences for the past three decades. But this week, we are incredibly proud to share that we have also been recognized for our environmental leadership in the state of Colorado.

Epicurean Group was recently named a “Gold Leader” by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). The ELP program recognizes Colorado companies and organizations that voluntarily go beyond environmental regulations with the goal of sustainability. The ELP “Gold Leader” status marks the highest level of distinction in the esteemed program, recognizing a continued commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.

In addition to this accolade, our Environmental Management Team, led by our Executive Innovation Chef, Jenna Johansen, was a finalist in the ELP’s “24-Karat Gold” Challenge, which spotlights Colorado environmental champions for their sustainability initiatives.

While we have a robust environmental program, as well Epicurean Cares to support the local community, we’re most proud of our waste reduction programs, ensuring that 98% of Epicurean’s unused food and serving items are recycled, reused or repurposed. We have implemented recycling and composting programs at all Epicurean offsite venues to reduce trash volume and have repurposed thousands of pounds of food by donating to partner organizations including We Don’t Waste, Sox Place and the Volunteers of America.

The ELP Awards Breakfast at Wings Over the Rockies (Photo by Evan Semón).

Our commitment to the environment is long-standing. Epicurean Group was the first registered “Colorado Proud” caterer, using seasonal local produce on our menus. Our program encompasses all Epicurean venues, including Epicurean Sports at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the Denver Center for Performing Arts, and Mangia Bevi Café, as well as over 1,000 corporate and private catered events a year. Our environmental efforts go beyond our events and experiences and impact things such as equipment repurposing, sustainable remodels to our office spaces, use of solar energy and implementing everyday environmental best practices such as using ceramic mugs instead of paper cups to ensure minimal impact and waste.

Being named an ELP “Gold Leader” for our sustainability initiatives and efforts to reduce food waste in the state of Colorado is an incredible honor and has inspired the Epicurean team to develop additional ways that we can reduce our environmental impact and continue to benefit our community.