Colorado has launched two pilot programs focused on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency at cannabis cultivating businesses, officials said. Both programs, which began Jan. 29, support Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ mission to cut greenhouse gases 50% by 2030, The Denver Post reports. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is making resources available for the two programs, the Carbon Dioxide Reuse Project and Colorado Cultivators Energy Management. The Carbon Dioxide Reuse Project partners Denver Beer Co. with the Clinic cannabis dispensary to recycle carbon emissions. Denver Beer Co. plans to use a a carbon-capturing machine to provide carbon dioxide produced during the brewing process to the clinic, which will use the gas to stimulate plant growth at its cultivation operations. The machine developed by Earthly Labs captures carbon dioxide from the brewery’s fermentation tanks, purifies the gas and then chills it into liquid form. Denver Beer Co. expects to recycle more than 150,000 pounds of carbon dioxide using the technology, which is enough to meet all of the clinic’s needs, Earthly Labs CEO Amy George said. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulators hope the brewery-dispensary collaboration will inspire other cannabis companies to evaluate their environmental footprint. To view the full article visit the Durango Herald.
