Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen: Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen’s iconic performing arts and event venue, has long served as a cultural cornerstone—presenting concerts, comedy, film, festivals, and community events. As a City of Aspen-owned venue, the Wheeler is committed to operating responsibly, with a strong focus on sustainability. In 2025, the Wheeler Opera House was officially awarded Silver Level Certification by the Colorado Green Business Network through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This recognition underscores our leadership in advancing sustainability within the performing arts sector and reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Colorado Green Business Network has provided valuable guidance, resources, and recognition that support our sustainability journey. By connecting us with a larger network of like-minded organizations, we’ve gained access to best practices, grant opportunities, and accountability measures that have helped us improve and expand our initiatives over time.

• Single-Use-Plastic-Free Venue (Since 2017): Eliminated single-use plastic bottles on stage and backstage for all presented events by providing grant-funded, reusable Wheeler-branded bottles.
• Expanded Waste Reduction in Rentals (2022): All facility rentals now follow composting and zero single-use plastics policies.
• Composting Program: Active composting is integrated into all backstage, front-of-house, and rental operations.
• Lifting the Future: A Historic Theater’s Sustainable Transformation: In a major capital improvement project, the Wheeler replaced its aging 1980s chain-motor rigging system with a state-of-the-art motorized system focused on safety, preservation, and sustainability. Crews carefully dismantled the old system, recycling or repurposing over 26,300 pounds of material: 25,000 pounds of steel, 800 pounds of aluminum, and 500 pounds of copper wire were diverted from the landfill. The new silent, programmable fly system preserves the building’s historic character while enabling world-class productions for decades to come.
• Energy-Efficient Freeze Protection Upgrade: Approximately 1,000 feet of old, inefficient heat tape were replaced with high-performance alternatives, paired with an advanced ASD-8C ambient-sensing digital controller. This system energizes only when needed and uses a Low Temperature Cutout mode to prevent unnecessary operation, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additional time and temperature controls further minimize electrical use, and future integration with the Building Automation System will allow real-time monitoring and data-driven optimization.

Joining the Colorado Green Business Network provides businesses with practical tools, accountability, and recognition to support sustainability goals. Beyond the operational benefits, participation connects organizations with a statewide community of leaders who share resources and innovative solutions, making it easier to implement impactful changes.

Aspen has ambitious waste reduction and climate action goals, including reducing organic material going to landfill by 25% by 2025 and 100% by 2050, and diverting 70% of solid waste from landfill by 2050. As a major venue and community hub, the Wheeler Opera House plays an important role in modeling sustainable practices for locals, visitors, and national partners. As a city-owned venue, the Wheeler is uniquely positioned to support Aspen’s ambitious climate action plan and serve as a model for sustainable operations. By implementing and showcasing waste reduction and energy-efficiency strategies in high-profile events and building projects, we demonstrate Aspen’s commitment to sustainability while educating thousands of attendees on the importance of reducing waste and conserving energy.

Looking ahead, the Wheeler Opera House plans to continue building on our zero single-use plastics and composting initiatives by exploring additional energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy integration. We also aim to expand educational outreach by sharing our sustainability practices more broadly with the performing arts community and with the large-scale event partners who use our venue. Our goal is to continue leading by example, helping Aspen move closer to its waste diversion and climate goals while inspiring others in the industry to follow. We invite others in the performing arts and events industry to join us in reimagining what sustainability looks like—on stage, behind the scenes, and in every corner of our operations.

Learn more about the Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen and its positive impact on our community.