Protecting our environment starts with dedicated local leadership. This Earth Month, 350 Colorado is proud to celebrate Pete Dignan, a community champion and sustainable business leader, whose commitment to our state’s future is truly inspiring!
While Pete joined 350 Colorado as a volunteer last summer, his roots in activism run deep. His journey as a changemaker began long before his professional career, sparked by a passion for the planet that he has carried since he was young.
Pete Dignan has been passionate about the environment since his 12th birthday, when the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, caught fire. The river was often blanketed with oil, debris, and pollution from manufacturing companies. The fire incident was a major factor in the passage of the Clean Water Act and the EPA.
Pete earned a BA in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia in the 70s and worked as a hydrologist for the first part of his career. Fast forward a few decades to a time when Pete found himself missing direct engagement in sustainability while working in the information technology field, so in 2010- 2011, he took a sabbatical and joined the Denver nonprofit CORE – Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy, as their Executive Director. During that time he got his tech company certified as a B Corp. Later, he became the CEO of Renewable Choice Energy in Boulder (also a Certified B Corp), where he and his team pioneered renewable energy power purchase agreements at utility scale, for companies including Amazon, Salesforce, Philips, and Johnson & Johnson. After RCE was acquired by Schneider Electric in 2017, he spent six years teaching the Certificate in ESG Strategy and Climate Action for Business for the Executive Education program at CU’s Leeds School of Business.
“Working alongside Pete has been an absolute masterclass in leadership. He has an incredible ability to translate complex climate goals into creative solutions, building relationships that resonate with partners, peers, and the business community!” – Brigit, 350 Colorado Development Director
Pete spearheads 350CO’s business outreach initiatives and is working with other business leaders currently to launch Colorado Business for Climate Action – you can sign your business up here today!
Pete retired in 2025, but continues to advise climate startups Vycarb and Ren Energy. He resides in Denver with his wife Kelly. He is a powerhouse in engaging mission-aligned businesses, empowering them to step up as leaders of change within the climate movement. Pete’s ability to build trust and foster deep industry relationships has been vital in bridging the gap between commerce and conservation. His work is not just instrumental; it is laying the foundation for a sustainable, business-led movement that will protect Colorado for years to come.
Thank you, Pete, for dedicating your decades of expertise and tireless energy to the climate movement and the 350 Colorado community!
Written by Brigit Stattelman-Scanlan