Green Designation Program
The Brockville Chamber is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Green Business Recognition Program that will honor businesses that have implemented strategies to reduce waste, save energy, and become more environmentally conscious. In addition, the program will encourage other businesses to implement green strategies.
Chamber members interested in receiving recognition must simply complete an online survey, which includes a list of green practices. Applicants receive points for meeting the requirements of listed items. Points awarded are based on the level of difficulty of that item or the amount of the expense required to implement that green strategy. Examples of the green practices in the list include: recycling paper (1 point); recycling plastic (1 point); composting food and landscape waste (2 points); having a professional perform an on-site energy audit (2 points); using recovered wastewater and/or rainwater (3 points). Twenty total points will be required to be recognized as a green business by the Brockville Chamber.
The Chamber’s recognition program does not have a laborious certification process. Chamber members simply submit an application that reports their green efforts. Unlike some national green certification processes that are expensive and cumbersome, the goal of the Chamber’s program is to get all members thinking about green policies.
To complete the GREEN DESIGNATION SURVEY CLICK HERE.
WHY GO “GREEN”?
Each of us holds an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Through our everyday choices and actions, we collectively have a huge impact on our world. It’s really a simple concept, but one with far reaching effects. A greener workplace can mean a lighter ecological footprint, a healthier and more productive place to work, and good news for the bottom line. Green businesses are also attracting more customers and establishing long lasting relationships with those customers. Going green is good for your business, good for your customers and good for the community.
GETTING STARTED
1. Obtain decision-maker (management) buy-in. This step is critical.
2. Establish a committee to discuss ideas, research, make recommendations, and implement approved steps. In a medium/large-sized business this committee can also help spread the initiatives throughout the departments/organization.
3. Make a presentation to employees to roll-out the program and encourage continuing participation; solicit input for implementing ideas and new initiatives.
INTIAL STEPS
1. Recycle (paper, aluminum, plastic, etc.)
2. Utilize recycled products when feasible – paper, kitchen supplies (cups, etc.)
3. Conserve energy (consider having an energy study done); evaluate impact of PCs, monitors, copiers, printers, and other equipment; consider use of motion sensorcontrolled
lights, energy-saving light bulbs, etc.
4. Use Green Seal products
5. Discourage littering, including improper disposal of cigarette butts
6. Provide training to employees (where appropriate)
7. Develop and include a “Green Office” policy in your Employee Handbook (making compliance with the Green Office policies a condition for employment)
8. Talk to other businesses that have a “Green Office” policy and exchange ideas
9. Use the web – many helpful resources can be found there
10. Join local recycling/energy conservation groups and taskforces
For more useful information on how to “Go Green” please click here.
For some great links to "Green" your business please click here.
