Staff Report
Published Dec. 27, 2011
Charleston and six regional partners have launched the second Green Business Challenge to help businesses promote environmental sustainability and save money.
The second year of the challenge began Dec. 1 and will continue until Nov. 30, 2012. Any company in the metro area can participate in the Green Business Challenge but must submit a baseline scorecard by Feb. 29, 2012.
“The Green Business Challenge is a positive and creative way to get the business community involved in sustainability efforts,” Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said. “The results from the first year show that the GBC is an excellent tool for businesses to learn how to save money through sustainable practices. We encourage businesses to participate in this program as a sensible solution to enhance their business practices.”
Businesses taking the Green Business Challenge measure current workplace environmental practices and then improve upon them over the course of a year. Three key elements are reducing use of energy and water and minimizing waste.
The GBC provides an interactive scorecard that helps businesses rate themselves in eight different categories: Company Management and Operations, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Waste Minimization and Recycling, Transportation, Green Purchasing and Procurement, Customers/Clients and Community and Innovation.
Participants will set their own priorities for improvement and chart progress in each area. Free training sessions will be offered throughout the year to educate businesses on ways to improve in any of the eight areas.
The partners, along with the city of Charleston include:
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
Medical University of South Carolina
For more information, visit www.charlestongbc.com or contact Carolee Williams with the city of Charleston at 843 -724-3776 or email CharlestonGBC@charleston-sc.gov for more information.
