Irvine Chamber Green Business Certification
The Chamber is developing a model... that builds awareness and establishes a benchmark for building owners, managers and tenants who want efficiencies, cost savings and bragging rights.
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) December 05, 2013
The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is launching its Irvine Green Business Certification Program (IGBCP) http://www.greenirvine.org. This no-cost program was designed to help improve its member’s bottom line by reducing energy and waste costs, providing access to tax credits, rebates and incentives. This certification will also allow the Chamber to encourage Irvine businesses to take steps to “green” their business as a means to protect the environment, save money and use energy more efficiently.
This program, sponsored by seven (7) founding companies dedicated to green initiatives, is designed to help Irvine business members easily adopt simple, smart practices that can save money immediately, improve company bottom line over time and contribute to preserving and enhancing the quality of Irvine’s business environment now and into the future.
Believing in the value of a green initiative program, the Chamber launched a research project to identify several dozen manageable small business “green certification” programs including other cities, State and Federal websites and programs. The Chamber wanted a program that distinguishes small to medium sized businesses that strive to protect, preserve and sustain our environment.
“The Chamber is developing a model," says Steve Eberle, owner of Eberle Company and Chair of the Chamber’s Green Task Force, “that builds awareness and establishes a benchmark for building owners, managers and tenants who want efficiencies, cost savings and bragging rights.”
Eberle also believes that just as the USGBC LEED Program recognizes buildings and its owners for completing a rigorous site, water, energy, atmosphere, materials and indoor environmental air quality and efficiency program, the Chamber program provides building occupiers the opportunity to adopt simple practices that will immediately save the company money, raise consciousness among employees and industry colleagues and earn recognition for helping to sustain the quality of life in Irvine.
Sustaining a high quality environment is the goal of the program and the Chambers 800+ membership will be invited and encouraged to take part in implementing important actions which will save them money and improve the environment. These actions will build a more sustainable community and have the potential to increase market demand for local green products and services.
Irvine will be the first city in Orange County to implement this program and offer the certification. The Seven founding sponsors of the program are Eberle Co., Waste Management of O.C., Ware Disposal Co. Inc., Atria Senior Living, Rancho Santiago Business & Entrepreneurship Center, Goodwill of Orange County and Enlightened Energy Services.
To apply or to learn more about the Irvine Green Business Certification Program, visit: http://www.greenirvine.org.
About The Irvine Chamber of Commerce
The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential Chamber’s in Orange County representing hundreds of local businesses. The Chamber’s mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses, while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information. The Irvine Chamber is one of only 250 Chamber’s in the U.S. who meet the requirements for accreditation by the U.S. Chamber. To learn more about the Irvine Green Business Certifications Program, visit http://www.greenirvine.org for more information.