Grand Rapids, MI

After witnessing the myriad of green business programs spreading across the country, it did not take long for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to establish itself as a leader in the movement. Though the Chamber has been a participant and supporter of local sustainability campaigns for some time, it now boasts a strong program of its own for the benefit of its members and that of the region. Officially launched on January 6th, 2010, the Greater Grand Rapids Partnership for a Sustainable Community provides participating businesses the tools to become more energy efficient, reduce operating costs and boost their bottom lines.

 

The initiative is modeled after innovative programs in other U.S. cities, namely those of chambers in Seattle and Greater Kansas City. Similar to these efforts, local businesses in Grand Rapids have access to an online carbon calculator to assess their level of carbon output. With this baseline established, businesses then take steps to reduce their carbon footprint through resources provided by the Partnership such as an electronic resource guide listing chamber member organizations that can assist with reaching sustainability goals, e.g. environmental consulting and energy auditing firms. The Chamber’s website also provides links to efficiency guides, best practices and other local environmental programs.

A 30-day community challenge kicked off the release of the program, during which businesses that signed on received 10 percent off orders of recycled paper from Office Depot, a window decal to advertise their participation, and access to a community webinar walking through the use of the carbon calculator. The Greater Grand Rapids Partnership for a Sustainable Community stresses to member businesses the reality that making small, relatively inexpensive changes to their business infrastructure and practices can lead to big costs savings along with environmental impacts that benefit all local residents. To date, over 40 businesses in West Michigan have joined the program in reducing regional greenhouse gas emissions while spurring economic growth.