Columbia, SC
A chamber of commerce that is actively creating a more sustainable Columbia community by involving local business leaders in the effort.
The impressive efforts put forth by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to improve local air and water quality are not simply matters of environmental stewardship, but are essential to maintaining the competitive edge of the Greater Columbia region. Cities nationwide are contending for the attention of an increasingly mobile creative class looking to settle in areas with a high quality of life—a vital element of which is a clean climate. The Greater Columbia Chamber recognizes that reducing emissions and conserving energy not only keeps the environment healthy, but also contributes to a healthy business community. Through informative conferences, strong partnerships, and a dedicated task force, environmental programs have become the stalwart of the region’s progressive business edge, putting Greater Columbia on the map for the next generation of skilled and creative workers.
In partnership with the City of Columbia’s Climate Protection Action Campaign, the Greater Columbia Chamber proudly sponsors the Green is Good for Business Conference. The latest of these annual gatherings, held in September of 2009, introduced more than 400 statewide business leaders to innovative green programs, products and methods. The South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control was also an event partner. Under the banner of “Environmental Values at Work: Saving Money, Saving Time, and Increasing Business,” conference participants attended sessions focused on sustainable landscaping, measuring carbon footprints, and green purchasing among others. Attendees left the conference armed with the knowledge necessary to scale back their own emissions and employ more resource efficient strategies.
Throughout the remaining 364 days of the year, the Greater Columbia Chamber focuses much of its attention on improving local air quality through the work of its Environment and Quality of Life Task Force, an essential component of the Chamber’s five-year community development and prosperity initiative: “Navigating from good to Great.” Air quality is not only a health factor but also can have big effects on the economy of a region. If EPA standards are not met due to local air pollution, regions can incur a “non-attainment” status, a designation with more than muffling effects on local economies. Non-attainment areas are often faced with limitations to production capabilities of existing industries, withdrawal of federal highway funding, and can be subject to more stringent federal controls.
Due to changes in EPA standards for local air quality, the Columbia area is at risk for a non-attainment designation. In collaboration with the Central Midlands Council of Governments, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Chamber’s Task Force quickly responded with the Midlands Air Quality Forum, a gathering in the Chamber’s headquarters to inform member businesses about current EPA regulations and what impacts “non-attainment” could have on their profits and procedures. The forum provides an opportunity for the local business community to examine new emission standards and exchange information and ideas regarding their contribution to better air quality. The chamber is working with multiple partners to develop a clean air strategy for the region.
Beyond the many accomplishments already made by the Chamber’s Environment and Quality of Life Task Force, plans are in the works for the creation of a Chamber Green Business Council. This entity will further advance the tenets of the Chamber’s recently adopted environmental policy statement, namely that “environmentally conscious practices and business success are not mutually exclusive.” Advocating legislative change regarding air and water quality, providing a forum to introduce new green technologies and programs, and recognizing business leaders employing sustainable practices are just a few of the charges identified for the Green Business Council.
Through the programs and educational resources provided by the Chamber, Columbia businesses are maintaining their efficiency and agility in the ever-evolving world of business. The steadfast dedication of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to both environmental and business values is transforming the region into a hub for creative thinkers and a rapidly developing center for green business.