Indianapolis, IN
Positive reinforcement for businesses that observe green practices in the Indianapolis community.
Consumers are increasingly looking for that telltale green sticker stamped “made from recycled materials” and other decals confirming green practices and production methods. These eco-labels have slowly made their way from retail shelves to the community at large. Now, more than seventy Chamber of Commerce businesses within the greater Indianapolis region boast their own bright green sticker right on their front window. These same businesses are featured in monthly publications, on green business websites, and are promoted during trade shows and conferences. Although impressive on their own, these are just a few of the great practices that have been put to work in Indianapolis to both boosts bottom lines and protect the environment.
The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce recognizes the tremendous marketing value of green business and is working hard to promote member companies engaged in environmentally responsible practices. Through the Green Business Initiative, The Chamber has devised an innovative program that not only helps consumers identify which chamber member businesses are engaged in sustainable activities, but encourages local companies not previously involved in green efforts to implement more sustainable practices of their own. By joining the Initiative, businesses have access to a wealth of resources to help their green efforts and are advertised to the community as a company committed to improving local environments and quality of life.
Membership to the Green Business Initiative is based on a point system. Businesses are assessed in six areas: waste prevention, recycling, purchasing, water conservation and quality, energy conservation, and transportation. Awarded points vary based on the complexity of the programs. For example, a business can earn one point for recycling paper but may earn up to five points for composting landscape waste. Companies that implement strategies to improve fuel efficiency such as idling requirements or avoidance of high ozone times can earn five points in transportation; those that provide bike racks and showers for employees can earn three. Applicants must earn between 15 to 20 points to gain membership, depending on the size of the company and number of employees. Before a business is even considered for membership, however, it must meet all local, state and national environmental regulations and be a member of the Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership, a coalition of local government, universities and businesses dedicated to improving regional air quality.
Following a company’s admittance to the Initiative, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber immediately and enthusiastically promotes their accomplishments to the greater community. Accepted businesses are allowed use of the Green Business Initiative logo on all marketing materials, are featured on the program’s website, www.IndyGreenBusiness.com, and receive a Green Business window cling.
Members of the Chamber that may require a little more help greening their practices also have access to a great deal of useful resources. The Green Street Institute, a quarterly, half-day educational conference sponsored by the Chamber and a local law firm, is open to all members of the Chamber and is held to educate local businesses on energy and water conservation, natural gas conservation, and emerging green technologies and innovation opportunities. The Chamber’s weekly newsletter, which reaches over 5,000 members, includes green tips and features a business that has embraced the initiative. The Initiative’s website, open to all visitors, also provides suggestions on how to become more sustainable—have you thought of using native plants in your landscaping? They use less water.
The Green Business Initiative provides Indianapolis businesses the tools needed to become more sustainable and greatly rewards those companies that choose to use them. Member businesses enjoy the tremendous value of the Initiative’s marketing campaigns and can continuously improve their green practices via the Green Business forums, conferences, and websites. Through the creativity and extraordinary efforts of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, area businesses are truly profiting from the process of going green.
For more information on this program: Green Business Initiative (http://www.indygreenbusiness.com)