2012 was an exciting year for the City's CLEAN team, as well as dozens of Chula Vista Businesses. The City of Chula Vista, in partnership with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Third Avenue Village Association, recruited local businesses to participate in its year-long initiative to improve their ‘green’ - sustainability and bottom line!
Through a friendly competition, 50 businesses received free technical assistance and resources that helped them achieve their ‘green’ goals. These businesses will now be able to highlight their accomplishments to customers, fellow businesses, and community leaders.
Participating businesses willcontinue to be recognized through the City’s ongoing CLEAN Business Program which provides free marketing and advertizing such as community signage, direct mailers, newspaper articles, and City Council certificates.
During the year-long challenge, businesses worked to improve their ‘green’ performance, helping to save money in four categories:
Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Pollution Prevention
Solid Waste Reduction
Chula Vista's Council Member Pamela Bensoussan joined ICLEI and Office Depot representatives in ringing the closing bell at the NYSE to kick off the
National Green Business Challenge.
What did the Green Business Challenge entail?
The Green Business Challenge was a friendly year-long competition that engaged commercial property managers, office tenants, and other business sectors to reduce their energy, waste, and water use while participating in other sustainable business practices. The very first Green Business Challenge was developed by the City of Chicago’s Department of the Environment and ICLEI USA, a membership organization of local governments for sustainability. The City of Chula Vista's twelve month challenge ran through December 2012. The Awards Breakfast was held at the SDCC on January 17, 2013.
Why did businesses join the Green Business Challenge?
While there are many local government programs across the country to help businesses become more environmentally friendly, the Challenge distinguished itself by two keys to success: friendly competition and community recognition. In the process, it also engaged the business community in assisting local communities to reach their climate action goals.
Challenge participants were provided
free training and one-on-one assistance on how to implement easy, step-by-step sustainable practices. Participants experienced cost savings related to reductions in energy use, water use, and waste production. Increased mechanical and operational efficiency also decreased costs for labor and unplanned maintenance.
At the end of the year-long program, participants were recognized by the City of Chula Vista for their efforts. All participants can take satisfaction knowing that their efforts are helping their community curb its greenhouse gas emissions; they’ll know that they’ve done their part to combat climate change and provide a better environment for everyone.
The Challenge may be over, but interested businesses may join the Chula Vista CLEAN Business program. Click here for more information.
The Chula Vista Green Business Challenge was supported through a grant from ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and Office Depot. Thank you!
Challenge participants were provided
free training and one-on-one assistance on how to implement easy, step-by-step sustainable practices. Participants experienced cost savings related to reductions in energy use, water use, and waste production. Increased mechanical and operational efficiency also decreased costs for labor and unplanned maintenance.
