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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Valley Groups De-Mystifying What It Means To Be Green

Energy rebates, recycling, sustainability, LEED certification, zero waste, pollution prevention, alternative energy, and clean technology. What do all of these terms mean, and where does a business owner start the process of going ‘Green’? “There are so many misconceptions about everything ‘green,’” said Brendon Sher, a sustainable business consultant who’s helping develop the City of Los Angeles Green Business Program. “The biggest misconception is that it’s difficult or out of grasp. But the fact is a lot of businesses are already doing some of these things. It’s really simple if explained in the right way.” The City of Los Angeles Green Business Program, the San Fernando Valley Green Team, and the Burbank Green Alliance are attempting to de-mystify what it means for local businesses to be environmentally sustainable. They’re all works in progress. But members of each group and program said interest in how going green can benefit a company’s bottom line continues to grow. The Valley Green Team The Valley Green Team is a coalition of local business and community leaders whose mission is: “Connecting resources to bring economic and environmentally sustainable businesses and jobs to the San Fernando Valley.” “We’re providing for profit, non profit, and voluntary resources to businesses, government and the public at large,” said Green Team co-chair Peter McCarty. The group has task forces that focus on economic development/finance, green building, and education and workforce development. It also created a regional collaborative center for energy efficiency and water conservation. The group launched a web site (www.thevalleygreenteam.org) that has information about green building and links to local rebate programs and other environmental resources. Team members participate in environmental events throughout the year. The group also acts as a meeting point for the formation of environmentally sound businesses. It’s working towards being a public forum for information on green products and services from local and regional businesses, said McCarty. It was officially incorporated last month and is currently being incubated as a non-profit organization by The Valley Economic Alliance. “No matter what state or city governments do, these changes need to be implemented,” said Green Team co-chair Carolyn Casavan. “Groups such as The Valley Green Team are assisting with implementation.” L.A. Green Business Program The Los Angeles Community College District landed the contract to develop a green certification program for businesses in L.A. The program is backed by the city, DWP, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, dineLA, Green Seal and Green Globe. Set to launch before the end of the year, the certification program aims to help businesses become smarter and more efficient in every day practices, said Sher. “People want to be part of positive change and this is a start,” he said. “What we do is try to create jobs and train people. That’s why Los Angeles Community College District got the contract.” The program will be volunteer-based. The rough plan is to send a representative out to the business site and go through a checklist of environmentally sustainable practices. It will involve getting an “organizational commitment” from the business owner, and helping the business identify ways to save water and energy, reduce waste, prevent pollution, and develop sustainable purchasing practices, according to Sher. Another component will be to help business owners identify how to make money off of their green business practices. For example, an auto shop might choose to market the fact that they service hybrid vehicles. The program will include a database of certified companies and promotional events to help companies market their accomplishments. “We’ve gotten great feedback so far and 80 businesses have shown interest in the program,” said Sher, adding District 7 Councilmember Richard Alarcón is a big advocate. “The bottom line is this information needs to be communicated effectively.” Burbank Green Alliance The Burbank Green Alliance was founded two years ago as part of the City of Burbank’s Sustainability Action Plan. It’s a network of local businesses, non-profits, and government organizations that are encouraging businesses to achieve a higher level of environmental performance. “The question is how to start bringing sustainability into businesses to help them save money and the environment,” said Jessica Aldridge, executive director of the Alliance. “The main point is creating empowerment in order to create change.” The Alliance has a web site (www.burbankgreenalliance.org); hosts industry specific workshops; sends out a regular newsletter; and hosts eco-mixers to bring together green service providers and business owners interested in the concept. Two popular industry specific workshops include: a zero waste in the food service industry workshop: and one for practical eco solutions in the entertainment industry. It’s currently planning an event to educate business owners about how to start a recycling program at multi-unit residential and commercial complexes. The City of Burbank contracted with the Alliance to create zero waste standards for large events and venues in the area, and teach a series of green business classes. The group is hosting an environmental film series at Woodbury University that starts in July. Aldridge said the organization has a list of 600 businesses and individuals. Event participation also continues to grow. “I think businesses are very receptive,” she said. “The momentum has not slowed. When companies say they don’t have the money to make some of these changes, you say the changes will save them money.”

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