Green Business Program has strong start

Sustainable Sandhills kicked off their new Green Business Program in Cumberland County on April 10th at Dock's at the Capitol in downtown Fayetteville.

With more than 80 business owners, managers, elected officials and media present, staff members of Sustainable Sandhills presented what is sure to be one of their most successful programs yet.

The Green Business Program encourages businesses to reduce solid waste and promote recycling, become energy and water efficient, purchase more eco-friendly products and educate customers, employees and other businesses about sustainable business practices.

Pilot participants blazed the trail for this one-of-a-kind program.  Several of the pilot participants joined us at the kickoff to share their success stories with those in attendance.  One such story stood out to many as being an astonishing feat.   Brenda Davis, owner of the Apple Crate, shared that 70% of her waste had been eliminated through cardboard recycling; an option Sustainable Sandhills introduced to her during the Green Business Program onsite visit.

Gordon Rose of McKim & Creed, another pilot participant, also spoke to the crowd.  He shared that within his company, staff had been addressing sustainability measures in design projects for several years.  However, sustainability within their operation had yet to be addressed.  In his words, “…if we are going to talk the talk, we had better be prepared to walk the walk.”   So with “green” as the goal, major renovations began at the McKim & Creed building in Fayetteville.  The entire HVAC system was replaced, which increased its efficiency from 70% at best to 92%.  Low VOC content paints and carpets will also be used in the renovation.  And, rather than purchasing all new, some furniture and partitions from the McKim & Creed Cary location will find a new home in the Fayetteville offices.

The Sustainable Sandhills staff also shared some benefits of the program, which included quarterly advertising in the Fayetteville Observer for all certified participants, recognition on the Sustainable Sandhills' website, a window decal indicating the business as a Certified Green Business, a free Public Works Commission water and energy audit and an awards program to recognize those businesses that go above and beyond in their effort to green their businesses.  As the program grows, so too will the benefits as we explore networking opportunities for participants, new advertising arenas and an expanded awards program.

The Sustainable Sandhills staff anticipates moving into other counties of the region by summer’s end.