PA Environmental Council Launches Green Business Program

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council this week announced the launch of the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, a new initiative aimed at committing area businesses to reducing the impacts of their office practices on the environment.

 

The program was created by a committee of business leaders and is being promoted in partnership with the PenJerDel Council.

 

Thirty-three companies and firms from across the region have signed-on to participate in the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program as charter members, prior to its public launch. These companies and firms include Rohm and Haas, Liberty Property Trust, Drinker Biddle & Reath, Duane Morris, CIGNA and Vanguard Group, among others. These businesses have officially "made the commitment" to evaluate and modify their business practices over the next six months.

 

"‘Going Green' has become an international movement and area companies want to do their part," said Patrick Starr, Senior Vice President of PEC's Southeast Region. "They recognize that there are strong business arguments for adopting more sustainable practices, including reduced costs."

 

"Committing to company-wide greening is also an employee motivation opportunity," says Seth v.d.H. Cooley, PEC Board Member and committee co-chair from Duane Morris LLP. "It encourages consideration of the bottom line costs as well as a sincere commitment to improving the environment."

 

The Green Business Program requires the implementation of seven Mandatory Measures and at least 20 additional, Elective Measures within six months of signing the Commitment. The program also asks businesses to renew their commitment every 12 months.

 

Participating businesses will be provided with a checklist of green operational practices and will achieve either Basic, Silver, Gold or Platinum rankings based on the number of practices they adopt. By making simple changes to daily practices, companies can significantly minimize their carbon footprint and help reduce global climate change and protect our water, air and other natural resources.

 

There are a variety of measures businesses can take, including raising awareness of sustainability and environmental issues, reducing energy use at the office, engaging in purchasing practices that minimize environmental impacts, recycling, waste reduction and improved water management. Some specific examples include replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED lights, installing "instant-on" hot water, purchasing paper with at least 35 percent post-consumer recycled content and using local businesses for products and services whenever possible, among many others.

 

"Recognizing our impact as businesses on sustainability and embracing the opportunity to change are important steps forward for the business community, and I am thrilled that 33 businesses have committed to the program before it has even been publicly launched," said Cooley.

 

"Last year Rohm and Haas partnered with Natural Step International to bring the need for sustainable development to the forefront of the chemical industry," said Dr. Catherine Hunt, Corporate Sustainability Director for Rohm and Haas. "Now we are taking our commitment to adopting green practices one step further by involving our corporate headquarters in the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program."

 

The Green Business Program is a component of the Council's Sustainable Philadelphia Initiative to promote sustainable practices and policies among residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governments throughout the region. It directly responds to the Council's Pennsylvania Climate Change Roadmap that lays out the very significant contributions made by business and industry to greenhouse gas emissions. Pennsylvania contributes 1 percent of GHG worldwide.

 

"This program compliments our vision to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America, and possibly the world," said Mayor Michael Nutter. "I thank the charter members for leading by example and challenge the rest of the business community to join us in this important effort to improve our city so that it can continue to thrive for our future generations."

 

For more information or to sign up please visit the PEC Green Business Program website.