Editor’s note: This commentary is by Catherine Craig, of Vermont, the lead of the Vermont Green Business Program and a compliance assistance specialist at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
[V]ermont’s Green Business Program is 18 years old now. And like most 18-year-olds, it is time for us to make a big change. But instead of packing our family’s minivan with dorm room necessities, we are expanding our programs, increasing our visibility and working to increase our positive impact on Vermont’s environment. This year, Green Business Program is relaunching as a bigger, better version, by adding new businesses and resources, and building community among members.
The Vermont Green Business Program, a program of the Department of Environmental Conservation, offers assistance and recognition to Vermont’s environmental business leaders. The program has more than 230 members. Together, these members comprise a community of businesses and organizations who have gone to great lengths to protect the environment. From energy-efficient lighting, to habitat preservation and composting, these businesses work hard to protect Vermont’s environment. Members are offered direct business compliance assistance, ongoing resources on sustainability, and a place in a community of environmental leaders.
The new direction of the program will drive positive environmental impact while offering enticing resources to our members. For example, we’ve launched a new Green Brewery Cohort program to help Vermont brewers brew sustainably, while cutting costs. In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, the Department of Environmental Conservation will offer Vermont breweries personalized assistance in navigating environmental compliance, implementing sustainability initiatives, and with the help of Efficiency Vermont, achieving ambitious energy use reductions. Each brewery in the cohort will become a program member within a year of joining.
We’re also generating original online resources like a green cleaning guide for all businesses. These resources will be showcased on our new blog, our redesigned website, and our YouTube channel. Stay tuned for tips on everything from maintaining healthy indoor air quality to going zero waste.
In the year ahead, we look forward to working with the great community of Vermont businesses and hope to hear from you.
