2020-2021 Better Business Challenge Award Winners Announced!
This Press Release was Published on Friday, June 18th, 2021.
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3) has announced the winners of the 2020 Better Business Challenge last night at a Live broadcast, culminating a 16-month collective effort that brought together 75 local businesses and nonprofits to reduce their climate emissions, waste, and water. Challenge sponsors were VMDO Architects and the University of Virginia Community Credit Union. In this fourth round, participants took actions in energy, transportation, waste reduction, water conservation, and community leadership categories. We thank Elizabeth Holmes from NBC29 for emceeing the broadcast.
2020 AWARD WINNERS
2020 Better Business Champions Earned the most total points from taking actions on the Challenge Scorecards (ordered small to large-size organizations). Listed below are chosen highlights of actions that the winner completed.
The Center – Prioritized energy efficiency in their new building and secured a Power Purchase Agreement with Sun Tribe Solar to power their facility with 50% renewable energy.
Scivera – Adopted a full-time work from home structure and implemented an innovative solution to eliminate transportation emissions from their operations.
ReadyKids – Installed low-flow toilets to reduce water consumption and laid the foundation for a future solar installation.
Sun Tribe Solar – Created internal sustainability team and engaged employees to reduce their carbon footprint at home with C3’s “Home Energy Challenge”.
City of Charlottesville – Developed employee engagement program called WE (water and energy) Work and in the process of implementing a City-wide energy performance contract (EPC).
Sigora Solar – Developed a “green fleet” plan to replace company vehicles with EV or hybrid models.
Momentum Medalists Businesses that took investigative actions with professional energy, lighting, and solar readiness assessments.
Legal Aid Justice Center - Generated a plan to replace inefficient HVAC systems on their roof and to improve lighting throughout the office.
Loaves & Fishes - Increased energy efficiency throughout building and laid foundation for future solar installation.
Iron Pillar Award For perseverance through uncertain times and continual engagement in the 2020 Better Business Challenge.
Twice Is Nice – Secured a bike rack for their storefront from the City of Charlottesville as well as tackled other Challenge checklist items.
Changemaker Award For the strategic pursuit of an action with long-term impact.
Renaissance School – Student-lead Earth Club researched information to get approval from school board to replace old, inefficient windows.
Challenge Mini-grant Winners Income-qualifying Charlottesville city business owners received energy efficient goods and/or services (listed) totaling $3,000.00.
Soul Food Joint – Upgraded lighting to 100% LEDs with dimmer controls.
Mixed Beauty Bar – Implemented energy efficient hair dryer, water-saving shower head, air purifier filters for one year, and a “smart” power strip.
Loyal Beyond Beauty – Implemented energy efficient hair dryer, water-saving shower head, air purifier with filters, and a “smart” power strip.
Little Manila – Purchased Energy Star under-the-counter refrigerator for new location.
ROW Services – Installed programmable thermostats for low-income residential customers.
Background The Better Business Challenge is an initiative led by the Charlottesville Climate Collaborative a local nonprofit organization in partnership with LEAP, Better World Betty, City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, UVA Office of Sustainability, TJPDC RideShare, and 2RW Consultants.
About the Community Climate Collaborative The Community Climate Collaborative aims to bring communities together to lead on climate by working closely with schools, businesses, citizens, and local governments to implement carbon emissions reductions, develop climate action plans, and enact equitable policies that accelerate climate action. www.theclimatecollaborative.org
PRESS CONTACT: Teri Kent, Director of Communications, (434) 466-5157, teri@theclimatecollaborative.org
