Businesses
Businesses Can Take the Lead on Climate Action
Production doesn't have to equal pollution.
Virginia commercial operations overlap with over 70% of our greenhouse gas emissions through transportation, manufacturing, or commercial building energy usage. That means there are big opportunities for business to have a positive impact on climate change, all while sowing the economic benefits of energy savings and clean energy for themselves and their communities. As community leaders, businesses can also play an important role as advocates for collective climate solutions, and in caring for our most vulnerable neighbors who are most impacted by climate change.
Simply put: to succeed in building a climate-friendly future, local businesses must be involved.
We meet every business and non-profit partner where they are and walk them through three simple steps towards climate leadership: education, technical support, and collective action.
GET CLIMATE-SMART
When we meet a new business or non-profit, the first question is almost always the same: where do we start?
(spoiler alert: it’s usually your energy bills)
We get it! Climate is a big concept, and it can be hard to translate impact into local level action. C3 offers education to help organizations understand the answer to basic questions:
How can climate solutions help my business and the community?
Where does our climate impact come from?
What are the biggest opportunities for savings?
How can my employees get involved?
Explore our self-guided resources, reach out to schedule a free consultation, or even request a workshop for your leadership or your employees!
GET SUPPORT
Local organizations often have a hard time accessing or affording expert support.
C3 has certified energy and sustainability experts, and we offer support services to local businesses and non-profits of all shapes and sizes. These services are often free through grant funding, or low-cost compared to market rates:
Energy walkthroughs and audits
Sustainability assessments - waste, water, and materials
Help accessing energy rebates and other incentives
Upgrade implementation support
Connect with the right contractors and service providers
Each year we also run our Energy Efficiency Grants program, providing grants for energy-saving upgrades like HVAC, lighting, insulation, and appliances. Launching again in 2026, we have over $100,000 to give away, including awards up to $5,000 per organization!
GET ACTIVE
Getting your own house in order is a great start! Now it’s time to join forces, because the real power of local action is when we come together.
That’s why we created the Green Business Alliance. Launched in 2021, this leadership circle of Virginia-based businesses creates a unique platform for our members to:
Make public commitments to climate solutions
Combine resources for collective influence
Convene to learn from experts and each other
Get involved in local policy solutions
Gain recognition for achievements
The GBA is open to local business and non-profits of all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be in a “green” industry to join. In fact, the real power of the group is that so many members work in traditional markets: finance, hospitality, construction, and more.
Check out this amazing group!
C3 IS A PROUD MEMBER OF:
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