Resources: Corporate Sustainability
Looking to learn more about climate impacts, solutions, and planning? At C3, our business coaching focuses on energy use and emissions that occur within the communities we serve, meaning our buildings and our vehicles.* Whether you’re just getting oriented or looking to up your game, browse the links in our “crash courses” below for more information about how your organization can contribute to an inclusive, climate-solving community that is doing its part.
If you’re ready to make a commitment to climate goals and improvements, explore joining C3’s Green Business Alliance, or reach out to us at corp@theclimatecollaborative.org to find out more. If there are resources you’d like to see here, please email us!
*For those already up on the lingo, that’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions!
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Every business has a carbon footprint that contributes to climate change. The first step to taking action is understanding what it is, where it comes from, and how reducing it can help your bottom line.
Why is it important for businesses and organizations to understand their carbon footprint?
Climate action for small business
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Building energy assessments are the only starting point for making an energy plan. They include inventories of energy use and equipment, building envelope and controls evaluations, and facility walk-thrus to identify your highest priorities for action.
Basic self-assessment/checklist
Contact our corporate team if you’re interested in an assessment! We may be able to perform one, or put you in touch with the right service providers.
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Major advances in LED lighting technology over the last decade mean that facilities that still use incandescent, fluorescent, or other old fixtures can dramatically reduce costs and energy usage. You can also reduce risk by removing mercury-containing fixtures from the facility. Often, these investments pay for themselves quickly with energy cost savings.
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Along with equipment controls, building envelope improvements (like air sealing and insulation) are the unsung heroes of energy efficiency. They’re often inexpensive, and can have a big impact on comfort, cost, and emissions.
These are the top three energy wasters to look out for: single pane windows, poor window and door seals, and low or no attic insulation.
Building envelope solutions (Building Energy Exchange)
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To get a good handle on energy use, understanding equipment is key. It’s important to know what you have, when it operates, how to maintain it, and when it will need to be replaced.
The number one energy waste in most buildings we audit is HVAC systems running 24x7. If your building is empty on nights and weekends and your HVAC doesn’t know it, you’re throwing money out the door (or ductwork). Programmable thermostats are one of the single most impactful, affordable, yet misunderstood ways to cut energy bills by 20% or more.
For simple buildings: programmable thermostats
For buildings with complex controls: Retrocommissioning
Preventive maintenance for commercial HVAC equipment (DOE)
Equipment maintenance for restaurants
Energy demand management (RMI)
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Vehicle energy use is just as important to business emissions reductions as buildings are. Start with a vehicle and needs inventory, and make sure you’re using the right vehicle for the right job, that vehicles are maintained and operated efficiently, and that you know what types of low- or no-emissions vehicles might replace them at end-of-life.
Why are fleets important? (EPA)
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Ready to really dig into a fleet conversion? Check out C3’s guide!
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Whether you’re just getting started, or building on ongoing activities, climate planning can help you move from the basics to a long-term strategy to build resilience and save money.
Business strategies to address climate change
Sample plans:
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From tax credits to grants, from federal to state to local, there are many types of assistance to help your organization reduce its carbon footprint.
C3's overview of financial incentives
Tax deductions and credits (IRS)
Using tax credits for non-profit
VA DEQ summary of incentives and programs
VA Energy Sense incentive summary
Database of State Renewable & Efficiency Programs (DSIRE)
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We’re making progress in many ways! See below for just a few examples.
Green Business Alliance member accomplishments
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Attend a “Better Buildings” webinar - see calendar here.
EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership
Free resources from ASHRAE
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Faith Communities: Interfaith Power & Light
Healthcare: Practice Greenhealth, Healthcare Without Harm
Beverages: Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable
Hospitality: Virginia Green Travel
Restaurants: Energy efficiency opportunities
Resources for other small businesses, including grocery stores, vehicle dealers, and more