Oak Park and River Forest businesses make progress in the Green Business Certification Pilot Program
The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA), together with Triton College and the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, are off to an amazing start with its Green Business Certification Pilot Program. With 12 Oak Park and River Forest businesses currently active in the new program, community members can anticipate more sustainable-operating businesses in their neighborhood that are doing their part in cutting back on energy costs.
In December 2012, the grant-funded certification program provided by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation was announced as a means to help Oak Park and River Forest businesses implement the community PlanItGreen Sustainability Plan that encourages sustainable business practices.
Over the past four months, Triton College has been helping multiple Oak Park and River Forest businesses achieve this certification, in collaboration with the Oak Park Development Corporation (OPDC). The certification evaluates nine separate areas of sustainability that businesses must meet, becoming more green and efficient the more they accomplish. Out of the 23 businesses originally approached, 12 are actively participating and four more are currently going through the enrollment process.
The twelve active participants as of May 16, 2013 are: Bead in Hand, Beyond Properties, Buzz Café, Downtown Oak Park Association, Eyrie Restaurant, Green Home Experts, Greenline Wheels, Little Bits Workshop, Majamas, Oak Park Residence Corp, Oak Park Township, and River Forest Chocolates.
These businesses have made excellent progress in meeting benchmarks in public awareness, green purchasing, waste reduction, and water conservation and are moving into other areas of sustainability.
Triton College will continue working with these businesses through November when it is expected they will have completed their certifications. After achieving certification, businesses will enjoy the benefits of increased energy and water efficiency and reduced waste. A celebration will be held in late October to recognize the program’s success and the sustainability progress enrolled businesses have made.
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ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is one of the nation’s premier two-year institutions of higher education dedicated to student success. Located 14 miles from downtown Chicago, in River Grove, the school offers close to 100 degree and certificate programs at its 100-acre campus that features a comfortable, friendly and diverse atmosphere. More than 15,000 students enroll at Triton each year to take advantage of Triton’s small, accessible classes, qualified faculty, affordability and financial assistance. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; member, North Central Association. http://www.triton.edu
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS GREEN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) is a non-profit organization that assists businesses in reducing their ecological foot-print by attaining our green certification. IGBA staff provides three distinct services: green business certification, personalized business services and assistance, and public education. IGBA's mission is to help businesses realize the environmental and economic benefits of green practices. http://www.illinoisgba.org
ABOUT THE OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is a charitable organization managing endowed funds to improve the lives of people in Oak Park-River Forest and other communities. http://www.oprfcf.org
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