Green Business Challenge 2011
The Green Business Challenge: Save Energy and Save Money!
The Winneshiek Energy District is encouraging businesses to save energy and save money with the Green Business Challenge. Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge will gain recognition for their efforts and qualify to win one of three intensive electrical audits from Smartgreen.com energy consulting valued at over $3,000.
Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge enter their energy use data into the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool. This is an online data base that allows businesses to qualify for the Energy Star program, monitor energy use, and access resources for reducing energy costs.
Assisting businesses to sign up for the Green Business Challenge is Carolyn Corbin with the Winneshiek Energy District. States Corbin, “Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or simply save serious moolah, energy efficiency is key. You have to measure your energy in order to manage it.”
Ben Grimstad from Decorah Bank and Trust states, “We entered our data in EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool because we want to see how we compare to other banks around the US for energy consumption. Decorah Bank and Trust strives to lower its energy costs and carbon footprint in order to improve profits and be a good steward of the environment for the future.”
To sign up, businesses can start by collecting their last 15 months of energy use data. Then go to www.energydistrict.org/programs/challenge. For questions about this or other programs of the Winneshiek Energy District, contact bizinfo@energydistrict.org
“Take time to sign up for the Green Business Challenge and reduce your energy costs! The Chamber’s Green Business Council endorses the Green Business Challenge,” states DACC Executive Director, Nikki Brevig.
The Green Business Challenge is funded by a grant from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. While the Challenge is limited to businesses and organizations within Winneshiek County, all businesses can benefit from the Energy Star tools by following the web links or by going to www.energystar.gov/benchmarking.