Recently, we have noticed an increased number of inquiries from businesses wanting to “go green.” In response to the high levels of both interest and confusion surrounding the topic, EMAP has developed an easy-to-follow building block approach for small businesses looking to go green. By considering each “block,” you can approach going green as a strategy to be applied to your entire business model.

Going green is an extremely broad term. In general, for a business to become “greener” (i.e. more sustainable), it would have to reduce its impact on the environment. Increased sustainability can be accomplished in a range of ways; changing light bulbs, putting solar panels or a green roof on a building, and implementing a recycling program are examples of ways a business can become green. Going green is not just a feel-good strategy; by improving efficiency and long-term sustainability, businesses can also reduce costs and increase their bottom line.

There is a wealth of information available to business owners interested in sustainability. However, it can be overwhelming to determine which solutions are best for your situation. With this in mind, each EMAP building block considers a different aspect of sustainability. We have developed the "EMAP Green Portal" to provide you with the tools and resources you need to begin greening your business. Our team of environmental professionals can provide one-on-one consulting assistance to help you identify opportunities to make your practices greener and can explain the short-term and long-term costs and benefits of various sustainability strategies.

With the help of our environmental consultants, many EMAP clients—representing different types of small businesses throughout Pennsylvania—have implemented elements of the building block approach by putting in place innovative sustainable practices to improve their operations, save money, and reduce their environmental impacts. Read our summer newsletter, The First Stop, for examples of EMAP clients that are taking steps to go green. Explore the Green Portal to see some of the ways we can help small businesses go green, and contact us today to begin greening your business.