The awards, presented by GlaxoSmithKline, bring together academic, business, and philanthropic leaders from around the country to recognize organizations in the following categories: Sustainable Enterprise, Sole Proprietor, Non-Profit, Small Business (5-50 employees), Medium Sized Business (+51 employees) — and the Green Plus™ People’s Choice award, decided by popular vote.

Winners will be announced Friday, June 18, 2010, at the North Carolina Research Triangle Park Headquarters.  The awards ceremony will be held in the Archie K. Davis Conference Center at the LEED Silver Certified Research Triangle Park headquarters. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided by Sage & Swift Catering of Durham, and the program will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m.

For more information about the NASE awards or to register for tickets, please visit www.gogreenplus.org/events.

Green Plus™ Sustainable Enterprise of the Year finalists, presented by The Research Triangle Park

• Cargas Systems (Lancaster, PA)
• Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau (Durham, NC)
• The King’s Daughters Inn (Durham, NC)
• Lube Stop (Berea, OH)
• Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (Hillsborough, NC)
• The Taylor Companies (Bedford, OH)

The Green Plus™ Medium-Sized Business of the Year finalists

• MG Capital Maintenance (Cary, NC)
• The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary, NC)
• Warfel Construction (Lancaster, PA)
• Wenger Feeds (Lancaster, PA)
• Wohlsen Construction (Lancaster, PA)

Presented by Wells Fargo, the Green Plus™ Small Business of the Year finalists

• Dos Perros Restaurant (Durham, NC)
• Environmental Solutions Group (Greensboro, NC)
• Irregardless Café & Catering (Raleigh, NC)
• Laser Plus (Lancaster, PA)
• Riley Life Industries (Durham, NC)

Green Plus™ Non-Profit of the Year finalists

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (Chapel Hill, NC)
• Downtown Raleigh Alliance (Raleigh, NC)
• Plymouth Church United Church of Christ (Shaker Heights, OH)
• The PTA Thrift Shop (Chapel Hill, NC)
• The Triangle Community Foundation (Durham, NC)

Green Plus™ Sole Proprietor of the Year finalists

• Benjamin Environmental Solutions Team (West Palm Beach, FL)
• Brick Street Botanical (Rogers, AR)
• Eco Select Furniture (Greensboro, NC)

For more information about the NASE awards or to register for tickets, please visit www.gogreenplus.org/events.

Descriptions of the award finalists

Sustainable Enterprise of the Year – Presented by The Research Triangle Park

Cargas Systems

Cargas is an information technology firm that implemented programs to ensure sustainability right from the start such as making Cargas an employee owned company and offering profit sharing to all employees.  In August of 2010, Cargas will move and is striving for LEED Silver Certification in its new building, which will include solar panels, passive solar, trombe walls, water source heat pumps and water-saving plumbing fixtures.  From offering flex time and telecommuting to a four-week paid sabbatical, Cargas has a unique culture which cultivates individual development.

Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau (DCVB)

DCVB excels in their commitment to triple bottom line sustainability.  Among their positive environmental practices, DCVB has installed a 3,000 gallon cistern to use for landscape irrigation and a high-efficiency HVAC system with zone controls and load monitoring reduces energy usage.  Among the 120 awards and recognitions garnered, DCVB was honored with a Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility and ranked by CEO Update as one of the Top Places to Work in Nonprofits.

The King’s Daughters Inn

The King’s Daughters Inn strives to inspire their guests by showing them how seamlessly green technologies can be woven into everyday life.  The Inn was created by renovating a historic property into a modern, eco-boutique hotel.  This combination of old and new hosts an integrated energy management system for each room, a 10,000 gallon cistern and rain garden, and a pervious concrete parking lot, as well as educational tours for legislators, students, and the general public.

Lube Stop

Since 2006, Lube Stop has aggressively pursued more sustainable business practices, which have reduced expenses by hundreds of thousands of dollars, significantly reduced waste streams, and differentiated them in a mature, competitive market.  Some LSSP projects included converting common oils from expensive case packaging to bulk storage, using remanufactured toner cartridges, establishing a companywide energy use policy, and the 2008 launch of the EcoGuard™ Oil Change Service, which is one of the company’s most visible innovations.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation

Piedmont EMC, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative based in Hillsborough, is a nonprofit electric utility that strives to empower and partner with consumers to provide energy value and to provide an environment for achieving personal excellence and growth for employees.  The organization serves an energy-conscious membership living and working in residential, university and farming communities.  Through smart grid technology, the Cooperative’s consumers have the option of prepaid electricity, allowing them to buy electricity before they need it and instantly scan their daily energy usage through their computer.

The Taylor Companies

Established in 1816, Taylor is the oldest furniture manufacturer in the United States. Taylor Company developed much of their sustainable practices over the past 5 years by playing a key role in the remediation of a 50 acre Brownfield, responsibly diverting most of their manufacturing waste, conserving natural resources, and commissioning a life cycle assessment report of their best selling desk series to educate stakeholders in decision making processes such as corporate strategy, product design, purchasing and marketing.

Green Plus™ Medium-Sized Business of the Year

MG Capital Maintenance

MG Capital is a janitorial company in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina that started implementing green cleaning procedures in 2008 by converting to environmentally friendly chemicals that meet strict Green Seal™ standards.  Since then, MG Capital has installed chemical dispensers with dilution control systems, utilized micro fiber cleaning systems, and also upgraded vacuum cleaners to include HEPA filters for better indoor air quality and a noise level of less than 70 decibels.  The organization encourages employees to support local charities and non-profit organizations through participation in fund-raising events, financial contributions and in-kind contributions.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a luxury Five Star and Five Diamond property that seeks to engage guests in the sustainability conversation through education and communication.  The Umstead sources over half of the food products from local farms or vendors, and the grounds include a pond with a restored fish habitat, turtle nesting areas, butterfly garden and a 0.3 mile walking trail that features educational signage for guests to enjoy.  Additionally, the Umstead has an extensive recycling program for paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic in place.

Warfel Construction Company

Founded in 1911, Warfel Construction Company subscribed to sustainability before it became a buzzword. Warfel Construction has tried to maximize their efforts to achieve triple bottom line sustainability through continued education and serving as a point a reference for others to follow.  Additionally, Warfel tout their efforts through advertising on local billboards and in mailings in order to raise awareness within their community about sustainability and green practices within its industry.

Wenger Feeds

Wenger Feeds’ commitment to triple bottom line sustainability shows their leadership in the agricultural industry.  From supporting over 50 local organizations to retrofitting lighting systems in their Rheems Mill facility in Lancaster County and planting 80 trees at their Muncy Mill facility in Northern Pennsylvania, Wenger is pushing the boundaries within their industry and helping other small agricultural businesses see what is possible.

Wohlsen Construction Company

Wohlsen Construction Company has embodied sustainability for 120 years and continued to improve their fiscal performance amid the economic downturn.  95% of Wohlsen’s management team are certified in Green Designations and sustainability is emphasized through ongoing training.  To reduce waste, Wohlsen has adopted specific changes in their operational habits everything from upgrading all appliances and computers to Energy Star products, to transitioning to electronic invoicing, and upgrading their servers to reducing their energy usage by 50%.

The Green Plus™ Small Business of the Year, presented by Wells Fargo

Dos Perros Restaurant

Opening in Durham in August of 2009, Dos Perros serves authentic Mexican food in a fresh, modern atmosphere.  Chefs can frequently be found shopping at the Durham Farmers Market, and local produce is the inspiration for many of the restaurant’s vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.  Dos Perros is based in a building recently renovated for historic and environmental preservation, and gets nearly 1/3 of its AC and heating needs from geothermal energy.

Environmental Solutions Group

The Environmental Solutions Group practices a culture of sustainability with employees and customers.  The EPA recognized ESG with a 2010 Leadership in Housing Award for adding 45 new builders of ENERGY STAR Homes in North Carolina during 2009.  Other sustainable practices include carpooling to all job sites and bicycling to and from the office, asking all customers what they are doing to be more sustainable, and including sustainability tips on their website.

The Irregardless Café

The Irregardless Café has been dedicated to innovative sustainability solutions since opening in 1975.  Started as Raleigh’s first vegetarian-and-vegan-only restaurant, the Café purchases much of its food through local farmers and the Farmer’s Market.  They also support their community and the arts through donations, trade, and other support.  When the Café was closed for 11 months due to fire in 1993, Chef Arthur Gordon continued to pay his employees asking that they volunteer at community nonprofits instead.

Laser Plus

Laser Plus has been a leader in the printer sales, service and supplies industry since 1986, as well as a service provider and reseller of new and refurbished office machines.  The organization has made several physical modifications that would help the Laser Plus employees to live the sustainability concept more fully on a daily basis; from rewiring lighting into zones to earth friendly cleaning materials and supplies for the lunch room.  Half of the employees serve on boards, others act as volunteer EMTs, adopt highways, help in local schools, done in a day events, and play pool for charity.

Riley Life Industries

Riley Life Industries is a warehousing and order fulfillment company that has pushed the boundaries of what it means to focus on the triple bottom line.  A small sample of its sustainable solutions include reducing packaging costs by 61% through reuse, organizes monthly company-wide community service activities, purchasing a battery powered forklift, encouraging carpooling, and bringing together shareholders to encourage community-wide sustainable practice sharing.

The Green Plus™ Non-Profit of the Year

Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) district is focused on implementing innovative sustainable practices, which included the creation of a representative Green Team. The District is engaged in moving the district forward in several areas; including reducing energy usage, increasing the level of recycling, revising and developing sustainability policies, and developing awareness across the district.  CHCCS has recently changed their district food provider, which has allowed for the elimination of Styrofoam lunch trays, a focus on locally produced foods, and financial support for district sustainability initiatives.

Downtown Raleigh Alliance

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) is a non-profit organization comprised of individuals, associations, corporations, and partnerships that want to improve Downtown Raleigh. This leadership organization is focused on the revitalization of Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina and serves as a clearinghouse and advocacy group for all issues affecting Downtown. DRA also manages the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market, which requires sellers to meet stringent standards and only sell local products.

Plymouth Church United Church of Christ

Plymouth Church UCC is taking a sustainability-based look at themselves, their congregation, and the community that they serve.  The innovative sustainability solutions implemented include eliminating waste, reducing utility usage at the church and among their members, and creating a community garden.  The Church also includes Green Tips in their monthly newsletter, used green building methods when renovating their conference room, and serve as an example of sustainability in its community.

PTA Thrift Shops

As one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the Triangle area, the PTA Thrift Shop, Inc. supports the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools with their year-end profits, which over the past five years has been in excess of $2 million, by operating thrift shops in two locations.  One of the goals of PTA Thrift is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and to generate additional revenue, if possible, from items that are deemed “unsellable.”  To the tag lines ‘People, Planet, Profit’ and ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, the PTA Thrift Shop adds ‘Shop, Save, Support!’

Triangle Community Foundation

Triangle Community Foundation (TCF) is a nonprofit philanthropic foundation that manages $135 million in funds established by individuals, businesses and families. From these funds, they gives grants to nonprofit organizations and administers a variety of programs for the community’s benefit.  Located in a recently renovated historic tobacco warehouse, TCF has an extensive employee environmental education campaign and works to reduce waste and conserve resources throughout its daily activities.

Green Plus™ Sole Proprietor of the Year

Benjamin Environmental Solutions Team
Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Benjamin Environmental Sustainability Team (BEST) consults with businesses and individuals who want to live a greener lifestyle.   BEST hosts a cable television series called “Sustainable Life” that helps to show how sustainability measures are being incorporated into life across the United States.

Brick Street Botanical

Brick Street Botanical leads by example with its sustainability practices and has developed a following of clients and other businesses that support their commitment to continually improving our sustainability efforts.  Their sustainable initiatives include conscientiously avoiding traditional floral shop practices that are harmful to the environment, buying locally from gardens and nurseries whenever possible, and using suppliers within a 200 mile radius for the vast majority of our purchases. Brick Street Botanical also recycles gray water for plants, and supports local artists and handmade art.

EcoSelect Furniture

EcoSelect creates custom leather and helps upholster furniture made with green, renewable products, and manufactures it using environmentally sustainable practices. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, every piece of furniture is manufactured locally, using craftspeople from family-owned businesses.  All leather is from a certified tannery, while hemp products come from subsistence farmers and is processed locally.

Forty-six businesses were recognized for their dedication to triple bottom line sustainability in the Green Plus ^TM by the Institute for Sustainable Development.  Five businesses in North Carolina and Pennsylvania obtained Green Plus ^TM certification, while thirty-nine others throughout the Midwest and Southeast were recognized for taking the first step in the program and are now Green Plus ^TM Movers .  Organizations that received the full Green Plus ^TM Certification are A Better Image Printing (NC), Environmental Solutions Group (NC), King’s Daughters Inn (NC), Quality Staffing (NC), and Wohlsen Construction Company (PA).

“We are proud to be working with organizations that are setting the example for smaller enterprise sustainability,” said Chris Carmody, Institute for Sustainable Development Executive Director.  ”We are motivated by our clients’ commitment to the environment and their communities. Their involvement is what makes Green Plus a great community hub for sharing best practices and helping American small businesses understand that sustainability is a growth opportunity.”

“Going through the Green Plus ^TM Certification was very satisfying,” said Diana Minta, owner of A Better Image Printing.  ”It helped me realize that [we] already had many green and sustainable processes in place, like employee benefits, giving back to our community and planning for the future. At the same time we had room to improve. The certification process gave me the tools and motivation to strive for that improvement. Thanks for making [this program] available,” Minta concluded.

The Green Plus ^TM program helps educate and certify small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the areas of triple bottom line sustainability (People, Planet, and Performance).  A program of the Institute for Sustainable Development, Green Plus^TM focuses on an organization’s policies and procedures and therefore applies to businesses across sectors and industries.  The first step in the program is completing the 86 question diagnostic survey, after which an organization is acknowledged as a Green Plus ^TM Mover.  This new class of Green Plus ^TM Movers includes: Allora Consulting, LLC, AlphaGraphics Cary, Aramark at the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center, Armadillo Books, Avista Resort, ActionCOACH – Ben Quinn, Carpe Diem Cleaning, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Communication Matters, Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), Damon’s Grill, Dos Perros Restaurant, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, EcoSelect Furniture, Elliot Realty, Fleetwood Fixtures, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Flowers by Paulette, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Grimball Jewelers, Henderson Area Arts Alliance, Hughes Pittman and Gupton, LLP, Horry Telephone Cooperative, Humanitys Loom LLC, Loco For Coco, Lube Stop, Mother Murphys Laboratories, My Green Table, Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation, PlotWatt, Point to Point, R.W. Sauder, Revealed Design, Rockfish Interactive, Shirley’s Flowers and Gifts, Triangle Community Foundation, Umstead Hotel and Spa, Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Yes Solar Solutions.

As many businesses are learning, true triple bottom line sustainability is not something that can be implemented within an organization in a few days, but for those businesses that have made the effort sustainability is a powerful marketing and branding tool that can help differentiate an organization in a competitive marketplace.  “We are thrilled to have met this important benchmark in our conservation efforts and we encourage all other hospitality providers, from Bed and Breakfasts to full service hotels to strive for Green Plus ^TM certification.  We look forward to mentoring other B&B’s on integrating green practices and technologies into their business,” declared Colin Crossman, proprietor of The King’s Daughters Inn.

One of the many business benefits of sustainability is a stronger, more vibrant community.  For organizations that have been working, not just in a community, but with that community are able to better withstand shifts in the marketplace.  ”[Green Plus ^TM Certification] is a testament to [Wohlsen Construction Company's] leadership, traditions, values and mission.  Since 1890, we have strived to maintain the highest level of performance in the construction industry,” said William J. Sutton II, project manager for Wohlsen.  ”We also have had to continue to reinvent our company and improve in all facets of our business.  Receiving this certification is an outstanding achievement and validation for our company and our employees.  In the area of environmental stewardship, we lead by example for our community, our clients and the generations to come,” stated Sutton.

A part of the Institute’s mission is to expand sustainability knowledge and through Green Plus ^TM employers now have a way of engaging their employees and encouraging them to take that information home at the end of the day.  ”Quality Staffing Specialist is committed to being a sustainable producer of services in all of its markets. I want to express my thanks to our dedicated staff for their hard work in making it possible to achieve this award of excellence,” said Phyllis Eller-Moffett, president of Quality Staffing Specialists.  ”Having gone through the certification process, everyone on the staff has become more aware of how little changes in their behavior have saved the company a great deal on our bottom line while giving them the satisfaction that creating new habits they can bring to the workplace and their homes.”

Every organization that completes the first step of the Green Plus ^TM program is also eligible for national recognition through the North American Sustainable Enterprise awards (NASE).  The Green Plus ^TM NASE Awards will take place Friday, June 18, 2010, from 7:45 to 9:45am EST, in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. In partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives,  the Institute for Sustainable Development will recognize organizations in a variety of categories for the example they have set in advancing triple bottom line sustainability, including Green Plus ^TM Sustainable Enterprise of the Year, Green Plus ^TM Sole Proprietor, Green Plus ^TM Non Profit of Year, Green Plus ^TM Small Business of the Year (from 5 to 50 employees), Green Plus ^TM Medium Sized Business of the Year (51 employees or larger), Green Plus ^TM People’s Choice award, Green Plus ^TM Champion, and the Green Plus ^TM Chamber of Commerce of the Year.  Tickets for the awards are now on sale at http://www.gogreenplus.org/2010/03/20/north-american-sustainable-enterprise-awards/.  For more information on the Green Plus ^TM Program or the North American Sustainable Enterprise Awards please contact Kirsten Hausman at khausman@gogreenplus.org or go to www.gogreenplus.org.

New Certified Green Plus ^TM Businesses

A Better Image Printing — Chapel Hill, NC (www.abetterimageprinting.com)

Owned by Diana and Steve Minta, A Better Image Printing is a full service printshop, providing customers with ‘more than ink on paper,’ but also binder, delivery, fulfillment, storage, and mailings.  Named by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber as the Sustainable Business of the Year for 2009, A Better Image Printing was also presented with the 2009 Progress Energy Business of the Year award to compliment their two Best Of and one Excellence award in the 2009 PICA awards (Printing Industry of the Carolinas).

A Better Image Printing is known in its community for its ardent support of community development efforts and community events.

Environmental Solutions Group — Greensboro, NC (www.esgtesting.com)

Environmental Solutions Group (ESG) is a firm based out of Greensboro, NC that specializes in residential and commercial environmental assessments and testing services.  Founded by current president, Craig Whittaker, ESG provides their clients with environmental building assessments, energy performance analysis, and third-party verifications for LEED, ENERGY STAR homes, Green Building, and Indoor Air Quality.

Voted 45^th among North Carolina’s Top 100 Small Businesses by Business Leader Magazine in 2009, ESG was also recognized as one of the top environmental firms in the Triad in 2006, 2007, and 2008 by the Triad Business Journal.

The King’s Daughters Inn – Durham, NC (www.thekingsdaughtersinn.com)

Whoever said green and luxury don’t do together hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting the King’s Daughters Inn B&B.  This boutique hotel, opened in April 2009, is run by Deanna and Colin Crossman and is located across the street from Duke’s East Campus near downtown Durham, NC.  The Crossmans purchased the historical property and spent the better part of two years renovating the building, which was originally built as a residence for a dormitory-style retirement home, into a luxury boutique bed & breakfast.

Though many said that renovating an historical property into an eco-boutique B&B was impossible, the Crossmans proved otherwise.  Among other measures, each room has its own total energy management system, they installed a gray water system to reduce indoor water usage, a 10,000 gallon rain water cistern for irrigation, used porous concrete in the parking lot, created a rain garden, installed low-flow fixtures in each bathroom, and LED lighting (light emiting diodes) where possible.

Quality Staffing – Cary, NC (www.quality-staffing.com)

Quality Staffing Specialists is a full-service staffing agency serving the needs of companies all over the Triangle area of North Carolina. Quality Staffing has grown to become the largest woman owned business in the Triangle. Quality Staffing Specialists began providing temporary help to the Triangle area of North Carolina in 1995. Their Triangle staff has over 122 years cumulative staffing and human resources experience. This, as well as their commitment to service, has led them to become one of the largest independently owned personnel services in the Triangle.

Wohlsen Construction Company – Lancaster, PA (www.wohlsenconstruction.com)

Founded in 1890, Wohlsen Construction Company offers a wide range of construction, design, build, and facilities services.  With full service offices in both Pennsylvania and Delaware, Wohlsen Construction customers are located throughout the Mid-Atlantic states and 75% of their clients are repeat customers which plainly shows their commitment to quality, safety, and service.

Wohlsen Construction also supports its local communities and encourages its employees to donate their time, serve on the boards of civic organizations, and make financial contributions through various methods such as the annual Holiday Gift Giving.

New Green Plus^TM Movers

• Allora Consulting, LLC – Chapel Hill, NC (www.alloraconsulting.com)
• AlphaGraphics Cary – Cary, NC (http://cary398.alphagraphics.com)
• Aramark at the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center – Durham, NC (www.acc-rdthomasconferencecenter.com)
• Armadillo Books – Chapel Hill, NC (www.armadillobooks.net)
• Avista Resort – North Myrtle Beach, SC (http://avistaresort.com)
• ActionCOACH – Ben Quinn – Chapel Hill, NC (www.actioncoach.com/benquinn)
• Carpe Diem Cleaning – Durham, NC (www.carpediemcleaning.com)
• Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce – Columbus, IN (www.columbusareachamber.com)
• Communication Matters – Hillsborough, NC (www.cmatters.org)
• Council of Smaller Enterprises – Cleveland, OH (www.cose.org)
• Damon’s Grill – North Myrtle Beach, SC (http://ribsribsribs.com)
• Dos Perros Restaurant – Durham, NC (http://dosperrosrestaurant.com)
• Downtown Raleigh Alliance – Raleigh, NC (www.godowntownraleigh.com)
• EcoSelect Furniture – Greensboro, NC (http://ecoselectfurniture.com)
• Elliot Realty – North Myrtle Beach, NC (http://elliottrealty.com)
• Fleetwood Fixtures – Leesport, PA (www.fleetwoodfixtures.com/)
• Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Tallahassee, FL (www.ficpa.org)
• Flowers by Paulette – Lancaster, PA (www.flowersbypaulette.com)
• Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce – Durham, NC (www.durhamchamber.org)
• Greensboro Chamber of Commerce – Greensboro, NC (www.greensboro.org)
• Grimball Jewelers – Chapel Hill, NC (www.grimballjewelers.com)
• Henderson Area Arts Alliance – Henderson, KY (www.haaa.org)
• Hughes Pittman and Gupton, LLP – Raleigh, NC (www.hpg.com)
• Horry Telephone Cooperative – Conway, SC (www.htcinc.net)
• Humanitys Loom LLC – Westlake, OH (www.humanitysloom.com)
• Loco For Coco – Greensboro, NC (http://locoforcocochocolate.com)
• Lube Stop – Berea, OH (www.lubestop.com)
• Mother Murphys Laboratories – Greensboro, NC (www.mothermurphys.com)
• My Green Table – Durham, NC (www.mygreentable.com)
• Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation – Hillsborough, NC (www.pemc.org)
• PlotWatt – Durham, NC (http://blog.plotwatt.com)
• Point to Point – Beechwood, OH (www.pointtopoint.com)
• R.W. Sauder – Lititz, PA (www.saudereggs.com)
• Revealed Design – Raleigh, NC (www.revealeddesign.com)
• Rockfish Interactive – Rogers, AR (www.rockfishinteractive.com)
• Shirley’s Flowers and Gifts – Rogers, AR (www.shirleysflowersinc.com)
• Triangle Community Foundation – Durham, NC (www.trianglecf.org)
• Umstead Hotel and Spa – Cary, NC (www.theumstead.com)
• Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants – Bellevue, WA (www.wscoa.org)
• Yes Solar Solutions – Cary, NC (www.yessolarsolutions.com)

2009 Sustainability Fellows, from left to right, Brooks Rainey-Pearson, Dale Hammer, Amanda Campbell, Elizabeth Leidel, and Teddy Salgado

Call for Applicants: Institute Seeks Candidates for 2010 Sustainability Fellowships

The Institute for Sustainable Development is seeking qualified applicants for its 2010 Sustainability Fellowship program. Fellowships pay a competitive stipend and will run for eight weeks during the summer of 2010. The Institute will select at least eight Fellows and perhaps more depending on the quality of the applicant pool. At least one (1) Sustainability Fellow will be a student of Accounting from a certified U.S. accountancy program. Other Fellows may come from any field.

“We’re looking forward to working with a new cohort of sustainability leaders, and our small business and non-profit partners in the field are even more excited,” said Chris Carmody, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development.

A core part of the Institute’s mission is to foster a new cohort of sustainability leaders – across disciplines and generations. Through these fellowships, the Institute seeks to help smaller enterprises and their communities in the U.S. and Canada utilize sustainability to improve their economic conditions and quality of life, and to provide a laboratory for leaders from different disciplines to learn about the triple bottom line from one another. In 2009, the Institute Sustainability Fellows cohort included graduate and undergraduate students in the fields of business, environmental studies, law, planning and politics.

Who May Apply

While preference may be given to current students and graduates of participating academic institutions (Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), the Institute’s Summer Sustainability Fellowships are open to anyone legally qualified to work in the United States. Most prior Fellows have been graduate or undergraduate students, but the Institute may also accept non-student applicants it feels can make an exceptional contribution to the program.  The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation or sexual identity.

American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) Fellow

The Institute will select at least one current student of Accounting from an accredited U.S. college or university, stipend to be underwritten by the AICPA. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. Its mission is to provide members with the resources, information, and leadership that enable them to provide valuable services in the highest professional manner to benefit the public as well as employers and clients.

Scope of Work

Sustainability Fellows work collaboratively as a coordinated team to provide services to a growing network of small businesses and non-profits interested in understanding and implementing triple-bottom line sustainability strategies into their organizations and communities.  In addition to active engagement in the ongoing operations of the Institute, each Fellow will develop one summer-long research project in line with both the Institute’s needs and the particular interests and expertise of the individual fellow.

Accepted Fellows will participate in a special training at the start of the summer to prepare them with the skills necessary to offer coaching, consulting and other services to the diverse client base of the Institute’s Green Plus program.

“Before working at the institute I understood fundamentally that there is a business case for sustainability,” said 2009 Fellow Teddy Salgado, a MBA candidate at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. ”Being a Sustainability Fellow was particularly rewarding, though, because not only did I get to see first-hand how businesses were using those principles to create a competitive advantage, I also helped an entrepreneurial organization grow,” Salgado concluded.

• 2009 Fellows worked with smaller enterprises from a variety of sectors including local retail, professional offices, service and non-profit organizations.

Individual projects included

• Writing articles for national business publications
• Researching Best Practices for the Institute in auditing certified companies
• Developing profiles and case studies of small businesses participating in Green Plus.
• Creating Special Features for the Green Plus online platform

Group projects included

• Developing content for the Green Plus Sustainability How To Guide-an educational guide for small businesses to learn best practices in the areas of People, Planet and Performance.
• Updating, evaluating, and testing the Green Plus diagnostic survey with a portfolio of small businesses
• Contributing regular posts to the Green Plus News/Blog on sustainability issues relevant to the small business audience

“The Fellowship provides a unique environment where students from many fields, all of whom are passionate about sustainability, work together,” said 2009 Fellow Brooks Rainey Pearson, a joint Law and City Planning graduate student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The experiences afforded and the friendships created in that setting will serve me well as I embark on my career,” Rainey Pearson concluded.

Application Deadlines & Questions

Applicants should submit a cover letter of one page or less describing their interest and qualifications for helping smaller enterprises with triple bottom line sustainability issues and their CV as a Word Document or PDF to Jobs@gogreenplus.org no later than midnight, February 28, 2010. The Institute will conduct interviews by phone or in person during March and notify candidates by April 1. Applicants with any questions should pose them in writing to Jobs@gogreenplus.org.

Attached Funding

While the Institute pays stipends for its Summer Sustainability Fellowships, it is a non-profit organization. Exceptional candidates who come with outside sources of funding are also welcome, though outside funding does not qualify or disqualify an applicant.

Mission & History

The mission of the Institute for Sustainable Development is to democratize triple bottom line sustainability by making it accessible to smaller employers and their communities, fostering a new generation of sustainability leaders, and developing a common understanding of sustainability principles across cultures.

The non-profit was founded in the North Carolina Research Triangle in 2007 by a unique partnership of academic, business and philanthropic leaders. Early partners included Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Greater Durham Chambers of Commerce, and the Fenwick Foundation.

DETECTING THE GREEN LIGHT: LOCAL CHAMBERS AHEAD OF WASHINGTON
November 1, 2009 – by Neal Peirce

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s cautious if not hostile approach to climate control legislation isn’t just putting it at odds with the Obama administration. Progressive corporations such as Apple and Pacific Gas & Electric have resigned their memberships over the issue.

And there’s a fresh breeze blowing at the grass roots, too. A growing coterie of local chambers of commerce is pushing both members and their communities to think and act “green,” to surge ahead of the curve in cutting carbon emissions.

And why? It’s because “they see green as a huge marketing opportunity as consumers increasingly respond to firms that are environmentally responsible,” says Carly Grimm, author of a new report on chambers’ initiatives financed by the Energy Foundation and produced by Partners for Livable Communities. “Enterprise at Home for Progress at Large: The Economics of Sustainability (Chambers of Commerce as the New Civic Players in Environmental Sustainability)” — focuses on green/climate-change initiatives of leading chambers spread from New England to Southern California. The chambers, including Los Angeles, Indianapolis and Columbia, S.C., were identified by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a professional association of leaders of 1,250 local chambers that’s separate from the U.S. Chamber.

The new survey doesn’t focus on such likely suspects as Berkeley or Portland, Ore. — far from it. Case in point: Waco, Texas. The Waco Chamber of Commerce recently built the nation’s first certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) chamber headquarters. In fact, it attained the U.S. Green Building Council’s coveted LEED Gold certification with such features as a 1,400-square foot reflective roof, solar panels and natural lighting.

The Waco Chamber building is also the first LEED-certified structure in its city. But it’s proving contagious as McLennan Community College, Caterpillar Logistics, Wells Fargo and Baylor University all follow the Chamber’s example by seeking LEED status for their new buildings in town. Chamber leader Jim Vaughan hopes the city’s expanding commitment to sustainable development will create a magnet for businesses and young professionals — or, as he asserts, “put Waco on the map.”

In Bridgeport, Conn., first steps to create a set of green citywide goals and action items originated with the mayor, Bill Finch. But the Bridgeport Regional Business Council responded quickly, leading to the founding of the Bridgeport Sustainability Initiative — B-Green 2020 — as a public-private partnership. More than 100 city and business leaders met to develop specific green agendas ranging from buildings to water resources.

Among specific plans, with help from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, are energy upgrades of local sewage plants that constitute Bridgeport’s largest carbon emitters. A green energy park and a street tree adoption plan are being developed. And B-Green 2020 is out evangelizing through a Mayor’s Conservation Corporation of 30 door-to-door canvassers promoting energy conservation, recycling and storm water management.

But how to draw firms to sustainability and carbon-cutting strategies nationwide? Surveys show that overwhelming numbers of firms would like to be known for their commitment to the environment. But many have little idea how to start down a green path.

An ingenious program to fill that gap has sprung up in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area, a region rich with academic talent. Interested faculties at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill have teamed up with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce to create, with local philanthropies, what they’re calling their “Green Plus” program.

Local firms are offered a Green Plus How-To-Guide. But more than that, they’re connected to mentor companies and get free counsel on sustainability initiatives. There’s even an initiation: Candidate firms must stipulate where they stand on three areas — performance (written strategic plan and accounting practices), planet (energy use and conservation), and people (compassion for employees and awareness of community needs).

If a firm stumbles in filling out its Green Plus questionnaire, it’s not left high and dry — university-connected experts in business-related environmental policies will coach it on how to improve its score.

Now Green Plus is ready to “go national.” It has announced a partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives to create a countrywide network of local chambers ready to reach out to their own business communities on climate and related sustainability issues. The idea is not just to “spread the word” but also to help firms across the nation share their experiences in going green.

The optimism, the contrast to the U.S. Chamber’s position, is hard to miss. While it’s officially for promoting “energy conservation and efficiency,” the Chamber is overwhelmingly defensive, worried about threats to American jobs and the competitiveness of our industries.

The green thrust of an emerging group of progressive local chambers is positive, looking to expansive green initiatives designed to make American businesses more vibrant, on the cutting edge of new and best practices, and ready to compete vigorously — locally and on the world stage. It’s a proactive, optimistic — and refreshing — position.

Please click here for the original article, or here for a version at the National League of Cities.

Cleveland, October 14, 2009-

Green Plus™ is a three-part program to help smaller enterprises improve their performance through becoming more sustainable. In the first stage, employers take an online assessment which evaluates their management, environmental, employee and community engagement practices. In the second stage, participants become part of an online network and can receive advice from other business owners and university-based content experts on how to improve their sustainability performance. Employers with exceptional scores across the Green Plus™ assessment’s People, Planet and Performance sections may be Certified Green Plus™, recognizing their specific efforts and providing exposure to their current and potential customers and business partners in communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“COSE’s endorsement and support of the Green Plus™ process, is focused on helping small businesses take the first steps to greater profitability through sustainability,” said Steve Millard, President and Executive Director of COSE.

Green Plus™ has been adopted as the official small and medium sized enterprise sustainability program of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The program is available at a substantial discount through participating chambers of commerce throughout the U.S. and Canada in the 1,300 chamber ACCE network. The program costs $550, but will be available to COSE members with five or more employees for $350 and to COSE companies with four or fewer employees for $75.

“There are many great home-grown sustainability efforts already going on in our region,” said Millard. “Green Plus™ gives our members the opportunity to both learn new practices and share their own knowledge across North America – while also opening up new business opportunities,” he added.

For more than ten years, COSE has been a provider of electricity and natural gas savings options to small and mid-sized businesses, helping them to save money and becoming a stronger partner for small business energy management efforts.

Additionally, COSE has been designated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio as the small business energy efficiency administrator for the First Energy Service territories.  In this role, COSE is working to find efficient and effective ways to improve and lower the energy demand of small businesses, resulting in additional profitability for small firms.

Green Plus™ was developed by the North Carolina Research Triangle based Institute for Sustainable Development — a combined effort of universities and chambers of commerce to provide smaller employers with affordable tools to improve their triple bottom line sustainability. The Green Plus™ model was developed by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business in 2007. UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University developed online sustainability tools for small business that were tested in Ohio and North Carolina throughout 2008. COSE was the Institute for Sustainable Development’s partner in beta testing the Green Plus™ program with Ohio businesses.

“Smaller enterprises employ most North Americans and are the key engine of new job creation,” said Chris Carmody, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development. “Large employers have benefited greatly from their sustainability efforts. Green Plus™ was created to give small employers the same opportunities to save and make money while going green and being sustainable,” Carmody continued. “COSE’s ongoing advocacy and innovative programs for smaller employers makes it the ideal Green Plus™ partner,” Carmody concluded.

Green Plus™ is not a product-specific certification program, but a broad small business sustainability certification. Employers currently participating comprise professional firms, restaurants, hotels, landscapers, printers, designers, small manufacturers and others. Green Plus™ is also designed to help non-profit organizations that want to improve their sustainability.

COSE member, The Taylor Companies was recently recognized as the first Ohio Certified Green Plus™ business on September 28, 2009 for its exceptional practices business, environmental and community practices. More on Taylor Chair’s certification can be found at www.gogreenplus.org. Other COSE members are beginning to participate in this program from the legal, landscaping and non-profit sectors.

For more information on Green Plus™, please see www.gogreenplus.org.

About COSE

COSE is one of Ohio’s largest small business support organizations, striving to help small businesses grow and maintain their independence. Comprised of more than 17,000 member companies, COSE has a long history of fighting for the rights of all small business owners through group purchasing programs for health care, workers’ compensation, or energy; advocating for specific changes in legislation or regulation to benefit small business;and, providing a forum and resource for small businesses to connect with and learn from each other. (www.cose.org)

Thirteen Businesses in Three States Receive Green Plus Recognition

Four North Carolina Businesses Become Green Plus Certified; Companies in Pennsylvania and Connecticut Complete First Stage of Certification

Thirteen businesses in the Green Plus program were recognized by the Institute for Sustainable Development for their exceptional efforts toward triple bottom line sustainability. Four businesses received full Green Plus certification, and nine were recognized as Green Plus Movers – businesses that have completed the first major step in the Institute’s sustainable small business certification process. Businesses receiving full Green Plus certification included The Redwoods Group, Riley Life Industries, Inc., Bland Landscaping and Zemo Trevathan & Associates.

Laser Plus, a printer and remanufactured toner company, became the first Pennsylvania business to be recognized by the Institute’s Green Plus program. One Minute Green, a sustainability consulting service, became the first Connecticut business to complete phase one of Green Plus certification. Other Green Plus Movers include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Business Class, Inc., Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center, Homewood Suites by Hilton, MG Capital Maintenance, One Minute Green, Quality Staffing Specialists, and Springleaf Strategies. (Please see below for a full description of each business or see www.gogreenplus.org).

“Green Plus is a triple bottom line sustainability business certification – Planet plus People plus Performance,” said Chris Carmody, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development. “One of the most exciting things about this new class of Green Plus certified businesses is that they are exceptional in the People part of the triple bottom line.”

Bland Landscaping, for example, requires monthly community service by of all of its senior management and has noteworthy programs to engage all of its employees in the success of its business. “The future of any business will impend on its ability to be a responsible corporate citizen that makes a positive impact on society while earning a profit,” said co-owner Kurt Bland. “Using the Green Plus tools and pursuing the certification, business owners are empowered to better guide their organizations along the path of long term success. We are proud to be part of the most recent Green Plus graduating class,” Bland concluded.

The Redwoods Group, the largest insurer of YMCAs in the country, was one of only fifteen businesses in the country to receive The Wall Street Journal’s Top Small Workplaces award in 2008. Kevin Trapani, President and CEO of The Redwoods Group, said, “We strongly believe that business can and should be a powerful force for positive social change. What I love about Green Plus is that we have to assess the efficacy of our products as well as the robust nature of our profits.”

The Institute for Sustainable Development is a public-private partnership between centers at Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Greater Durham Chambers of Commerce, the Fenwick Foundation and the Foundation for a Sustainable Community. Major corporate supporters include GlaxoSmithKline and Lenovo. The Institute’s overall business plan for Green Plus was commissioned in 2007 by Tony Waldrop, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Center for Sustainable Enterprise at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business developed the plan, and a partnership of centers at UNC, Duke University, chambers of commerce and philanthropic foundations built and tested the program with small businesses in North Carolina and Ohio in 2008. The program was formally launched in North Carolina in February and in Pennsylvania in June.

Green Plus is designed to provide small and medium sized employers with affordable educational tools and university assistance in becoming sustainable, access to a network of peers, and brand support in the form of certification for those organizations with exceptional sustainability performance.  “It has been a wonderful learning and networking process, becoming part of the Green Plus program,” said Zemo Trevathan of Zemo Trevathan & Associates.  “I have been very impressed with the track record the Institute for Sustainable Development has with providing concrete help to companies in fulfilling triple bottom line objectives.”

New Certified Green Plus Businesses

Bland Landscaping

Since 2005, Bland Landscaping has implemented a variety of environmental and social initiatives to reduce costs to the company, improve the lives of its employees, clients, vendors and reduce waste to the environment. Among other environmental initiatives, Bland Landscaping uses hybridized 4-mix engines instead of traditional 2 cycle engines when purchasing handheld tools, has an extensive recycling program, uses vehicles powered by B20 biodiesel, and uses environmentally friendly pesticides.  Bland Landscaping also prides themselves on social initiatives such as mandatory paid community service days each month, cultivation of elementary school gardens, and Habitat for Humanity landscaping projects.  Bland Landscaping is committed to a triple bottom line approach where people, profit, and planet are all equally emphasized.

Riley Life Industries, Inc.

Riley Life’s corporate values are passion, integrity, innovation, and sustainability. Riley Life, located in Durham, NC, provides outsourced service support including order fulfillment, kitting and packaging, product distribution and warehousing to sustainability-minded companies. Riley Life’s business philosophy relies heavily on the triple bottom line of sustainability: social, economic and environmental.

In their own words: “The namesake of Riley Life Industries – Riley Bingham – is a vivacious 2-year-old with her whole life ahead of her. With that in mind, we seek to understand the future implications of our actions by focusing on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of our business. We use 100% recyclable packaging materials, pay for gas for employees who carpool, and partner with sustainability-minded vendors. As a company, we participate in monthly community philanthropic activities and make the schedule available on our website.” While “going green” is generally associated with drinking lattes, wearing sandals with socks and smelling of patchouli oil, we like to think of it as making the world a better place for the cutest little girl on Earth.”

The Redwoods Group

The Redwoods Group, based in Morrisville, North Carolina, is the largest insurer of YMCAs in the country. The Redwoods Group’s motto is Serve Others, and it is dedicated to improving and protecting the communities that it serves.  In the company’s focus statement, President and CEO Kevin Trapani declares, “We strongly believe that business can and should be a powerful force for positive social change.”

The Wall Street Journal and the nonprofit organization Winning Workplaces named The Redwoods Group one of 15 winners of the 2008 Top Small Workplaces award. Redwoods, the first North Carolina company to win this prestigious award, competed against 800 businesses across the nation. The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce selected Redwoods to receive its Smith Seal of North Carolina Sustainable Business Award, part of its 2009 Pinnacle Business Award competition. The company was recognized in April 2009 as a Green Plus Mover, having successfully completed the first phase of certification for Green Plus. The Triangle Business Journal recognized Redwoods as one of the 2008 50 fastest growing private companies in the Triangle and ranked the company sixth in its list of Top Corporate Philanthropists (first in size). The United Way of North Carolina selected the firm for its 2008 and 2007 Spirit of North Carolina award for Redwoods’ overall commitment to United Way and the community. Redwoods won the 2008 Best Model Campaign Award from the Triangle United Way. The Raleigh News & Observer touted Redwoods as the third “greenest” company in the Triangle for its 2007 environmental efforts. Sustainable North Carolina honored Redwoods with its 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility award.

Zemo Trevathan & Associates

Zemo Trevathan & Associates specializes in sustainability consulting, business value analytics and leadership coaching. Trevathan is known for his ability to create training environments that foster deep trust, collaboration, and effective communication in which team members and individuals uncover new skills and enhance existing ones.  In Zemo’s executive coaching as well as in trainings and team interventions, the focus is on aligning individuals and groups with their own intrinsic values and motivations so they can contribute fully and excel in the endeavors that matter most to them.

New Green Plus Movers

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national professional association of CPAs. It has more than 350,000 members, including CPAs in business and industry, public practice, government, and education; student affiliates; and international associates. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies; federal, state and local governments; and non-profit organizations; and develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

The AICPA is one of 16 global accounting bodies holding membership in the Prince of Wales’ Accounting for Sustainability Forum.  Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO, and Bob Laux, member of the board of directors, represented the Institute at the Forum’s first event in December 2008 in the United Kingdom.

Business Class

Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Business Class provides resources for managers and business owners who want to boost productivity and morale. “We have a passion for business and making it fun, satisfying and productive for all involved,” says Founder, Jan Bolick. Bolick has combined her experiences as a CEO, general manager, salesperson, leader, follower, organizer, volunteer, fundraiser, teacher, student and parent, to develop customized training and coaching programs to suit the needs of each client.

Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center

Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center is Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Chatham county’s oldest family-owned tire and auto repair facility. Founded in 1953, Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center has woven itself into the fabric of the surrounding community. Over the years, Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center has become the place to go for auto service and tires, and has come to symbolize excellence in tires and auto service.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Durham-Chapel Hill

Homewood Suites in Durham is an extended stay hotel that is committed to providing excellent service and accommodations to customers as well as setting an example to the industry about outstanding employee and environmental treatment.  Homewood Suites in Durham has recently retrofitted their facilities with energy efficient light bulbs and made a shift to a more environmentally friendly laundry detergent.  Homewood Suites hopes that its triple bottom line approach will serve as both a competitive edge in the hospitality industry as well as an example for other hotel chains to follow.

MG Capital Maintenance

MG Capital Maintenance is a minority owned and operated commercial janitorial company located in Morrisville, NC, that adheres to environmentally responsible cleaning practices by providing chemicals, equipment, paper and other supplies that are certified by the Green Seal and the CRI Green Label Testing Program. MG Capital Maintenance is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. MG Capital Maintenance recognizes that diversity contributes to the bottom line by increasing employee retention, lowering costs by developing skills in-house, and developing a reputation that helps attract new employees. 

Laser Plus

Laser Plus has offered quality recycled toner cartridges for 25 years. Over time Laser Plus has created a unique solid waste savings report, which customers can use internally and externally as proof of efforts they are making to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, last year one of Laser Plus’ insurance companies kept 1,724 pounds of solid waste out of our local landfills at a financial savings of $21,000. Laser Plus is committed to performing well in the profit margins, while treating employees well and doing their part to maintain environmental integrity.

One Minute Green

One Minute Green, based in Connecticut, provides a community web site with information about new green products, businesses, jobs, local green initiatives and projects. One Minute Green also works directly with consumers, small-to-medium sized businesses and organizations to identify cost-effective ways to save money, products and resources by going green.

Quality Staffing Specialists

Quality Staffing Specialists is a full-service staffing agency serving the needs of companies all over the Triangle area of North Carolina. Quality Staffing has grown to become the largest woman owned business in the Triangle. Quality Staffing Specialists began providing temporary help to the Triangle area of North Carolina in 1995. Their Triangle staff has over 122 years cumulative staffing and human resources experience. This, as well as their commitment to service, has led them to become one of the largest independently owned personnel services in the Triangle.

Springleaf Strategies

Springleaf Strategies helps companies to create a sustainability vision and marketing plan. By incorporating sustainability-focused decisions into daily operations, Springleaf Strategies is committed to making a positive impact on the business community. Sustainability is integrated into their mission.  Springleaf Strategies is always asking, “Is this the best alternative for the environment, the community, and the business?”