It Pays to Go Green: 33 Boston Companies Certified as Sustainable Business Leaders

Last week, the Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP) certified thirty-three new businesses as “Sustainable Business Leaders.”  The SBLP, a program of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston (SBN) provides guidance, support and technical assistance to facilitate the “greening” of locally owned and independent businesses.  Graduating businesses implement an average of 30 environmentally sustainable changes to their business operations.  In turn, they enjoy thousands of dollars in annual savings while significantly reducing their green house gas emissions.

The Graduates: Saving Money while Saving the Planet

Yes, SBLP is practically giving away money.  Not only do participating businesses enjoy a boost in their reputation by committing to environmental stewardship, they’re also lining their pockets with cash to reinvest back into their companies.  And with the environmental challenges facing our future, combined with rising energy prices and a social shift toward clean energy practices, it only makes sense to sign up with SBLP.  SBLP makes it easy to save money while saving the planet.

[Read more: A Guide to Energy Incentives, Rebates, and Green Loans for Your Boston Business]

On October 25th, business owners and “Green Team” members from the newly certified businesses were recognized for their hard work and dedication in a graduation ceremony at Boston City Hall.  ”The SBLP does a great job of connecting small businesses with environmental programs that are offered by the City, State, and the utilities,” noted Bryan Glascock, Head of the Boston Environmental Department.  “Massachusetts was recently ranked the most energy efficient state in the country; small businesses that lead by example are critical to this success.”

Each participating business completes a comprehensive 6-step process that focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, transportation, pollution prevention and safe alternatives, local purchasing and local food, and sustainability management.  Common changes include upgrading to energy efficient lighting, implementing recycling and composting programs, installing low-flow aerators and low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzles to reduce water use, encouraging public transportation use and carpooling among employees, purchasing local and sustainable products, and more.

The Graduates:

1. A Better City
2. Apex Green Roofs
3. Basil Tree Catering
4. Cambridge Common
5. Chive Sustainable Event Design & Catering
6. Christopher’s
7. Classic Graphx
8. Clevergreen Cleaners (Boston, Medford)
9. Costa Fruit and Produce
10. Eat At Jumbo’s
11. Ecologic Development Fund
12. Equity Office
13. First Church in Cambridge
14. Gentle Giant
15. Griffin Properties
16. Haley House Bakery Café
17. Lizard Lounge
18. NitWits
19. Pilot House Properties LLC
20. Recycled Paper
21. Save That Stuff
22. Stone Hearth Pizza Co. (Allston, Belmont, Cambridge, Needham)
23. TOAD
24. Toro
25. The West Side Lounge
26. True Grounds
27. Urban AdvenTours
28. Veggie Galaxy
29. Wediko Children’s Services