Going green is often easier said than done. There are scads of research to do and decisions to make, from selecting solar panels to installing energy-efficient lighting. The process may seem daunting. That’s where Westchester Green Business comes in.
The organization — a public-private partnership between the Business Council of Westchester and Westchester County government — helps local businesses embrace sustainability initiatives by offering educational programs and best practices. “Members join the program to become certified green businesses,” explains Dani Glaser, one of the organization’s program directors. Glaser and her team, including partner Scott E. Fernqvist, help local businesses shift to renewable energy, reduce waste and increase recycling, and approach land use, water use, and transportation more efficiently.
The nonprofit’s roster of members is diverse. It includes dozens of local businesses, from the Hendrick Hudson Free Library and ice cream shop The Blue Pig to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Westchester Green Business’ operations are as progressive as its mission. The staff of five work mostly remotely, which means less time spent commuting — and topping off gas tanks. “The remote workforce occurred organically, no pun intended,” Glaser says.
A remote workforce also means lower overhead for the nonprofit: More than 75 percent of the program budget is allocated to provide direct services to businesses.
What’s ahead? The nonprofit is preparing to launch a new Web platform for members, making it even easier to do well by doing good.