Stay Sustainable Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in Sustainability.

Today, Grand Rapids was recognized by the U.S. Chamber and Siemens Corporation as a top finalist for the National Siemens Sustainable Community Award in the Midsize Community Category.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Action is the foundational key to all success."  The success of this community would not be possible without the tremendous efforts from Grand Rapid's schools, businesses and citizens commitment to sustainability.

The finalist were chosen based on Overarching Sustainability, Econominc Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Energy, Water, Green Buildings and Waste.
(For more information about the award, visit the Business Civic Leadership Center's Facebook, Twitter or Blog.)

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce was pleased to nominate the City of Grand Rapids for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Most Sustainable Community Award. We recognize and appreciate the City's continued commitment to sustainability and this is another great recognition of public/private partnerships in our community!

Great Job Grand Rapids! Keep up the great work and stay tuned. The winner will be announced at the Business Civic Leadership Center’s National Corporate Community Investment Conference May 24, 2010.

LEEDing Launch!

Take a walk through downtown Grand Rapids and take notice of the enticing restaurants along Monroe Center, the majestic hospitals on the hill, or the rustic architecture that is sprinkled throughout the city. The infrastructure of Grand Rapids is unique and resourceful but did you also know that according to the US Green Building Council, Grand Rapids has the most LEED certified sq. footage per capita than any other city in the United States?

To be LEED certified means that your building has met the high standards of the US Green Building Council in "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," but your building doesn't need to be LEED certified in order for your business to be sustainable.

In January 2010, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce launched the Partnership for a Sustainable Community to help our members navigate their way through the world of sustainable practices. Members who join the partnership receive access to our Carbon Calculator which helps track and measure your business's carbon footprint. When you know how much waste is being emitted it is easier to reduce waste and COST. Oh yea and did we mention that this is a FREE benefit for our members?

This blog is dedicated to continuing the conversation around sustainabile business practices, highlighting members who are making positive changes and using sustainable methods and answering the questions to those in the process of becoming sustainable.  This blog will also provide a meeting space for members to discuss best practices and challenges involving their business and sustainability.

For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Abby Albers at the Grand Rapids Chamber.

Thank you for your support of the Chamber and with that, it's LEED launch time!