Chattanooga area chamber “raises the bar” with business sustainability partnership

Chattanooga Area Chamber Partners with

Local Company to Deliver Sustainable Business Practices

Tennessee River running through Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to join its member, EPB, recently to announce that it has become the first local company to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level for an existing building. The company celebrated the announcement by hosting the EPB Green Business Expo to share expertise and resources with other local companies interested enhancing their sustainability and optimizing their operations.

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce values the expertise that EPB brings to business sustainability. “The Chattanooga Chamber is proud to partner with EPB to engage local companies as we continue to raise the bar on our commitment to sustainability,” Gillenwater shared in a recent interview.

“It’s something more companies care about,” Gillenwater added. “And the Chattanooga business community has a long track record of working alongside community leaders and residents to help recover and preserve our community’s rich and beautiful natural environment.”

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s legislative priorities include supporting energy efficiency and conservation initiatives to help to preserve the community’s natural beauty while simultaneously avoiding a negative economic impact to the business community.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority (CMAA) shares the city's vision for sustainability

Read these articles for more about the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s business sustainability and clean energy leadership:

Taking a New Look at Sustainability in the South

Business Trend: Chattanooga goes solar

If you would like more information about the economic benefits of energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives, please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com. 

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New Op-Ed - Cape Ann Chamber Program Improves Bottom Lines and Gives Back to the Community

Ken Riehl, CEO of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, penned an op-ed for Energy Awareness Month about the importance of energy efficiency savings for local businesses.

“Energy is one of top expenses for small businesses” according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses.” Riehl said. “That’s why the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is working with National Grid and other local business and municipal partners to spread the word about the Cape Ann Saves Energy (CASE) program.”

See the Chamber’s Op-ed here

To learn more about the CASE program visit https://capeannchamber.com/small-business/cape-ann-saves-energy/

Middlesex Chamber’s Innovative Financing Program to Boost Local Jobs, Profits and Investment

Businesses everywhere are looking to save money when it comes to energy costs. In response, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Connecticut Green Bank to help member businesses afford energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. Together they are promoting a clean energy financing tool called Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE. This innovative solution provides long-term, low interest financing to help local building owners take control of their energy costs. With 100% financing, no upfront cost required, and terms of up to 25 years available through C-PACE, energy upgrades are more affordable and accessible than ever.

"We're always looking for an opportunity to provide value to our members," says Jeff Pugliese, Vice President of the Middlesex Chamber. "The partnership with the Connecticut Green Bank was a no-brainer.  C-PACE helps local businesses save money on their energy bills and reinvest this money into other parts of the business. When businesses thrive, it can help spur economic development and support job creation," he added.

Earlier this year, the Green Bank announced that Connecticut's C-PACE program had helped over 200 Connecticut building owners with more than $114 million in clean energy financing, making the state's program second only to California's C-PACE program in terms of clean energy financing. And C-PACE is just one of the Green Bank programs that have helped attract more than $1 billion in investment into the Connecticut economy and created more than 13,000 jobs.

"The key is to have great partners like the Middlesex Chamber, which understands that C-PACE is a terrific opportunity to help their members," says Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. "Energy costs and building improvements are often one of the biggest challenges that Chamber members face. C-PACE can be the answer."

With C-PACE, building owners can enjoy the advantages of energy upgrades immediately and pay for them over time. It's a safe investment that produces returns immediately and for years to come.

Middlesex Chamber member Galleria Stone and Tile used C-PACE financing to install a 125kw solar photovoltaic installation while building a new factory last summer. "With this new solar installation, our energy costs have remained pretty much flat, even though we've expanded dramatically," says Rich Yuris, CFO of Galleria.

Interested in learning more about C-PACE, or want to partner with an established C-PACE program in your state? Contact Jessica Bergman at (jbergman@sfchamber.com) for more information.

See what PACE programs are available in your state at http://pacenation.us/ 

Pictured up top from left to right, are: Larry McHugh, President, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce; Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Programs, Connecticut Green Bank; Robert Schmitt, Associate Manager, Marketing, Connecticut Green Bank; and Jeff Pugliese, Vice President, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Recognized for Helping Members Save through Energy Efficiency

What gets a local chamber of commerce to be recognized by the Governor, invited to the State House—and, in perhaps the highest praise possible, be established as a leader among chamber colleagues?  

In the case of the Newton Needham Regional Chamber of Commerce, the answer has been one good idea that has helped approximately 375 member businesses receive more than $3 million in incentives for cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades.  

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognize the Newton Needham Regional Chamber for the leadership they have shown by encouraging local businesses take advantage of the Mass Save program," Rep. Ruth M Balser said this month at a State House event honoring the chamber. 

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the chamber partnered with World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.  

The NNBE$ program connects local businesses to available energy saving programs and incentives offered through Mass Save which is run by the local utilities. (Businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on recommended energy improvements.) It has already increased small and medium business participation by 30 percent.  

Also attending the event honoring the chamber were State Sens. Cynthia Stone Creem and Michael Rush, State Rep. Kay Khan, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, and Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick. The chamber also received citations from all elected officials in Newton and Needham.  

In 2017, Gov. Charlie Baker also recognized the chamber, saying: “I applaud members of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce for their participation in the Mass Save program, their collaboration with various stakeholders, and their commitment to producing important savings for local ratepayers.” 

And In March 2018, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce—in partnership with the City of Gloucester, National Grid, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy—became the second local chamber in MA to launch a program that increases the participation of member businesses in cost-saving energy efficiency measures. 

Read more in The Patch.

Visit the Newton Needham Chamber to learn more about the NNBE$ program  

Learn about the new Cape Ann program here.  

Pictured from left, Rep, Kay Khan (Newton), President of World Energy Rick Galipeau, VP of World Energy Mike Santangelo, Director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Jessica Bergman, Sen. Mike Rush (Needham), Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, Chamber Environment Committee Chair Peter Smith, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Chamber President Greg Reibman, Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (Newton) and Rep. Ruth Balser (Newton).

New Initiative Helps Businesses with No-cost Energy Audits and Easy Access to Millions in Incentive Money

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce -- in partnership with the City of Gloucester, National Grid, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy -- launched a new energy-saving initiative last month; and several news outlets took notice.

Cape Ann Saves Energy (CASE) will help local businesses take advantage of free energy assessments performed by Energy Source, as well as incentives and financing for upgrades (for up to 70 percent) from the utility giant, National Grid.

"CASE is here to be a resource for local small business owners and help them take advantage of the great energy saving programs and rebates of National Grid," CEO Ken Riehl said.

"By cutting down on energy usage, local small businesses may see a reduction in their energy bills and reinvest their money into running a successful business," he added.  

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is the second local chamber in MA to launch a program that increases the participation of member businesses in cost-saving energy efficiency measures.

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber has helped more than 300 area businesses receive more than $3 million in incentives to fund energy-saving upgrades through their pioneering Newton Needham Business Energy $avers Program. It was recognized for its efforts by Gov. Baker in 2017 and will be by several policymakers at the Statehouse next month.

"When we read about Governor Baker's support of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Energy Program, we knew we had to take action," said Gregg Cademartori, Planning Director for the City of Gloucester. "So we partnered with the Chamber and contacted CICE that day," he added.

Read more about it in:

The Boston Globe

The Gloucester Times

The Manchester Cricket

Pictured above from left to right: Sal Di Stefano - Economic Development Director for the City of Gloucester, Peter Webber- Senior VP at the Chamber, Brendhan Zubricki - Essex Town Administrator, Rich Hanlon - COO for Energy Source, Jessica Bergman - Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, Eric Stallings - Manchester-by-the-Sea Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee, Patricia Slade - President of the Chamber Board, Tara Rowe - Energy Source, Sefatia Romeo Theken - Mayor of Gloucester, Kyle Blanchard - Energy Source , Ken Riehl - CEO Chamber , Alyssa Dupont - National Grid Small Business Manager and Jesse DeBenedictis - CASE Chamber Volunteer.

PA Senator, Geisinger Brief Local Chambers on Three New Bills

Pennsylvania’s Innovative Culture Continues

To some, Pennsylvania may be best known for its great historical significance—as home of the Liberty Bell and the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution drawn up.

But Pennsylvania has an equally strong history of innovation: being home to the nation’s first baseball stadium, first commercial broadcast station, and the world’s first high-speed, multi-lane highway to name just a few examples.

So perhaps not surprisingly a growing number of Pennsylvania leaders are now taking steps to seize the growing economic opportunities in energy innovation.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” PA Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/Washington) said in a recent briefing call with Local Chamber of Commerce Leaders from across the Keystone State.

Sen. Reschenthaler is a co-sponsor Senate Bill 234, which would allow municipalities to establish voluntary programs to provide financing for energy upgrades without any upfront costs.  Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE), property owners re-pay the financing through a property assessment. C-PACE is offered in enabling legislation is active in 33 states plus Washington, D.C.  

SB 234 was overwhelmingly passed on the Senate floor 42-8 and is now being considered by the House Commerce Committee. Sen. Reschenthaler asked that Chamber leaders contact their legislators to voice their support. Read more about C-PACE.

“It’s about job creation in high paying fields such as electrical contractors, excavating, general construction, engineering, and so on,” Sen. Reschenthaler said. “It will lower energy costs for local businesses, increasing competitiveness.” Importantly, he added, the program uses funds from private institutions, not taxpayer dollars.

Asked why he became interested in CPACE, Reschenthaler said because he believes in energy independence and knows that renewables help contribute to that.

Geisinger Savings Through Efficiency

Co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber, the briefing call was also an opportunity for Local Chamber leaders to hear from Geisinger Health, the largest health system in Pennsylvania, about how they are saving with energy efficiency.

“Energy is one of these topics that can benefit everyone,” said Al Neuner, VP of Facility Operations at Geisinger Health System. As a result of its investments in energy efficiency, Geisinger Hospital has saved $15 million in energy costs, Neuner said.

“And businesses do not have to be as large as Geisinger to benefit from energy efficiency—he noted, adding that it is very scalable and no-risk. Watch a video about Geisinger’s energy efficiency program.

“One of the things we can do as chambers is to play the role of conveyor and bring our business members, the community, the utility, and workforce development organizations together to exchange information so that clean energy, and clean energy workforce training is more relatable to all of our businesses and community members,” said Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber.

“There are people and resources there to help you pay for this,” he said, referring to Act 129, a law passed in 2008 to encourage energy efficiency and provides rebates for new appliances, lighting and windows and energy audits. Read more about Act 129.

A 2017 Public Utility Commission study found that Act 129 has delivered $6.4 billion in benefits for all electric consumers to date.

Growing Solar Jobs in PA

The speakers also briefed Local Chamber leaders on the recently passed Act 40, the Solar Jobs bill, aiming to limit state payments to out of state projects and grow jobs here in PA.

Ron Celentano, President of Pennsylvania’s Solar Energy Industry Association told the audience that up to 70 percent of the solar energy purchased in the state was coming from outside the state, said.

The new Solar Jobs bill corrected this by requiring that the solar come from within Pennsylvania.

“We see this as a great opportunity to have more solar jobs created within the state,” Celentano said. “And we’ve been seeing growth of solar jobs already since the passage.”

The call was co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward.  

Learn more: Post-Gazette

More Than 60 Local Chamber Leaders Learn How Clean Energy Policies Benefit Their Member Companies

At the recent Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) conference, more than 60 local chamber leaders discovered how energy efficiency, home-grown solar energy, and innovative finance mechanisms can help save member companies money, and attract more investment and jobs to the Keystone state. 

Highlights include:

• Energy efficiency: A practice that helps member companies save money every year.

  • Read how Geisinger Health System is saving millions of dollars per year.

  • Watch Geisinger's video on how they are saving with Act 129.

• The Solar Border Bill: A bill recently passed the PA legislature that prioritizes the purchase of PA solar energy over the solar energy in neighboring states. This legislation will create more solar jobs and investment by closing a loophole that had PA ratepayers subsidizing solar energy and job creation in nearby states. This is important to the many chambers with member companies that sell, manufacture parts, or produce solar infrastructure.

• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): An innovative new financing mechanism that has been proposed to allow PA businesses to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades at no up-front cost. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., currently have PACE programs; and there is PACE legislation in 33 states.  

  • The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) bill, also known as SB 234, is co-sponsored by Sens. Blake (D-22) and Reschenthaler (R-37). 

  • Read about the $340 million in financing over the last seven years.

Local chambers also learned more about what chambers across Pennsylvania are doing to help their members thrive in the clean energy space. See:

• PA Local Chambers Co-host Geisinger Tour with Legislators, Learn How Energy Efficiency Saves $15 Million Annually

• Central PA Chamber Grows Popular Energy Savings Program

• PA Local Chamber CEO Meets Legislators, Shares Support for Clean Energy

Interested in learning more about how your chamber can benefit from the economic development opportunities of clean energy? Contact Kelly Henderson at khenderson@sfchamber.com.

PA Local Chambers Co-host Geisinger Tour with Legislators, Learn How Energy Efficiency Saves $15 Million Annually

Three local chambers—the Greater Susquehanna Valley, Central Pennsylvania and Columbia-Montour Chambers of Commerce—attended a tour last week of the Geisinger Advanced Energy Plant.

Using state incentives, Geisinger was able to purchase energy-saving technologies that enable them to heat and cool the Danville campus at essentially no cost. "We are seeing annual savings of $15 million across all facilities" Geisinger Vice President Al Neuner said. 

"While we usually approach energy conservation discussions with arguments related to reducing costs and improving our environment, to be able to point to Geisinger as a best practice gives our advocacy a strong local example along with renewed credibility," said Bob Garrett, President & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Efficiency lowers overhead, cleans our land, water and air and even saves lives.  It's simply the right thing to do."

State Reps. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) of Sunbury, Fred Keller (R-85) of Kreamer, Kurt Masser (R-107) of Elysburg, and David Millard (R-109) of Bloomsburg, also attended the event.

Watch the ABC news report.

Read The Daily Item.

Learn more through the Geisinger fact sheet.

Interested in co-hosting similar tours with your member businesses? Please contact Kelly Henderson at khenderson@sfchamber.com

Pictured above from left to right: TeaJay Aikey, Finance & Membership Director, Central PA Chamber; Dale Moyer, Interim President & CEO, Central PA Chamber; Fred Gaffney, President, Columbia-Montour Chamber; Bob Garrett, President/CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber.

Largest Clean Energy Convening of Local Chambers at MA Statehouse

Highlights of MA Local Chambers Legislative Briefing

More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators last month for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy.

Rep. Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell) and Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), two of the leading legislators on clean energy, briefed them on what to expect from the remainder of the 2017-2018 session, saying the goal is to build on last year’s work to ensure that Massachusetts remains a clean energy leader.

Among the measures they said the legislature plans to consider supporting:

• An increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to ensure more renewable energy and more clean energy investment and jobs in Massachusetts.

• Increase the caps on solar net metering to allow more businesses and residents who own solar panels to be compensated for providing their excess energy back to the electrical grid. The legislators stated that an increase in the caps will help generate more solar power in the Bay State. See Net Metering explained.

• Energy storage technology, which allows for wind and solar energy to be captured when available and saved for use when needed.

• Increases in energy efficiency statewide.

Offshore wind, they also noted, has strong support since turbines are now placed at off shore distances largely invisible to the naked eye. Several chambers and businesses are eyeing the economic benefits from expected boosts in production and distribution of offshore wind technology in the state.

We also heard that states all along the eastern seaboard and beyond are competing to be the home of the new offshore wind industry. Many legislators want Massachusetts to be the nation’s center for this new industry.

The legislature wants to hear from chambers. Rep. Golden and Sen. Pacheco also said that the Massachusetts legislature wants to hear from local chamber leaders to better understand their members’ experience with clean energy policies and programs—adding that they depend on this to ensure clean energy growth continues.

Co-hosts of the event included the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce (formerly the New Bedford Chamber), the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE).

Stay tuned for details!  CICE will continue to update you on important clean energy discussions with briefing calls, in-person sessions, and more throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your chamber or member businesses would like more information or would like to get more involved in clean energy discussions.

Check out photos from the event here. Credit: “Photography by Sergio Dabdoub: badmonkeypics@outlook.com”.  

Newton-Needham Chamber Program Helps Businesses Receive More than $2.7 Million in Energy Incentives

Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Celebrates at Breakfast with Gov. Baker

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber recently announced that almost 200 area businesses received more than $2.7 million in incentives to fund energy-saving upgrades in the first year of the chamber’s Business Energy $avers Program.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in delivering cost-effective energy efficiency to our residents and businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker at a recent Chamber breakfast gathering. “I applaud members of the Newton- Needham Chamber of Commerce for their participation in the Mass Save program, their collaboration with various stakeholders, and their commitment to producing important savings for local ratepayers.”

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber partnered with their local vendor World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Business Energy $avers program. Together, the team has connected 40% of member companies to the Mass Save program to help cut down on operating costs.

Through the Newton Needham Business Energy $aver program, eligible businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades through the Mass Save program, which is run by the local utilities.

“Energy efficiency isn’t just good for our planet, it’s good for the bottom line”, said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “We’re committed to helping local businesses and non-profits find ways to reduce unnecessary energy use while saving money at the same time.”

If your chamber is interested in helping member companies participate in this money saving energy efficiency program, please contact Diane Doucette at ddoucette@sfchamber.com.

Energy Storage Technology Gets Local Chamber Support

Massachusetts legislators are calling energy storage facilities like the one that broke ground in Sterling, Mass., last month a “game changer” in the effort to modernize the electric grid.

Energy storage, or the capture of energy produced through solar or wind power that will be used at a later time, is a key component of a 21st century energy systems. The Sterling facility will be the largest energy storage installation of its kind in New England.

“The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce supports Sterling’s energy storage facility,” said Jen Stanovich, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “We salute the town of Sterling for being a leader in the Commonwealth and see great economic benefit for area residents and local businesses.”

The new facility:

• Increases overall utility efficiency, offers continual savings, and helps the utility integrate clean, more affordable power into Sterling’s electric grid.

• Will provide up to 12 days of emergency back-up power to the Sterling Police Department station and dispatch center in the event of a power outage.

• Is being developed by a local company, which helps create local jobs.

Read more about the Sterling facility in the Worcester Telegram.

Read more about how energy storage could save MA ratepayers $800 million.

Thanks to Local Chamber, More than 140 New Businesses Join Mass Save Program

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber joined the Worcester Regional Chamber in the media spotlight last month when they filmed a local TV segment about their Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.

The segment, which featured Peter Smith, the Chamber’s Environment Committee Co-chair and a local business leader, focused on the significant savings local businesses are seeing from the chamber’s energy efficiency initiative, which helps member businesses take advantage of utility efficiency programs. The NNBE$ team is comprised of chamber volunteers, city representatives, the energy vendor, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“Reducing our carbon footprint is not just good for our planet, it can be good for the bottom line,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “I’m proud of our businesses here for the way they’ve embraced this initiative.”

Here were some highlights:

• The NNBE$ program works through Mass Save to provide free energy assessments to local businesses.

• The utility will pay up to 70 percent of the cost of the energy upgrade and offers zero percent financing for two years.

• More than 140 local businesses have participated, with 40 already having taken advantage advantage of the financing options with no out-of-pocket costs.

In June, Tim Murray, the Worcester Regional Chamber CEO (and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts) shined his spotlight on how the chamber’s 2,300 member businesses can save money with energy efficiency. Speaking on Charter TV3, Murray noted that energy costs are among the top three issues that member businesses care about in New England and encouraged them to invest in energy efficiency.

Watch the Newton-Needham Chamber spot here.

Watch the Worcester Chamber spot here.

Central PA Chamber Grows Popular Energy Savings Program

In the rural heart of Pennsylvania is an 111-year-old chamber of commerce that is enthusiastically helping its member businesses benefit from energy savings and celebrating those members that are leading the charge.

With coal country on one side and a university town on the other, the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce hosts an increasingly popular annual competition that rewards businesses that are taking advantage of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related practices.

President and CEO Bruce Smith Jr. sees the awards program as an opportunity to do what chambers of commerce do best: educate members about valuable new business practices, help make connections that save members money, and bring community and business members together.

“The program is growing and I want all our members to be a part,” said Smith. “It offers free PR and everyone wants that.”

The awards program began four years ago when Tea Jay Aikey, the Chamber’s Executive and Finance Assistant, encouraged businesses on Lawton Lane, where the Chamber is housed, to simply recycle. Many said they lacked the time or thought it would take too much effort.

That’s when Smith and Aikey realized their members would benefit from learning about energy savings and waste reduction practices. They began bringing in member businesses to demonstrate how these practices worked—and how much money members could save.

The chamber now asks members who wish to participate in the awards program nearly 30 questions about their efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation practices: something that, in itself, encourages members to think about how to save on energy.

“I was just checking our email this morning,” said Aikey, “and one of our local dentists told me he was considering installing solar. Our reminder to apply for an award got him thinking about it.”

Clean Energy: A Hot Topic at Annual Ohio Chamber Conference

“Igniting Chambers for the Future” was the theme of the meeting of Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio last month—and clean energy was one hot topic.

Sen. Portman’s Office kicked off the lunchtime speakers by talking about the economic benefits of energy efficiency and the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act.

“This bill helps give employers more tools to save money,” Sen. Portman’s General Counsel Stephen White told chamber leaders. “It incentivizes private sector ideas while making the U.S. government adopt energy-saving measures.”

Chamber leaders also demonstrated interest in state policies that support clean energy development. When asked in an informal survey if they agreed with Gov. Kasich’s recent comment that it is “unacceptable” for Ohio to maintain a freeze on renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, 90 percent of chamber leaders said yes.

Table-to-table speed-meeting sessions followed in which Van Wert Chamber CEO Susan Munroe shared the many ways that wind energy has benefited her community.

“Wind development brings $7 million in new tax revenue—100 percent of which stays in Van Wert,” Munroe said. “Wind development brings $2 million a year to our schools, and $4 million cash crop to local farmers.”

On day two, leaders gathered for a special Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy session to learn more about the economic opportunities of clean energy.

“Energy efficiency has an immediate return on investment,” said Nicole Stika, Senior Director Energy Services for the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). “As soon as you flip the switch, you see savings.” COSE, part of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, offers programs to help chambers and members save on energy upgrades and costs.

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership

In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation.

109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices.

And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership.

“From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough.

“Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.”

In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here.

In Coal Country, WV Chamber Builds Focus On Energy Efficiency

Coal was first discovered in West Virginia in 1742. In the intervening centuries, it famously became one of the largest drivers of the state economy.

Today, however, the Charleston Area Alliance, an economic development giant that includes the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, is promoting a vision for 2030 that predicts the region will be nationally recognized for “developing and commercializing innovative energy technologies.”

The vision 2030 document is designed to inspire area business and public policy leaders to develop an economy that “provides sustainable jobs for Kanawha Valley residents while simultaneously meeting megatrends of the future.”

And even though the West Virginia legislature recently decided to end its renewable energy law, the Charleston Alliance is determined to continue to develop its leadership in energy efficiency. To that end, the Alliance late last year hosted the second annual summit meeting on energy efficiency during which participants identified key priorities for 2015, including establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy program and requesting that property appraisers include energy efficiency in their appraisals.

Charleston, the state’s capital and largest city, is located in Kanawha Valley in the western portion of the state, an area rich in coal. The 2030 vision document recognizes its history as a leading coal producer.

“There is no question the energy industry is a vital part of the West Virginian and Kanawha Valley economy,” the Alliance wrote in the energy section of the seven-part strategic plan: “While perhaps most widely known for its heritage in coal and later natural gas, West Virginians also understand the challenges fossil fuels pose both in the mining and sequestration of their carbon dioxide byproduct.”

The need to manage the business risk associated with resources and energy was most recently punctuated for Charleston during the Elk River Chemical spill in early 2014.  It was estimated that the contamination cost the area $61 million in lost output over four days.

With that reality, the area’s business leaders agreed that the future requires a diversified energy portfolio that begins with energy efficiency. To begin implementing its vision for creating a “culture of conservation,” the Alliance has primarily worked with the area’s largest utility, Appalachian Power, and Energy Efficient West Virginia, a not-for-profit founded in 2009 after electricity rates jumped by 43 percent.

Emmett Pepper, Executive Director of Energy Efficient West Virginia, describes energy conservation as a core way for businesses to control costs and cap risks.  “We have a great deal of room for growth and for enterprise in helping to provide energy efficiency,” Pepper said. “We’re working with utilities to bolster their energy efficiency programs and with the Legislature to help put in place policies that will help make businesses more energy efficient.”

Pepper said plans are also underway for year two of Energy Efficiency in the East End (E4), a creative competition designed to boost energy efficiency at the residential level.

Cleveland Chamber Launches Innovative Leasing Program

As the small business arm of the Cleveland Partnership—one of the largest metropolitan chambers of commerce in the nation—the Council of Small Enterprises (COSE) has long recognized the value of helping its member businesses save money through energy efficiency.

Since 1999, COSE has helped companies reduce their energy consumption, negotiate lower energy rates, and improve their bottom lines. In 2014 alone, it helped member businesses save $4 million through utility rebates and reduce overall energy use by 54 million kilowatt hours.

Now COSE is taking another great leap forward in helping local businesses maximize the economic development opportunities of energy efficiency. In collaboration with the Institute for Market Transformation and Cleveland 2030, COSE has introduced a novel leasing program that increases smart commercial lease solutions for building owners and tenants to invest in—and benefit from—energy efficiency in the City of Cleveland.

“Our ultimate goal is to transform our downtown and offer both landlords and tenants a positive return on energy efficient investment,” said Nicole Stika, COSE’s Senior Director of Energy Services. “This is a critically important conversation, and it needs to start somewhere. The chamber is the ideal place to do that.”

COSE introduced this new high performance lease program in November at a roundtable discussion that focused on how to use leasing terms to encourage behaviors that reduce energy use in buildings and save money for owners and tenants.

It is a breakthrough solution for the lack of mutually beneficial incentives for building owners and tenants to reduce energy use. If a tenant pays for energy use, the landlord has little incentive to invest in efficient equipment. At the same time, since the tenant does not own the lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, they have no incentive (or ability) to invest in efficiency upgrades. The result is that neither party takes the initiative to perform energy-saving improvements. In commercial rental properties, this “split incentive” problem and lack of tenant engagement strategies frequently limits the adoption of energy efficiency solutions.

In what could be a model for the nation, energy aligned leases overcome this obstacle by establishing incentives, fostering information sharing, and encouraging landlords and tenants to collaborate on the efficient use of energy and other resources.

Lansing Chamber Promotes Low-cost Energy Efficiency Loans

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the nonprofit Michigan Saves, is offering zero percent loans to companies that want to invest in energy efficiency.

“Reducing energy waste is among the fastest ways for a business to add money to its bottom line,” said Tim Daman, President and CEO of the Lansing Chamber. “And you cannot beat zero percent financing!”

The Business Energy Financing program offers two-year loans of up to $50,000 to finance energy-efficient lighting, refrigeration, heating and cooling, and other improvements. It is administered by Michigan Saves, a nonprofit dedicated to making energy improvements easy and affordable.

“Chambers of commerce are ideal partners because they are always looking for ways to help their member companies, and they are trusted sources of information with deep roots in their communities,” said Executive Director Mary Templeton.

The Lansing chamber, which is promoting the region as a revitalized center of energy-efficient manufacturing, recently announced the partnership to it its member companies, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity to save on energy costs.

The Dearborn Country Club, a property inspired by Henry Ford, is one example of a company that has benefited from energy retrofits made possible by Michigan Saves. After installing LED lighting, Michigan Saves estimates that the club will save an estimated $43,000 a year in energy costs.

“It just made sense,” the club’s general manager, John Matway has said. “When we factored in the rebates from the utility companies and how much energy we would save, the board knew it was a good decision.”

Elsewhere in Michigan, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Traverse City Light and Power, has also expanded a loan program to help local businesses reduce electricity consumption and lower utility bills. The program offers a $200,000 Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund and—in yet another sign of growing interest in energy efficiency—already has a waiting list of companies seeking loans.

Local Chambers Save Money Through Energy-Efficient Renovations

In 2008, the Greater Waco Chamber, deep in the heart of Texas oil country, became the first local chamber of commerce to receive Gold level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its new headquarters. The chamber proudly hailed its accomplishment as the first building in Central Texas to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification in recognition of its best-in-class building strategies and practices.

The chamber served as a model for other organizations in its region. According to the chamber’s website, groups such as McLennan Community College, Caterpillar Logistics and Baylor University have obtained or are working toward LEED certification for new buildings in Waco.

It also set the bar for other local chambers of commerce. In recent years, the following chambers have sought LEED status for their buildings:

— The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce in Nebraska partnered with two of its member companies to design and build a new headquarters and visitor center that is seeking LEED certification. According to a chamber news release, the region’s economic development team completed a targeted industry research project and found that renewable energy companies and “green collar, eco-friendly jobs” are priorities as the area seeks new industries. “This green facility will serve as a magnet for those companies bringing new jobs to town and show them that we are serious about going green in Norfolk.”

— At the San Luis Obispo chamber in California, a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric financed interior renovations that earned LEED certification in 2013. Among its improvements, the chamber used transom windows and added solar light tubes to bring in natural daylight. “The steps we took to pursue LEED make long-term financial sense and allow our facility to model energy efficiency practices for small and large businesses,” said Ermina Karim, chamber President and CEO. “Our chamber has long been a leader in encouraging businesses to pursue sustainability measures and the triple bottom-line.”

— The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is working with four of its member companies on a exterior and interior remodel for which it will seek Silver LEED certification. The project will include solar and wind power on the chamber roof and is scheduled for completion during winter 2015.

Has your chamber been engaged in building retrofits? Are you thinking about a building retrofit for your chamber or helping your member companies with a similar program? Let us know, we have resources that could help! Our website also boasts a diverse list of other local chambers that have taken renewable or energy-efficient steps in their community.

Cincinnati Chamber Ferrets Out Opportunities to Save Energy

Cincinnati Chamber Hosts Energy Summit to Help Member Companies Save Money on Energy Bills

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce chose the city’s famed zoo and botanical garden as host of its recent 2014 Energy Summit, recognizing and highlighting the zoo’s decisions in the last several years to make energy efficiency and innovation a central part of its facilities and structures planning.

Michael Pahutski, the chairman of the chamber’s Energy and Environment Committee, praised the zoo’s work in energy innovation and said that it was in many ways a model for how businesses large and small can save money on energy.

“The zoo has done a terrific job of ferreting out – pun intended – opportunities to save energy,” Pahutski said. “From lighting to HVAC to thermal storage, the zoo has rolled over energy savings to new energy projects, leveraging utility energy efficiency incentives to make the most of their EE budget.”

Other speakers at the summit included Jim Henning, the State President of Duke Energy Ohio-Kentucky, and Andy Holzhauser, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, a regional not-for-profit that seeks to reduce the barriers to investment in energy efficiency.

Pahutski said the summit was designed to help chamber members save money on their energy bills. “We have such a complex energy environment in Ohio that just understanding the options available to customers can be daunting,” he said. “We hope the Energy Summit helped Chamber members navigate this environment to find the best solutions for their businesses.”

This week, the City of Cincinnati is the site of the annual conference of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a gathering of thousands of chamber executives from around the country. Pahutski, who is also a regional director for large account management at Duke Energy, commended the role that local chambers can play, particularly when it comes to energy.

“Energy involves a complex, evolving marketplace and chambers can help their member companies best take advantage of available technologies, commercial offerings and funding sources to optimally manage their energy spend,” he said.