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New Program Encourages Downers Grove Businesses, Non-Profits to Go Green

The Downers Grove Green Business Recognition Program—announced by the village Feb. 19—will recognize businesses that demonstrate significant green practices.

A new program in Downers Grove is encouraging local businesses and non-profits to go green.

The Downers Grove Green Business Recognition Program, announced Feb. 19, is the brainchild of the village's environmental concerns commission. The goal is to recognize Downers Grove businesses that adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as waste reduction or energy conservation.

The program is also open to community groups, non-profits, churches and schools, according to village officials.

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Allison Deitch, village management analyst, told the council that the minimum requirement of having a recycling service. They must also show efforts in four of six designated "green" categories: waste reduction and recycling, water conservation and storm water pollution prevention, energy conservation, transportation, public education/awareness and innovation.

"The goal is to let businesses and other organizations determine what makes their business green and tell us what green means for their industry," Deitch said. "Moreover, we hope this will help us learn more about the innovative practices of the businesses in Downers Grove." 

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Businesses and organizations can apply for the program through the village's website. The environmental concerns commission will evaluate applications quarterly.

Those who fulfill the program's requirements will be recognized during a village council meeting. They will also be given a decal and access to an official logo to promote their status as a green business.

Commissioner Geoff Neustadt said he hopes the village can partner with the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Economic Development Corporation to promote the program—particularly to those businesses that have already implemented green practices.

Commissioner Bob Barnett praised the program, which he said is essentially an "all-volunteer activity to spread the word about best practices."

"This is exactly the type of thing the village could do more of, which is taking our commission expertise, giving them some direction and letting them leverage the brand of the village to help our residents and businesses network, communicate and share ideas," Barnett said. "By putting that logo up, by having that recognition program, it leverages the brand of the village, which is fantastic."

The village has already established a page on its website that includes several resources for businesses looking to go green.

Questions about the program may be directed to Nick Santoro at 630-493-8875.

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