Environment

Partners is excited to announce the release of the second volume of the Economics of Sustainability, “The Dollars and Sense of Green Business,” made possible by support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. This publication is a continuation of Partners’ sustainability agenda and explores the innovation and leadership of 22 chambers of commerce from around the country—true champions of the green economy. To read more about Partners’ Economics of Sustainability initiative, click here.

As part of the Green Plus North American Sustainable Enterprise Awards, the Institute for Sustainable Development and Partners for Livable Communities are collaborating in recognizing a Green Plus Chamber of Commerce. “Over the past year, Partners for Livable Communities has explored how business leaders, faced with the challenge of ensuring the future strength of regional economies and local quality of life, have employed creative new agendas that not only help reverse the effects of environmental degradation but leverage the occasion for valuable economic and social gain,” said Carly Grimm, Program Officer of Partners for Livable Communities. Read more about Partners' Economics of Sustainability program.

The award will recognize chambers of commerce that have an exemplary track record in four categories

1. Regional Leadership: Creating a more sustainable region
2. Assisting their members in improving their triple bottom line
3. Making the Economic case for Sustainability
4. Leading by Example: Chambers that have made their own operations more sustainable

“Chambers of Commerce throughout the country are implementing green business programs, attracting clean industries, and creating green jobs; they are paving the way to the more sustainable and robust communities of the 21st century,” Grimm said. “Partners has now joined forces with the Institute for Sustainable Development to recognize the chamber employing the most innovative and effective green strategies through the Green Plus Chamber of the Year Award,” Grimm concluded.

See more info here.

In the fall of 2009, Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) received a grant from the Energy Foundation to challenge the common misconception that economic growth and environmental sustainability are fundamentally at odds with one another and to showcase innovative programs at the nexus of these agendas.

Read more about the report Partners produced that showcased chambers of commerce from around the country that have crafted green initiatives as part of local economic development efforts.

Read more about the event Partners hosted on Capitol Hill on October 6th, 2009 to explose Congressional offices to the great economic opportunity presented by embracing and promoting green business practices. Business leaders from chambers of commerce in eight small to mid-size cities around the U.S. made the case that green is good for business, that it is a common-sense economic strategy applicable to all industries.

Investors in America Award

For his influential work in developing new approaches to urban redevelopment, suburban growth and regional planning.

Bridge Builders Award

For the Initiative’s innovative approach to creating sustainable cities through the cross-disciplinary engagement of scholars, community leaders, and project partners.

Bridge Builders Award

For his commitment to ensuring livable communities for generations to come through the conservation and sustainable use of forestland