As consumers become more aware of the environment and the impact their daily lives have on the planet, businesses must adapt and evolve to adhere to what consumers want. To encourage businesses to “go green,” the federal government, states and local communities have developed green grants – grants that are environmentally centered and that fund ideas or projects to reduce a business’s carbon footprint in-house or through a new idea or project.
Green grants are growing in popularity as government standards increase, putting pressure on businesses to comply. One way to ease the strain of updating and renovating outdated factories, warehouses, storefronts and other facilities is by offering grants. These grants can be used for a variety of green purposes to implement environmentally friendly products, resources and designs.
What is a green business?
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a breakdown of what a company must do and incorporate to be considered “green.” These steps will help a company file for green status, which opens up opportunities in receiving green grants and other federal perks. Companies that go green can also see an increase in consumers who are environmentally conscious.
Some suggestions for becoming a green business include adhering to environmental laws and regulations while promoting environmentally-friendly programs; using green products daily and producing or manufacturing green products; preventing pollution by properly disposing of waste and recycling and reusing resources; conserving water in offices, factories and plants; and reinventing your company with green marketing. While these actions are not mandatory, they will ensure your company is doing its part while promoting a healthier way of doing business for the world.
Green grants available
There are many green grants available today. The majority of the grants are aimed at communities, community leaders and non-profit organizations that are willing to implement programs and technology to reduce carbon emissions and promote the environment, recycling, energy efficiency and water efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy can be useful resources when searching for green grants.
The Green Festival has partnered with Ford Motor Company to award a Community Green Grant, worth $5,000, at each festival in 2012. The Ford Community Green Grant is aimed at non-profits and community leaders who can improve energy conservation, the quality of life or the environment in their communities.
In Atlanta, Grants to Green provides area nonprofits a chance to improve workplaces by becoming water efficient, energy efficient and environmentally efficient. The long-term goal of the group is to reduce the environmental impact in Atlanta while increasing cost efficiency to save more business money.
Enterprise Green offers two green grants for communities where active programs are located. The first, Charity Grants, is a planning grant to be used by housing developers for the implementation of green systems in developments and designs. The second opportunity, Sustainability Training Grants, awards money to developers for the creation and distribution of a manual and curriculum to support maintenance and operations in green housing.
Green grants may require more innovation than other grants, but you should consider them a future investment for your company and community. Also, green businesses are considered more favorable because they already represent the importance of being aware of the environment. While there are thousands of grant opportunities available, green grants may be the most beneficial for future success.
This article is written by Jon Emge who is a Senior Debt Advisor writing for a range of financial sites includingwww.bankruptcy.org.uk and www.debtconsolidationloans.org.uk