Green Guru Network

Westchester Green Business Challenge helps local businesses develop green strategies saving money, energy and reducing ecological footprint. The program is non competitive and scores are kept confidential. The goal is to give businesses a check list of actions that will lead to more sustainable operations.

Each year the WGBC awards outstanding groups for their progress and participation. This year's awards were held at The Edith Macy Center in Briarcliff Manor. Winners include 

Renee Brown of C.W. Brown was presented with the first annual Sustainability Award. This new annual award has been set up in the memory of the company's founder, Charlie Brown. 

Other top award winners:

• Platinum Sponsor Award - Con Edison
• Bronze Sponsor Award - Reckson
• Bronze Sponsor & 2012 Greatest Progress Award - Pernod Ricard
• Outstanding Achievement in Outreach Category - Regeneron
• Outstanding Achievement in Energy Category - Jacob Burns Film Center
• Outstanding Achievement in Waste Management & Green Products Category - Dragonfly Hair Studio
• Outstanding Achievement in Transportation Category - SUNY Purchase
• Outstanding Achievement in Land Use Category - Edith Macy Conference Center
• Outstanding Achievement in Water Resources Category - New York Presbyterian Hospital

County Executive Robert Astorino and Business Council of Westchester President and CEO Marsha Gordon were both on hand for the 2nd annual recognition event.

See the Video

What did this event look like? Check out the Photo Gallery.

Who's the team developing this program? Dani Glaser of Green Team Spirit, Neil Cutler of Synergis, and Scott Fernqvist of Westchester County.

Last August Nina Orville and the Dobbs Ferry Mayor's Energy Task Force brought us the Local Business and Institution Forum: How To Cut Energy Costs. Geared for Owners and managers this fourm highlighted what businesses can do to cut costs and incentives to make these changes possible. They showed us how to reduce your operating expenses, improve cash flow and green operations.

They pointed to the excellent incentives available for a limited time through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Con Ed that provide:

• Free energy assessments or low-cost energy audits to identify opportunities to save on energy costs

• Up to 70% incentives for energy efficient lighting, select equipment and space cooling

• Cash rebates for new high-efficiency restaurant equipment

• Reduced costs for solar system installation.

The icing on the cake was amazing dessert served by The Riviera Bake House. Check out their new solar panels when next you are in Ardsley.