green|spaces announced that Rock City, local organic juice bar Southern Sqweeze, and Chattanooga-based Office Furniture Warehouse in partnership with Republic Services, are solidifying their commitment to sustainability through the green|light program. green|light is a third party corporate sustainability certification program through green|spaces that helps businesses with employee attraction, public image, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.
“We take seriously our responsibility to steward one of the area’s most unique and iconic natural attractions, and this process is another part of that,” said Susan P. Harris, president and CEO of See Rock City, Inc. “We have long had a commitment to the basics of sustainability, with our emphasis on guest and employee recycling, and on conservation efforts within the gardens and in our community. Our Innovation Team is a master at reusing and repurposing material as they create enhancements to our experiences. For the last several years, we have included “green” guidelines in our many renovation projects, and we look forward to continuing to do so as we build into the future.”
With a multi-faceted focus, green|light helps businesses and organizations commit to the pursuit of a holistic approach to sustainability.
“We are excited to have these area businesses bring attention to the importance of sustainability through their actions to pursue green|light certification,” said Natalie Hostetler, green|light program director. “It’s great to see the interest we’ve had within our community to implement sustainable practices. I’m happy we can help.”
While many businesses may have several sustainable practices in place already, the green|light certification is so comprehensive and thorough that additional ways for saving energy and money are always found. It could be an adjustment to toilets to reduce water waste or a change to the cleaning supplies used that could have been previously overlooked.
“We are always looking for ways that we can do better and be better in our community. This is just one of the steps on the path, ” said Kelsey Vasileff, owner of Southern Sqweeze. “Mother Earth provides us with support and nourishment everyday. It is only right that we return that support by everything we can for the environment.”
Once engaged with green|light a personal eco policy manual is created for each business, a green office checklist template is available as a guide, design services for custom signage are provided, and a network of preferred providers that has been established so resources for a variety of sustainable needs can be easily acquired.
Office Furniture Warehouse has partnered with Republic Services, an industry leader in delivering recycling and waste solutions to over 14 million customers nationwide, and together they are providing a scrap metal recycling program for businesses that are going through upgrades to their office furniture needs and need to properly dispose of old equipment.
"I want our sustainability commitment to reach far beyond used furniture and landfill reduction. Our mission is finding solutions for businesses that consider the needs of our environment. I am confident that green|light will help us realize operational cost savings, more accurately quantify our environmental impact, and cultivate a higher quality workplace experience for our team," said John Jerman, president & founder of Office Furniture Warehouse.
“We strive to make your world and our planet better while bringing positive changes to the environment because we know our efforts have a direct impact on homes, communities, and businesses,” said Cindy Rix, sales representative for Republic Services. “This partnership with OFW fits in perfectly with our mission.”
Chattanooga Area green|light Certified businesses include: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, The Flying Squirrel, The Crash Pad, The Chattanooga Zoo, Ruby Falls, The Strand Salon, River City Company, AEED Inc., Kelly Subaru, and the Sportsbarn.
Current Greenlight Participants include: Chambliss, Bohner & Stophel P.C., Franklin Architects, Hunter Museum of Art, Rev, Urban Stack, Taco Mamacita, Center for Mindful Living, Green’s Eco Build and Design, WAP Sustainability Consulting, Riverview Animal Hospital, Elemi, City of Chattanooga, and Lupi’s Pizza.