Tag: Sustainability

Green Business Grant

Energy Efficiency Grants for Small Businesses

Posted on | by courtney

The Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) and Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, have partnered to help small businesses save energy and money by implementing energy efficiency upgrades so businesses can operate more sustainably. 

For a limited time, rebates up to $1,500 will be awarded to about 130 businesses nationally.

Currently, there are five state green business programs that will be offering the program: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, and Oregon. This rebate program will help small businesses reduce utility costs, upgrade current equipment, reduce energy use and emissions, and be recognized for their environmental actions. 

Now is a great time to complete energy efficiency or electrification projects that will reduce energy and save money. There are many qualifying projects, including LED lighting upgrades, EV charging stations, HVAC maintenance ….and much more!

To qualify, businesses must:

  • Be located in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, or Oregon.
  • Be under 100 employees and less or have less than or equal to $3.5M revenue annually.
  • Meet any requirements set forth by your state’s green business program.
  • Complete projects by May 31, 2026.
  • Be willing to have their impact story featured nationally.

Ready to start saving energy and money? Join hundreds of businesses nationwide. 

Click the state name below to apply for grants available in your state:

Grant applications are due by February 2, 2026.

This green business grant program is a partnership between Intuit and the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN). Funding is generously provided by Intuit. Intuit remains committed to supporting programs that help communities make sustainable choices. Intuit applies its unique approach to problem-solving and innovation to create new sustainability solutions for our small business customers, which make up half of the US and global economy.

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Workplace Conservation: Creating Eco-Friendly Landscape

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business’ green space. Hosted by Jim Kleinwachter, program director at The Conversation Foundation, this seminar explores how you can reduce maintenance costs, improve employee wellness, enhance your site’s visual appeal, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Presenter:

  • Jim Kleinwachter, Program Director, The Conservation Foundation

View Webinar

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Global Botanic Garden Congress

The “Olympics of Conservation” Comes to Chicagoland

Posted on | by courtney

For the first time in 27 years, the Global Botanic Gardens Congress is returning to North America—and it’s coming right here to Chicagoland.

Scheduled for summer 2027, the “Olympics of Conservation” brings together researchers and delegates from around the world to share, discuss, and amplify the work of botanic gardens. As communities face ecological challenges ranging from invasive species to climate change, the 2027 Congress will focus on restoring ecosystems.

Two Chicagoland institutions have been selected to host: The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. On today’s podcast, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders of these organizations to talk about the Congress, conservation, and how Chicagoland businesses can support the region’s natural ecosystem.

Special Guests

Dive Deeper

  • Want to learn how your business can make a difference? Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local business leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices. Find incentives, guidelines, and other resources here.

To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Meet Sustainability Goals & Reach Energy Savings Potential with C-PACE Financing

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

C-PACE is an innovative tool that enables commercial property owners to obtain financing to help meet their sustainability goals and reach their energy savings potential. In this webinar, you’ll learn more about C-PACE financing and its benefits, while hearing real-life examples of DuPage businesses that have utilized the program.

Presenter:

  • AnnaMaria Kowalik, Senior Vice President, The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage

Green Manufacturing: How to Drive Profit with Sustainability

Posted on | by courtney

An MFG Pro Series Event

Explore how businesses can use sustainability to boost efficiency and drive profits.

Presenter:

  • Todd Weinstein, President, ESG Owl

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

ABOUT THE MFG PRO SERIES

Hosted by Choose DuPage, the MFG Pro Series offers free webinars where Chicagoland manufacturers can hear from experts, ask questions, and hone their understanding of key issues.

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Powering ESG with Data & Analytics

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

This webinar explores how businesses can achieve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Andrew Simmons, an expert from Wavicle Data Solutions, will highlight the transformative role of data and analytics in ESG initiatives—and explain how you can get started.

Presenter:

  • Andrew Simmons, ESG Data and Analytics Leader, Wavicle Data Solutions

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage

Breakfast with the Chair: Sustainability in Business

Posted on | by courtney

DuPage County business leaders gathered on Wednesday, August 14th at CBRE for a roundtable discussion on sustainability in business. The discussion is part of an ongoing series hosted by The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, and Choose DuPage, designed to provide an opportunity for the business community to connect, learn, and discuss important topics affecting DuPage County.

Cassie Carroll, Marketing & Communications Director at the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), led the discussion. SEDAC is an applied research program at the University of Illinois, which works to make it easier for businesses to go green.

Key Takeaways From the Discussion

There are opportunities for all businesses to practice sustainability. A great place to start is by looking at your resource-intensive processes, like finding ways to save energy or recycle more.

Engage your workforce—ask employees for ideas about how to be more sustainable and find ways to let them participate in the initiatives.

Be sure to take advantage of incentives such as the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, Nicor Energy Efficiency Program, and the DuPage County C-PACE Program.

Sustainability adds to your competitive advantage in terms of your bottom line and recruiting top talent. Some contracts even require sustainability initiatives from vendors.

Sustainable practices can help reduce risk by increasing safety measures, protecting a company’s reputation, and reducing financial risk.

Did you know? Some of the ways you can practice sustainability:

Personal protection equipment (PPE) can often be recycled, including nitrile gloves and hair nets. TerraCycle is one resource for recycling PPE and other waste. Kimberly Clark also has a recycling program.

Use smart power strips with timers at computer stations. Through the Sustainable DuPage Green Business Assessment, it was discovered that one large corporation in DuPage County could save $17,000 annually in their energy costs by switching to smart power strips.

Provide incentives to employees to take alternative transportation to work. Christopher B. Burke Engineering’s Bike to Work program reimburses employees 75-cents for every mile they commute by bike. Since starting the program in 2006, staffers have cycled more than 325,000 miles, eliminating 625,000 pounds of CO2 that would have been emitted commuting by car.

Buy and sell from reuse markets like Rheaply, where you can find previously owned items including office furniture.

For incentives, information, and more resources for sustainable business practices, check out the Sustainable DuPage website.

Resources:

Sustainable DuPage

SEDAC

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Nicor Energy Efficiency Program

DuPage County C-PACE Program

Green Business Checklist

green business opportunities

Green Business Opportunities: 5 Certifications to Consider

Posted on | by Kira Ryan

DuPage County businesses know that prioritizing sustainability is about more than reducing harm to the environment. It’s a way to promote local economic growth, create business opportunities and proactively address challenges for future generations.

Most importantly, it’s about action.

Consumers want to know that the companies they support are taking tangible steps to help combat environmental harm. As such, it’s paramount for organizations of all sizes to do things like earn clean energy certifications, pursue commercial energy incentives, stay on top of sustainability education, and leverage other sustainable business resources.

In this blog, we’ll delve into five essential clean product certification programs that empower businesses to evolve into more eco-conscious and profitable enterprises. Keep reading to explore how these certifications, ranging from sustainable business site recognition to green product badges, can help your company scale up responsibly and effectively.

1. UL ECOLOGO® CERTIFICATION

UL ECOLOGO® sustainable product certifications are a powerful endorsement of a business’s dedication to environmental sustainability. This voluntary, multi-attribute certification program evaluates products and services across various criteria, including materials, energy usage, manufacturing practices, environmental impact, product performance and innovation.

Certifiable product categories include:

  • Building Materials
  • Cleaning Items
  • Disinfectants
  • Electronics
  • Office Supplies
  • Paper And Plastic Goods
  • Personal Care Items
  • Mineral Exploration Equipment
  • Renewable Electricity Products

ECOLOGO® certification is a remarkable asset for sustainable businesses in the DuPage area. It signifies a genuine commitment to responsible manufacturing practices and harnessing clean energy in DuPage County—assuring customers and partners that your company has gone the extra mile to meet stringent third-party standards.

2. UL GREENGUARD CERTIFICATION

The UL GREENGUARD certification program addresses the rising concerns of chemical emissions and their effects on businesses’ indoor air quality. It sets strict test methods and emission limits for various product categories, including:

  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Building Materials
  • Electronic Equipment
  • Interiors
  • Cleaning Products

Obtaining UL GREENGUARD Certification not only improves the well-being of employees and customer satisfaction concerning indoor air quality; it can open pathways to valuable sustainability incentives for businesses committed to enhancing their commercial properties.

Products holding UL GREENGUARD Certification can earn points in recognized green building rating systems like LEED. Plus, they can fulfill code or ordinance criteria and IAQ-specific request for proposal (RFP) requirements.

3. GREEN SEAL CERTIFICATION

Green Seal, a pioneer in eco-labeling, certifies a wide range of products across the following categories:
• Paints
• Floor Care
• Cleaning Supplies
• Laundry Products
• Personal Care Items
• Paper
• Plastic Trash Bags

Their iconic certification mark is a widely recognized symbol of health and environmental leadership, specified by more than 100 federal, state, and local purchasing policies. On top of that, all products that receive a Green Seal certification can display Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly badge—an invaluable tool for marketing and building trust in your brand.

4. EPEAT CLIMATE+™ ECOLABEL

Managed by the Global Electronics Council, EPEAT Climate+™ is an ecolabel that measures the social and environmental impacts of electronics and tech products from cradle to grave.

To receive an EPEAT Climate+™ certification, products must demonstrate their compliance with EPEAT’s rigorous climate change criteria and meet requirements for circularity, reduced use of harmful chemicals, and corporate ESG performance. Categories include:

  • Computers
  • Imaging Equipment
  • Mobile Phones
  • Photovoltaic Modules
  • Inverters
  • Servers
  • Televisions

Obtaining this certification is beneficial for a few reasons. First, it assures purchasers that your business is taking actionable steps to become more sustainable. It also means joining a network of like-minded companies helping drive change at a global scale, working product by product to mitigate environmental damage.

5. GREENSCREEN®CERTIFICATION

GreenScreen® Certification recognizes products that are free from thousands of toxic chemicals—PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, etc.—and promotes the use of more environmentally friendly chemistry throughout the manufacturing process.

Businesses that produce the following goods are eligible for GreenScreen® Certification:

  • Firefighting Foam
  • Cleaners & Degreasers in Manufacturing
  • Furniture & Fabrics
  • Food Service Ware
  • Textile Chemicals

Becoming a GreenScreen®-certified business not only demonstrates your company’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices; it also helps empower your purchasers to make more informed decisions. This is especially important given the complicated nature of PFAS and other toxic chemicals—consumers deserve to know if what they’re buying is safe.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY IN DUPAGE COUNTY

If you’re considering relocating your business to the Chicago area, start your search in DuPage County, Illinois. With abundant industrial properties and a thriving local economy—plus innovative public- and private-sector programs promoting solar energy in DuPage County and green energy in Chicago and beyond—we’re built for eco-friendly businesses.

Whether you represent an established company seeking expansion or a budding startup eager to explore new horizons, now is the time to join our dynamic, forward-thinking business hub.

Reach out to us at info@ChooseDuPage.com to learn more.

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Energize Your Business Through Energy Efficiency

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Energy efficiency isn’t just an option – it’s a crucial factor that can impact your company’s financial health and environmental impact. In this webinar, Choose DuPage and the University of Illinois’ Smart Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) discuss energy efficiency in business operations.

Program Topics:

  • The importance of energy efficiency and how it can help maximize your bottom line.
  • Low and no-cost ways to improve energy efficiency – including available funding and support programming.
  • Renewable energy.

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
sustainability initiatives in dupage county

Green Business Assessment: Choosing Sustainability in DuPage

Posted on | by Kira Ryan
“Sustainability” is more than just a buzzword. It’s an intentional act, a strategic choice made by business owners to consider how their operations affect not only their bottom line, but their surrounding communities and our environment. 
 
Though the payoff is massively rewarding, adopting and promoting sustainability is no small task. Amid the day-to-day responsibilities of running a successful company, business owners face a lot of important and complex decisions. From figuring out ways to reduce energy consumption to implementing eco-friendly waste management tactics and beyond, the journey toward greener business practices can feel overwhelming. 
 
But what if business owners didn’t have to navigate this process on their own?
 
Enter Choose DuPage’s Green Business Assessment. Created in partnership with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), this initiative provides no-cost sustainability assessments for businesses across DuPage County, giving them the insights and guidance to make a lasting difference.   
 
Keep reading to learn the critical role of this program, its impact on environmental responsibility and the value it offers businesses.

WHAT A GREEN BUSINESS IS & THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING ONE

Before we elaborate on the details of our Green Business Assessment, it’s important that we get on the same page about what it means to be a “green business” in the first place.
 
SEDAC identifies green businesses as companies that operate across six key areas of sustainability which minimize their environmental impact and maximize their growth potential. 
 
  • Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste isn’t just ecologically beneficial; it helps create tangible cost savings both now and in the future.
  • Pollution Prevention: A steadfast commitment to pollution prevention directly contributes to a healthier environment and safer communities.
  • Trimming Utility Usage and Costs: Smart energy practices directly translate into reduced utility bills, while also supporting broader energy conservation efforts.
  • Engaging Employees in Sustainability Efforts: Involving staff in sustainability initiatives nurtures teamwork, camaraderie and shared responsibility.
  • Promoting Healthy Workplaces: Sustainability practices extend to fostering healthier indoor environments, which, in turn, boost employee productivity and satisfaction.
  • A Journey of Continuous Improvement: Green businesses are inherently committed to an ongoing journey of innovation and enhancement of their sustainable practices.
Let’s dive into the ins and outs of the Green Business Assessment and get a closer look at how it all works.  

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

The Green Business Assessment, a partnership between Choose DuPage and SEDAC, is your roadmap to align with green energy and enhance energy efficiency in DuPage County. Follow it to leverage green building incentives and create real change. 
 
Here’s how it works.   
 

1. GET ASSESSED: 

We conduct a free sustainability assessment, delving into your operations and identifying opportunities for sustainability improvements. 
 
This information-gathering phase is crucial. From the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the businesses in your supply chain, to how long and how many lights you keep on throughout the workday, each data point helps us understand the bigger picture. 
 

2. RECEIVE YOUR PLAN: 

Next, we’ll create a unique green action plan that outlines your path to reducing costs, boosting operational efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources, if possible. 
 
You’ll be able to connect with sustainability initiatives in DuPage County, such as the ComEd Distributed Generation (DG) Rebate. This program helps offset the out-of-pocket costs of solar panel installation, offering rebates of up to $300/kW. (For more information, please visit ComEd’s website.)
 

3. TAKE ACTION: 

Whether it’s optimizing your industrial properties’ energy consumption or finding office space outfitted with the latest energy-efficient technology, we assist you in making sustainable, value-driven choices. 
 
These decisions can help unlock exciting business opportunities and may even make the business relocation process easier. 
 

4. RECEIVE INCENTIVES AND CERTIFICATION: 

As you continue to complete the practices outlined in your plan—whether it’s playing an active role in integrating solar energy in DuPage County, lowering your Scope 3 emissions by localizing your supply chain, etc.—you’ll become eligible to receive financial incentives and sustainability certifications. 
 
You can even become an official SEDAC/Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) Green-Certified Business, showing your customers and the greater DuPage business community that your organization leads by example. You’ll also receive valuable exposure via a press release, social media coverage, a public map listing, county-wide Choose DuPage promotion, and state-wide recognition.

GET STARTED

Interested in participating in our Green Business Assessment? We’re welcoming businesses of all sizes and types—from startups to established enterprises, nonprofits to public-sector organizations.  
 
By embracing sustainability and taking advantage of our Green Business Assessment, you’re not only benefiting your company—you’re contributing to a greener future for DuPage County and beyond. Together, we can establish a thriving business ecosystem that embodies the DuPage Difference and sets an influential example of global environmental stewardship.
 
To participate or gather more information, please reach out to us at info@ChooseDuPage.com.