I didn’t have the time to complete the Planet section of the new and improved GreeNWAy Initiative’s scorecard, but hope that the ideas I have shared with the Chamber will continue to be implemented even when I am gone. The Planet section will deal with sustainability in the natural systems. This includes reducing consumption and packaging, recycling, composting, and other activities that directly improve the environment. Living sustainably as individuals can make a difference but there needs to be a change in our framework of thinking if we wish to get everyone on board. I think that promoting sustainability through the Chamber’s GreeNWAy Initiative is a perfect way to do this. We hope that the GreeNWAy rating system serves as a measure of excellence in the area of business sustainability. In addition, we hope to achieve the recognition that the United States Green Building Council LEED rating system has.
I want to thank all the businesses of the Chamber that took the time to take our survey, and encourage those who haven’t to do so. The Chamber aims to please and your comments really help us in guiding where changes should occur. The answers to this survey provide meaningful responses for the future of the GreeNWAy Initiative so don’t be shy! Some changes that we hope to see in the future is more sustainability education and events to promote community connectivity within the business and Fayetteville. In addition, I hope to see competitive sustainability challenges for employees that encourage and reward sustainable living. I hope that all the GreeNWAy businesses seek out recertification and encourage new businesses to as well. I hope to encourage the members of GreeNWAy to communicate with each other and share ideas on sustainability. Sustainability must be looked at from a holistic viewpoint, and each additional individual, with such diverse backgrounds and education contributing to the conversation leads to innovation and successful ideas.
Thank you,
Gabriella McConnel