By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – Will O”Brien, the director of the Worcester Sustainable Business Leader Program (WSBLP), met with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) at its Dec. 6 meeting to discuss how the WSBLP helps business leaders become “environmental stewards.”
O”Brien, who is also a Clark University professor, explained the program works with small to mid-sized businesses to help them become more energy efficient. The group also helps to identify ways to reduce water pollution and improve waste removal management.
“There's a misconception that a business owner must decide – “should I become green or profitable?”” he said. “But you don's have to choose. You can be both.”
The WSBLP is a nonprofit organization that is funded by corporate sponsors, he noted. It has 10 MBA students who are interns and two staff members who are salaried.
The first step, he said, when a company contracts with the WSBLP, is an energy audit. The WSBLP then creates a plan that recommends strategies on how to reduce the company's operating costs while also improving their environmental footprint. Other areas in which the WSBLP makes recommendations include sustainability management, transportation, local purchasing and local food.
The program has worked with several Worcester companies, he noted, helping them to save money in energy costs. But there are other benefits, as well, he noted.
“More Americans are becoming aware of the environment,” he said, “and want to know companies are trying to go green.”
In fact, he added, businesses that successfully complete the program become certified as “Sustainable Business Leaders” and receive a certificate that they may post in their place of business.
The WSBLP also strives to recommend that a company use other local green businesses as part of the overall strategic plan, O”Brien added. They also help companies connect with incentive programs.
The average cost for a small business, such as a 5,000-square-foot company, to contract with the WSBLP is approximately $400. For a mid-sized business, approximately 15,0000- to 20,000-square-feet, the cost is about $1,000, he noted.
O”Brien thanked the EDC for inviting him to speak at its meeting. He said that he may be reached at 978-793-1635 or [email protected] if they or any local businesses would like to find out more about the WSBLP.