Triton College awarded grant to create a pilot green business program for Oak Park and River Forest

Courtesy Triton College

Triton College has received a $15,000 grant from the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation to create a pilot Green Business Certification program. Triton will be partnering with the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) to guide businesses located in Oak Park and River Forest through the certification process. The grant is part of funds awarded to projects that will help the two communities implement the PlanItGreen Sustainability Plan that includes plans to help area businesses be more sustainable in an effort to cut back on energy costs.

The Illinois Green Business Association uses vetted national standards that help ensure truly sustainable business practices. Green business certification through IGBA includes a customized plan designed to help businesses save money and manage resources while helping make positive changes in their community. The standards are designed to be suitable for even the smallest local businesses. During the certification process, sustainability professionals at Triton will be available for consultation. Upon certification, businesses will receive customized marketing materials, including being interviewed for a You Tube video. Many businesses have found that advertising themselves as "Green Certified" has a positive impact on their customer base as well as the bottom line.

Triton is accepting 20 businesses for the program and will coordinate with the Oak Park Development Corporation (OPDC) to offer information sessions to recruit businesses who either wish to participate in OPDC's green business practices program, or go the whole route to certification. The first public information session will take place in early January.

For more information about the program or for Oak Park-River Forest businesses who'd like to participate in the program, please contact Triton College Sustainability Coordinator Adrian Fisher at (708) 456-0300, ext. 3578 or e-mail afisher@triton.edu.