Last week, the Winslow Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business networking event, Good Morning Winslow, welcomed Arizona Public Service (APS) as the sponsor of the event. The event featured a presentation by Edgar Olivo, who introduced APS’s groundbreaking new program aimed at supporting small business owners in adopting sustainable practices and saving money. The program, aptly named “Going Green & Going Smart” is set to revolutionize how businesses approach sustainability and energy efficiency.
Developed as a collaborative statewide initiative, APS partnered with the Compass CBS Foundation to create the Going Green & Going Smart Program. The program’s primary goal is to provide small business owners across Arizona with valuable sustainability resources and energy insights through a user-friendly web-based portal, accessible at greenbizaz.com.
The program offers an array of pre-recorded sessions featuring sustainability experts, guiding participants through the step-by-step process of implementing sustainable business practices. These sessions are designed to be informative and practical, ensuring that business owners can readily apply the lessons to their operations. Video lessons, downloadable materials, and knowledge checks enrich the learning experience, equipping participants with comprehensive resources to navigate their sustainability journey effectively.
Crucially, the Going Green & Going Smart Program goes beyond APS’s insights by also showcasing perspectives from other successful statewide sustainability initiatives. Additionally, participants gain access to APS Solutions for Business rebate information, providing them with practical incentives to embrace sustainable solutions as well as other services such as appliance ratings so businesses can see how much an appliance will save them money before making the investment.
In response to a thoughtful question posed by a resident during the presentation, Janet Dean, APS’s Senior Public Affairs Manager for Northeastern Arizona, shed light on the company’s support for energy conservation. Dean explained that APS, as a forward-thinking power company, recognizes the inevitable rise in power demand due to ongoing developments throughout the state. By encouraging energy conservation, APS aims to address this increased demand proactively. Rather than being adversely affected by reduced energy usage, APS perceives it as a strategic approach to avoid the necessity of constructing additional power plants, thus bolstering long-term sustainability.
The Going Green & Going Smart Program has garnered some support from Arizona’s business community. Videos were shown from the entrepreneurs and small business owners’ view, which showed how the program has saved real businesses money with very easy to implement ideas like switching incandescent light bulbs to LEDs. By incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, business owners can reduce energy costs, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and bolster their brand’s reputation.
One of the program’s standout features is the on-demand certificate program, allowing business owners to complete a concise training session in less than 60 minutes. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Going Green & Going Smart certificate, which they can proudly display at their businesses or on their websites. This certificate serves as a visible testament to their commitment to sustainability.
According to Olivo, APS has always been at the forefront of greener energy and a more sustainable future. The Going Green & Going Smart Program marks a significant milestone in APS’s dedication to the well-being of Arizona’s business community and the environment. By empowering small businesses with the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices, businesses can go green and while saving some green.
