Boston, MA – Masona Grill and West on Centre have joined businesses and buildings from across the region in dedicating the next year to increase their sustainability and reduce energy use through participation in the Challenge for Sustainability. After a large kick-off event in December, businesses are starting to take their first steps into analyzing their
facilities and how they can move forward to save both money and resources. Participants in the 2012 Challenge include some of Boston’s largest buildings and progressive businesses, from convention centers to small pizza shops.
The Challenge for Sustainability helps businesses save money by increasing energy
efficiency, reducing resource consumption, decreasing solid waste, and reducing
overall greenhouse gas emissions. ABC provides participants with hands-on technical assistance, access to energy audits, guidance in developing and implementing a sustainability plan, and connection to a network of sustainability professionals and practitioners for
networking and best practices sharing.
Participation for businesses throughout Boston’s Main Streets districts has been made
possible through a partnership with the City of Boston and funding from The
Boston Foundation. ABC and the City of Boston are targeting small to medium size businesses in all 19 districts, and hope to serve 50 Main Streets businesses in 2012. Masona and West on Centre join 16 other Main Streets businesses that have already signed on to the program and represent the West Roxbury district. “We believe that participation in the Challenge for Sustainability will bring small businesses the knowledge and tools they need to receive significant savings while protecting their bottom line,” said Kara O’Connor, of West Roxbury Main Streets.
Wade Winters, representing Au Bon Pain in the Challenge states that, “A Better City has been vital in providing the contacts, resources, and data necessary to avoid the red tape and
efficiently pursue energy saving initiatives for Au Bon Pain. The ABC team members provide experiences and information that help others avoid mistakes and pitfalls”.
The Challenge for Sustainability was launched in 2009 by A Better City, a
non-profit business association focused on transportation, land development,
and environmental initiatives aimed at improving the economic competiveness of Greater
Boston.