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Green Business Council: October 2009

Green Omaha Coalition

DOE & EPA Release 2010 Annual Fuel Economy Guide

Monday, October 26, 2009

        The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the "2010 Fuel Economy Guide" which provides
information on estimated fuel costs and mileage standards for model year 2010 vehicles. Fuel efficiency is important for reducing carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
       "Fuel economy is about both saving energy and saving money," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "Buying fuel efficient vehicles - like the many
hybrid technologies featured in this year's Fuel Economy Guide - helps limit carbon pollution, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce
driving costs for American families."
       Each vehicle listing in the Fuel Economy Guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The estimate is calculated based on the vehicle's miles
per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. The online version of the guide allows consumers to input their
local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.
       A complete copy of the 2010 guide is available at
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/feg2000.htm.
        The guide is also available to mobile users (fueleconomy.gov/m) and is accessible from a mobile device, smart phone or PDA).

Federal Green Products CompilationUpdated

Thursday, October 1, 2009


Version 3 of OFEE's (Office of the Federal Environmental Executive)compilation of the designated green products is now posted on the FedCenter (http://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/buygreen/)and OFEE (www.ofee.gov)web sites. This version includes new FEMP standards for beverage vending machines and ENERGY STAR standards for televisions.

Mission

Create a network of businesses interested in sharing sustainable practices and recognize leading green businesses in Omaha.

Background

In support of the Green Omaha Coalition (GOC),  an alliance of organizations pursuing a common goal of a “Green Omaha,” the Green Business Council (GBC) will establish a collaborative network of businesses implementing sustainability programs to improve the environmental performance of their operations.

Focus

The GBC will engage interested businesses from all industries to improve the sustainability of their operations.  The GBC will address a wide variety of environmental programs, including but not limited to: procurement, resource efficiency (energy and water), waste reduction (solid and hazardous), climate change, and green building.

The GBC seeks to involve two business groups: (1) those already implementing sustainability programs and (2) those interested but lacking the resources to pursue and implement sustainable strategies.  Ultimately, the GBC will become a centralized resource for businesses to share, learn, and promote sustainable business practices.

Alliances

The GBC recognizes the importance of collaborating with existing organizations to more effectively and efficiently reach businesses to provide educational and networking opportunities. The following provides a preliminary list of strategic alliances the GBC will pursue:

  • Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (GOCOC)
  • Neighborhood Business Associations
  • Flatwater Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
  • WasteCap of Nebraska (WasteCap)
  • Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
  • International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Objectives

The GBC has identified four primary objectives to establish a coalescing network of sustainable businesses to share environmental best practices and assist emerging green businesses in identifying better environmental strategies through education and networking with other businesses. A detailed description of the objectives described below are including on the following pages.

Interested in joining or learning more about Green Business Council email: greenbusiness@greenomahacoalition.org

Green Business Council Brochure (PDF)

Figure 1 | Objectives of the Green Business Council

Short Term Long Term
Objective 1
Establish a Framework for Ongoing Leadership of the Green Business Council.
Objective 2
Provide Networking and Education Opportunities to Businesses.
Objective 3
Develop, Maintain, and Distribute a Green Business Directory.
Objective 4
Establish an Awards Program to Recognize Green Businesses.
Establish a leadership team and organizational guidance to manage day-to-day functions of the GBC Collaborate with alliance organizations to provide networking and training opportunities to Omaha-area businesses.  Compile a directory of individuals responsible for managing sustainability programs for Omaha-area businesses. Establish a framework for recognizing businesses for exceptional environmental performance.