Mesa is teaming up with the nonprofit Local First Arizona to offer a free workshop for businesses interested in sustainability. The goal is to improve the environment and profits by providing hands-on consulting and creating actionable plans.
For example, Lauren Whittaker, Mesa’s Sustainability Program supervisor, said a local restaurant recently worked on a water efficiency project, “to retrofit some toilets and sinks, get pre-rinse spray valves. And that will help them save up to 150,000 gallons a year in water, and that leads to a lot of cost savings in utilities as well.”
Businesses can also learn about incentives and funding options for upgrades, courtesy Local First Arizona’s sustainability team.
“They'll help you evaluate your impact and look at areas like energy use, pollution prevention, managing waste, water conservation, transportation, or other areas to see where you can make an impact environmentally or gain efficiencies that will ultimately help you save money in your business,” Whittaker said.
“Earning green certification empowers businesses to cut costs, minimize their environmental impact and enhance their community presence,” said Nick Shivka, senior manager of sustainable initiatives with Local First Arizona. “It’s a win-win for the city and the business.”
The workshop will take place on the second floor at Mesa Builder @ The Studios, 59 E. First St. from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
Businesses can register through Local First Arizona’s website.
