Green and Simple: New Program Recognizes Alexandria's Green Businesses

Would you be more likely to: eat at a restaurant that goes out of its way to  compost its own waste, stay at a hotel because it engages in sustainable practices, or patronize a business because it is green certified? 

Alexandria green-certified restaurants and businesses and the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) believe that many of us would and they are making it easier for us to find out about such businesses. 

And, if you are a business owner or organization in the city of Alexandria, the ACVA is making it easier for you to get certified and to let prospective customers and clients know that you are.

Last Friday, the ACVA hosted “Now It’s Easy Being Green - Tourism Marketing Forum” at the LEED Gold-certified . The event, which attracted about 40 community members, business owners and others provided an introduction to the city’s new green business recognition program and featured businesses that have made the leap.

Alexandria Green Business, developed by the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association in partnership with the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, and the , is helping to shine the light on businesses that engage in sustainable practices. According to ACVA president and CEO, Stephanie Brown, the goals of the program are to “provide recognition to businesses that are embracing environmentally friendly practices and to make it easy for them to become certified.” 

So, what’s involved in becoming green certified? 

There are a number of certifications available to green businesses based on the type of organization and industry. They include: Green Certified Retail Operations, Green Seal, Virginia Green Certification, and many more. Businesses and organizations determine which certification is the best fit and learn about requirements that must be fulfilled. Those interested can visit the Alexandria Green Business Recognition Program, to learn more about certifying organizations and initiate the three-step process to become recognized as an Alexandria Green Business.

Businesses that are already certified can submit their credentials and apply to become recognized as an Alexandria Green Business.

Why get certified?

Peter Pennington, chair of the City of Alexandria’s Environmental Policy Commission, encouraged attendees to look to the future and highlighted cost savings (through improved energy consumption, for example) and competitive advantage as reasons to become certified.

Tom Griffin, a consultant with Virginia Green, explained the certification process and also highlighted the competitive edge with consumers and vendors, and the benefits of reciprocal relationships. Sporting a green shirt made of bamboo, he encouraged participants to think of going green as less of a goal to be checked off when completed, but more of a process that's ongoing. “It’s not stagnant ... It’s today. It’s tomorrow. It’s the future.”

What’s in it for businesses?

Upon verification, the city will recognize green businesses with a plaque, a listing on Alexandria Green Business, and they will be eligible for discounts. 

Thomas Fraher, general manager at Lorien Hotel & Spa, says that he has developed relationships and partnerships because of their green practices. He suggests that businesses and organizations “connect with staff and people who are passionate” about being green, as they will draw in others; build a community connection; and influence vendors by pushing pressure up the pipeline.

Wendy Albert, co-owner and chef of Tempo Restaurant, has been engaging in green practices for the past 22 years, recycling and composting long before these things became standard practice. Remembering the days before plastic bags, she advised that business owners start small and make changes over time. Get rid of big trash cans. When replacing old, broken, or out-of-date technology, replace with green technology.

Learn more about green businesses, restaurants, and organizations in Alexandria and how to get green certified. Learn more about the many other green initiatives in the city at Eco-City Alexandria.