Issues & Actions

Cool Green Biz

Cool Green Biz Initiative

Cool Green Biz is an initiative launched by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition. The program is designed to recognize member businesses that have made a commitment to sustainable business practices. The program will be based on an evaluation of member's implementation of "green" practices that reduce waste, promote clean air and water, conserve natural resources, enhance the quality of life for employees, customers, and neighbors, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact Tori Williams at green@roanokechamber.org or call 540.983.0700 x229.

Cool Green Biz Designation Companies
Level 3 Certification
Breakell, Inc. General Contractors
Berglund Chevrolet
Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition
AECOM
Virginia Western Community College

Level 2 Certification
Brandon Oaks Retirement Community
City of Roanoke
Cox
Draper Aden Associates
Pino Gelato - Roanoke
Novozymes Biologicals, Inc.
Orvis
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Spectrum Design, PC
Structures Design/Build, LLC
SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Evaluation Pending
Lanford Brothers Co.
Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore
Carilion Clinic
Roanoke Gas Company
Coca - Cola Bottling Consolidated
Steel Dynamics
Fork in the Alley Brick Oven Pub

For more information on the program, click here.

To fill out an application form, click here.

To review the "green" practices checklist, click here.

To pay application fee electronically, click here.


CREATES: Free Green Jobs Training Program
Job seekers and employers looking to get ahead in emerging green industries can do so with CREATES, an acronym for Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy-Efficiency Assessment Training and Employment System. CREATES is a regional energy training partnership program formulated out of a $3.8 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to teach workers the skills required in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. With the benefit of federal funds, New River, Wytheville and Virginia Western Community Colleges will provide training for potential participants in a 21-county regional throughout Western Virginia. For more information, visit www.createsprogram.org or click here.