AWARDS & HONORS

2012 Top Innovator Award Winner – Sustainability

The Better Business Challenge culminated a year-long effort to bring awareness to environmental stewardship and cost-savings opportunities for energy efficiency, water/waste/transportation reduction strategies in the business community on Thursday night at the Paramount Theater. 106 area businesses have been in competition since June 2011 to increase their efficiency and sustainability as well as earn recognition for their sustainability efforts by looking at six key areas of their daily operations: energy, water, transportation, waste, purchasing and leadership!
At the heart of the Challenge was the online “Scorecard” which businesses used to decide which action items they would strive to complete. Over 400 people attended six Lunch n’ Learn workshops and over a dozen networking events throughout the contest. The following is a List of 2012 Award Winners and highlights of their actions.

STRIDEMAKER AWARD: WOODARD PROPERTIES

Greatest leap forward in a single category through going paperless
  • Going paperless will saves 1500-2000 sheets of paper a month and about $3000 worth of toner a year!

KILOWATT CRACKDOWN WINNER #1: STATE FARM

Recognizes the largest reduction in energy use based on the points earned on the Energy Scorecard
  • Charlottesville Operations Facility earned a 96 Energy Star Rating

RIPPLE EFFECT WINNER: CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION

Greatest leap forward in a single category through going paperless
  • Launched youth program about environmental stewardship “Stomp Out Your Carbon Footprint: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”
  • Rain barrels and composting help their community garden, which is used to feed families in need

RESTAURANT SUPERSTAR: BLUE MOON DINER

For overcoming unique obstacles inherent in food service industry through their creative composting/gardening
  • Replaced dishwasher sprayer with high efficiency model
  • New composting efforts recycle 100% of pre-consumer and 25% of post-consumer food waste

BIGGEST “LOSER”: GREENBLUE

Recognizes the larges reduction of waste achieved based on the points earned on the Waste Scorecard
  • Compost bins in kitchen and bathroom collect 40% or more of their waste

KILOWATT CRACKDOWN WINNER #2: GREENBLUE

Recognizes the largest reduction in energy use based on the points earned on the Energy Scorecard
  • Utilized task lighting, installed curtains, and programmable thermostat, and LEAP gave staff a presentation on energy efficiency at home and work

GREEN LEADER: JAUNT

Demonstrates outstanding leadership in the business community with implementing high-impact measures
  • Installed a rain garden to help clean run-off water which flows into significantly polluted Moore’s Creek
  • Added timers to vending machines
  • Committed to installing new technology interlocking permeable pavers – will give tours to community.

TOP INNOVATOR: VIRGINIA EAGLE DISTRIBUTING

Business that stands out for its ingenuity and is not afraid to think outside the box
  • Installed solar panels on top of tractor trailer to keep the lift gates charged (5 month ROI)
  • Achieved $33,000+ savings from recycling cardboard 6-pack containers

2012 BETTER BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

Highest Total Earned Points in the Challenge

CARPET PLUS

Founders of “Re-cork Cville” – a wine cork recycling program
Installed energy-saving window tinting

THE PARAMOUNT THEATER

Installed new cold cathode energy-efficient lights for marquee, which use 3 watts and last 25,000 hrs

VMDO ARCHITECT

Adopted 2030 Challenge to reduce energy use in our buildings by 50%

ALLOY WORKSHOP

No daylighting needed in the office with their 5 solar tubes and 3 skylights

JEFFERSON MADISON REGION LIBRARY

Installed higher efficiency HVAC system and increased our recycling efforts

ALBEMARLE COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY

Achieved 40% water reduction with installation of low flow faucets and fixtures; Established no idling policy!

GREEN COMPANY AWARD

“Small Steps Lead to Big Change”
We’re pleased to announce that VED was the recepient of the 2011 Shenandoah Valley Technology Council Green Company of the Year Award!
This award honors an area technology company, university, individual or organization, who is making an impact on our region through top-notch green practices. Being green is about more than just recycling paper waste and office equipment. It’s exercising sound business stewardship, improving the way we use our power and computing assets, or better managing workforce productivity through telecommuting and videoconferencing. It’s taking meaningful steps to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers through energy efficient measures and support of renewable power generation. It’s being a technology or business model innovator or providing a service that will drive large-scale adoption of leading green solutions.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY: WE…

  • Support local Virginia conservation organizations
  • Support global organizations through charitable donations, focusing on the environment, economic development and disaster preparedness / relief
  • Maintain overgrowth to support wildlife habitat

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY: WE…

  • Have reduced our energy and fuel consumption
  • Changed to energy saving lighting
  • Use green cleaning products in all locations and warehouses
  • Use recycled paper and hand towels
  • Reduced shrink wrap usage by 50%
  • Recycle all trash through a single stream process
  • Reuse old pallets in a “wood for heat” recyling program
  • Regularly perform energy audits