I have long said that a very small percentage of the (American) populace will make green decisions – conservation of resources, smarter use of resources, building green, etc. – because energy efficiency and other green choices save – green not solely for altruistic reasons.

With that preface, come to the Seeing Green: Savvy Solutions for your Business and Your Community workshop tomorrow at City Space (press release after the jump); I’ll be on the panel – “Been There, done that, have the results to prove it!” at 10:45 discussing some of the ways that I and Nest Realty have chosen to go green for green reasons as much as economic reasons.

Some of the ways I’ve “gone green”:

– Biking wherever I can

– iPad – less print, more information

– Working from home (more than ever before)

– More video

– More efficient route planning for showings – avoiding traffic, left turns, etc

– Advising clients on green decision-making and prioritization

– Advising clients to drive by properties first

– Docusign (perhaps the single greatest thing ever)

And quite a few more tips specific to real estate. I’m looking forward to the thinking and reflection I’ll be forced to do to prepare for my 10-minute spiel.

* Photo courtesy of Will Clayton

Seeing Green – Charlottesville Workshop

SEEING GREEN:Savvy Solutions for Your Business and Your Community
Thursday, June 23
9 am – 12 pm

Networking: 8:30-9am

Introductions and overview of workshop: 9:00-9:20
Welcome

Nora Gillespie, Director, CV Small Business Development Center

Opening Comments/Welcome from City and County
Hollie Lee, Economic Development Specialist, Office of Economic Development, City of Charlottesville

Lee Catlin, Assistant to the County Executive for Community and Business Partnerships

Overview
9:20-9:50
Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
Going “green” is more than a great marketing line – sustainable business practices increase efficiency, productivity, savings, and consumer interest.

“Energy 101: Bills, Benchmarking, and Your Bottom Line”
9:50-10:15
Bob Thompson, Director of Sales, ColonialWebb Contractors
Do you know if you are paying too much for your heating and cooling costs? How to find out and what to do about it.

Break 10:15-10:30

“How to Afford the Fix”
10:30-10:45
Michael D. Lyster, Vice President of Business Services, UVa Community Credit Union
Financial resources/assistance – what your options are for rebates, loans, tax credits, and more.

“Been there, done that, have the results to prove it!”
10:45-11:40
Local business owners discuss their choices to implement sustainable business practices: why they did it, what they did,what results they have seen. We invite attendees to share insights from their own experiences and to engage panelists in discussion.

“Charlottesville Better Business Challenge”
11:40-11:55
Teri Kent, Executive Director, Better World Betty/Project Manager,Charlottesville Better Business Challenge
Hear about a new initiative sponsored by Better World Betty, LEAP, the Chamber of Commerce, UVa’s Darden School of Business, and local government to help your business become more sustainable.

Closing comments
Nancy Quirk, Climate Protection Program Coordinator, City of Charlottesville