Green Business Resources

Going Green with Business | Member Spotlight | News | Resources

Going Green with Business

The Columbus Chamber supports regional businesses "going green" by committing to environmentally responsible operations and practices.

Leading the way in this initiative is a new member group – the Green Council. The purpose of the Green Council is to promote businesses "going green" by solving environmental problems with innovative products and services and encouraging environmentally responsible practices and operations in the Columbus region. These efforts will improve the quality of life in this community, as well as the environment.

The Green Council is chaired by Doug Morgan, partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP and member of the Chamber's Board of Directors.

This green business resource page will continue to grow, adding more tools and resources for members in the future.

Leading by Example

The Chamber resides in the renovated Lazarus building, gold certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The Chamber is pursuing Silver certification for its 14,000 square foot space and has received Green Spot certification from the City of Columbus.

The Chamber’s environmental practices include the collection of recyclables, use of materials manufactured regionally, water conservation, energy efficient lighting, use of ENERGY STAR rated equipment and appliances, reused furniture and furnishings and low-emitting materials.

Green Member Spotlight

Lamit Industries

Lamit Industries has been producing structural insulated panel (SIPs) since 1989. We’ve been at the same location on Columbus’ southside since our doors opened. We’re the sister company of Tectum Inc., located in Newark, Ohio. Our customers include residential and commercial builders, several national restaurant chains, and patio /sunroom markets to name a few.

SIPs are high-performance building panels for walls, roofs, and floors in residential and commercial buildings. Each panel is made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) sandwiched between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB).

SIPs are starting to catch on with builders and homeowners in and around central Ohio. They are proven to reduce energy bills by 50-70 percent because the structure is 15 times tighter than traditional stick framed construction. We have design and engineering capabilities to go along with superior customer service. Our sales manager and technical director personally visits every job site.

Read more.

Other green member spotlights on the Columbus Chamber blog:
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Tipping Point Renewable Energy
Get You Connected and Green Pages
King Business Interiors

Would you like your business to be featured in a future green member spotlight? Contact michelle_bretscher@columbus.org.

Green News

Read the latest news about businesses going green and green practices in the Columbus region.

Going Green
News and information on the Green movement from the Columbus Dispatch

Hilliard-based e-Cycle: Rapid Cell Growth
Columbus Dispatch
09/02/2010

Lazarus of old sprouts new life
Columbus Dispatch
08/08/2010

Eartha, SWACO in talks over restaurant recycling, composting program
Business First
07/10/2010

Mayor Coleman, partners unveil first sharrow on High Street
City of Columbus Press Release
05/22/2010

Ohioans pursue green jobs with confidence
Columbus Dispatch
05/18/2010

What color Ohio's economy
Columbus Dispatch
05/16/2010

Senate to Unveil Clean Energy Bill (links to Media Player)
610 WTVN radio interview with Eric Zimmer, Tipping Point Renewable Energy
04/27/2010

Chamber Website Lists Green Companies
Columbus Dispatch
04/22/2010

SWACO Announces Finalists for 2010 Emerald Awards
SWACO
04/20/2010

Betty’s Goal is Zero Waste
Columbus Dispatch
04/10/2010

COTA is Preparing for a Greener Summer
Columbus Dispatch
03/25/2010

Paines' Companies Go Green in Gahanna
This Week Community Newspapers
02/03/2010

SWACO Adding Yard Waste Pick Up Sites
Columbus Business First
10/05/2009

Green Report: Companies stand to benefit from solar growth
Columbus Business First
08/28/2009

Sustaining Momentum: Sustainability isn’t about saving the planet. It’s about saving your business.
Smart Business Columbus
02/2009

Do you have a story to share? Contact michelle_bretscher@columbus.org.

Other Green Resources

Columbus Chamber Green Council
View members of the Green Council, an advisory committee to the Chamber.

City of Columbus, Greenspot
A recognition program for Columbus area businesses committed to green practices. Get certified.

Get Green Columbus
Learn more about the City of Columbus’ commitment to green practices, resources and incentives for local business and more.

Central Ohio Green Pact
Coordinated by MORPC, the network of Pact members includes 27 local governments and other significant organizations.

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)
Information about recycling drop-off locations, waste disposal and hauling, and the Franklin County landfill.

Green Community Calendar (by Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission)
Attend green events in the Columbus region.

Consider Biking Two-wheel Toolkit
A Complete Guide to Implementing Programs that Promote Bicycling to Work, and Why You Should Encourage Them

Greater Columbus Green Map
Over 1,500 green sites exist on the map along with a wealth of information about each one including address, contact information, hours of operation and more!

Ohio Green Fleets
A program designed to significantly reduce the emission and fuel use of business and government vehicle fleets.

Green Chamber
The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to promoting the success of its members, supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and advocating for a green public policy.

Green Business Alliance
The Green Business Alliance helps integrate environmental stewardship into daily business practices.