Cleveland Sees Local Business Take Big Steps in Carbon Reduction
Hey there, Cleveland! We have some exciting news on the sustainability front that highlights the efforts of local businesses in our community. It turns out that we’re on the right track when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and making a positive impact on the environment. One local business that’s making waves is Carlisle LLC, which operates over 160 Wendy’s restaurants in the Southeastern United States. They’ve recently been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for their commendable decarbonization efforts, and there’s so much to share!
A Year to Remember for Carlisle LLC
Carlisle LLC participated in the Better Buildings initiative, joining back in 2016 with a commitment to cut their energy usage by 20% by the year 2026. But guess what? They managed to reach that goal even earlier than anticipated! It’s impressive to note that they successfully reduced their power usage by a whopping 21% and their water usage by 28%. Maria Vargas, the director of the DOE’s Better Buildings initiative, pointed out how significant this achievement is, especially considering the challenges that companies face while trying to decarbonize.
Leading the Way for Others
Carlisle is not alone in this effort. Other big names like Nike, Harley Davidson, and the Cleveland Clinic have also successfully met similar carbon reduction goals through smarter resource use. But what makes Carlisle’s achievement especially noteworthy is the potential it creates for other companies to follow suit. Vargas emphasized that the Better Buildings initiative aims to foster a network of companies who are leading the way and developing playbooks for others looking to embark on their own sustainability journeys.
Decarbonizing Made Easy
The DOE’s Better Buildings Solution Center serves as a helpful resource for companies across various sectors, including education, health care, and multifamily housing. It offers practical solutions and tips that can help businesses of all sizes overcome barriers they may face in their efforts to go green. “It’s all about sharing strategies,” Vargas said. “Anyone can login and discover how others have tackled similar challenges.”
A Role Model in the Community
So why is this recognition for Carlisle LLC so important? It’s not just about saving energy and water; it’s about setting a shining example for other local businesses. “I hear often, ‘I don’t want to be first. It’s risky,’” Vargas shared. “Carlisle did it, and they’re reaping the rewards, both environmentally and economically.” Ultimately, they’ve positioned themselves as more competitive in a challenging market while playing a vital role in uplifting Cleveland’s image as a forward-thinking city committed to sustainability.
Future Events and Recognition
As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, let’s not forget there are more ways for Clevelanders to engage with our community. The Building Memphis Awards is now calling for nominations, aiming to honor exceptional construction projects that reflect professional excellence in design and development. It’s a great opportunity to recognize efforts that positively impact our community through sustainable practices and real economic growth.
Let’s keep cheering on our local businesses making strides toward a greener future! Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see Cleveland leading the charge as a model for sustainability across the country. \
Stay tuned, Cleveland! Exciting times are ahead as we tackle the pressing issues of sustainability together!
