Businesses
Businesses Can Take the Lead on Climate Action
Production doesn't have to equal pollution.
Virginia business operations overlap with over 70% of our greenhouse gas emissions through transportation, manufacturing, or commercial building energy usage. That means there are huge opportunities for this sector to have a positive impact on climate change, all while sowing the economic benefits of energy savings and clean energy for themselves and their communities. As community leaders, businesses can also play an important role as advocates for collective climate solutions, and in caring for our most vulnerable neighbors, those most impacted by climate change.
Simply put: if we are going to succeed in building a clean, just future, local businesses must be involved.
We meet every business partner where they are and walk them through three simple steps towards climate leadership: education, technical support, and collective action.
GET EDUCATED
When we meet a new business or non-profit, the first question is almost always the same: where do we start?
(Spoiler alert: it’s always your energy bills)
We get it! Climate is a big concept, and it can be hard to translate impact into local level action. C3 offers education to help organizations understand the answer to basic questions:
Where does our climate impact come from?
What are the biggest opportunities for improvement?
How will this help the business? The community?
What can I do in my own life to make a difference?
Explore our self-guided resources, reach out to schedule a free consultation, or even request a workshop for your leadership or your employees!
GET SUPPORT
Local organizations often have a hard time accessing or affording expert support.
C3 has certified energy and sustainability experts, and we offer support services to local businesses and non-profits of all shapes and sizes. These services are often free through grant funding, or low-cost compared to market rates:
Energy walkthroughs and audits
Sustainability assessments - waste, water, and materials
Help accessing energy rebates and other incentives
Upgrade implementation support
Connect with the right contractors and service providers
Each year we also run our Energy Efficiency Grants program, providing grants for energy-saving upgrades like HVAC, lighting, and insulation. C3 has given away over $50,000 to local organizations in the last few years, with more to come in 2026!
GET ACTIVE
Getting your own house in order is a great start! The real power of local action is when we come together.
That’s why we created the Green Business Alliance. Launched in 2021, this leadership circle of Virginia-based businesses creates a unique platform for our members to:
Make public commitments to climate solutions
Combine resources for collective power
Convene to learn from experts and each other
Get involved in local policy solutions
Gain recognition for achievements
The GBA is open to local business and non-profits of all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be in a “green” industry to join. In fact, the real power of the group is that so many members work in traditional markets: finance, hospitality, construction, and more.
Check out this amazing group!
Explore how your business is the missing puzzle piece to climate solutions. Become a climate leader in your community while reducing energy costs.
Learn:
Many small organizations can’t track energy use and emissions on their own—discover how C3’s expert support can help you take action with energy assessments, carbon footprint analysis, and more!
Act:
Donate
