Sustainability in the Treasure Valley

I have to admit that before this year I didn't know what sustainability was.  Sustainability is about making the best use of resources to meet human needs while at the same time preserving the environment so needs can be met not only in the present, but in the future as well.

More and more businesses have embraced this philosophy by "going green" as of late.  Whether or not you are behind the green movement, it's hard to deny that some of its benefits and outcomes are reduced waste and increased energy efficiency.  Two such businesses in the Treasure Valley are helping other businesses create sustainability in their operations.

Sustainable Innovations
First, is TVCNet member and consultant John Bernardo of Sustainable Innovations. John is formerly the Resource Conservation / Regulatory Compliance Manager for Alberstons, Inc. His Boise-based consulting company provides comprehensive analysis, implementation evaluation and ongoing support for introducing sustainable operations, processes and technologies into business cultures.  Local successes include St. Luke's RMC, helping the hospital reduce waste to landfill amounts by 30% while working with employees to institute departmental recycling programs to meet their needs.

If you want to learn more, John will be presenting a topic on sustainability with a presentation titled What Sustainability Can Do for Your Business and Your Clients at the next TVCNet meeting this Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m. The presentation will be held at The WaterCooler in downtown Boise.

VengaWorks
VengaWorks is a new venture in Meridian that walks the talk when it comes to sustainability.  The VengaWorks facility is a green facility offering office space, equipment and services to businesses looking to reduce overhead.  I had the privilege of taking a tour of the facility led by Andrew Piron, Regional Vice President.  Andrew showed me how the facility is able to cut costs and pass the savings on to the tenants simply by the way the building was constructed using sustainable materials and an energy efficient HVAC system.  Above all, the facility is flexible to the needs of the tenants and can grow and expand according to their growth.

VengaWorks is the perfect facility for local area consultants who offer business-to-business services looking to estabish an office in a business setting.  I advise any consultant in the area who is looking for a change of scenery from their current office configuration to contact Andrew through the VengaWorks website to see how he can help you.  You'll be pleasantly surprised how easy and economical it can be to set up an office at VengaWorks.


So there you have it - two businesses in the Treasure Valley promoting sustainability.  It's exciting to see such works in the Treasure Valley and it is especially exciting to see one of our members leading the way.