Springfield, MA– CET (formerly the Center for EcoTechnology) is proud to announce the launch of its Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, a groundbreaking initiative designed to recognize and celebrate businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy conservation, transitioning off fossil fuels, reducing waste, and other solutions. With commercial and residential buildings contributing 30% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing this sector is essential to meeting our climate goals.

The Importance of Decarbonization

The latest report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the urgent need for rapid, deep, and immediate greenhouse gas emissions reductions across all sectors to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Every increment of warming exacerbates hazards such as human mortality, disease, mental health challenges, flooding, biodiversity loss, and decreased food production. CET’s new accreditation aims to address these challenges by encouraging businesses to take actionable steps to decarbonize.

Benefits of Decarbonization

Decarbonizing offers numerous benefits: it mitigates climate change, potentially lowers operating costs and improves building comfort, and enhances reputation and brand value. Additionally, it ensures regulatory compliance, attracts purpose-driven employees, and improves public health and well-being by enhancing air and water quality.

How the Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation Works

To begin the journey toward becoming a Carbon Conscious Business, meet with CET energy and waste experts to identify existing and new decarbonization opportunities tailored to your business. CET will then develop a customized action plan that outlines relevant measures to reduce carbon emissions. Throughout the implementation process, CET will support you every step of the way, connecting you with the necessary services. Once you have completed the measures, your business will be awarded a 1, 2, or 3-star Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation based on the extent of your implementation. Regardless of your progress, CET will celebrate your achievements with marketing opportunities, window decals, and table tents to proudly showcase your commitment to sustainability.

CET facilitates no-cost assessments through partnerships with Mass Save, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and other entities.

Resilient Climate Solutions 

The Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation celebrates businesses' efforts to combat climate change and embrace sustainability. By fostering a community of carbon-conscious enterprises, we can drive meaningful change and create a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.

Contact CET today to join the ranks of carbon-conscious businesses leading the way towards a sustainable future. CET is grateful to TD Bank for supporting this work. Learn more at cetonline.org/carbon-conscious-business-accreditation.