EcoBizNYC FAQs
Is EcoBizNYC worth the time commitment?
Why not wait for the environmental laws to change?
Is this going to make much of an environmental difference?
How is EcoBizNYC tailored to my business' unique needs?
We do not own the building, what can we do?
How much does EcoBizNYC cost?
EcoBizNYC is completely free for small, storefront businesses located between 6th Street and 14th Street, East of First Avenue to the FDR Drive. As a non-profit, the Lower East Side Ecology Center raises money to fund this program and we have resources and guides to numerous free programs and discounts. For example, ConEdison will upgrade your lights for free and the New York Department of Environmental Protection can conduct a free water audit for your business.
Is EcoBizNYC worth the time commitment?
For the first year of participation, the EcoBizNYC program will take about 6 hours total, and it can equate to thousands of dollars saved a year. After the first year, it takes about 1.5 hours per year to stay involved.
Why not wait for the environmental laws to change?
You can wait for the laws to change, but you will be losing money. Greening your business before the law regulates it will make the transition cheaper and put you ahead of the curve. It is also essential that we take action now to improve air quality in our community for you, your employees, and your customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Is this going to make much of an environmental difference?
Yes. EcoBizNYC looks at your waste, water, energy, procurement and many other components of your every-day business dealings. We work with you individually to help develop ways to conserve, make conscious consumer decisions and help the community.
How is EcoBizNYC tailored to my business' unique needs?
The EcoBizNYC program is structured with levels so that the business owner is able to hand pick the initiatives that will work best with his/her business. There are a diverse number of areas to look at which covers water consumption, waste removal, energy consumption and more. Even if you have already completed a certain action the rest of our resources will give you a way to add to that and help other areas of your business go in a more sustainable direction.
We do not own the building, what can we do?
Our Little Green Notebook contains a section entitled "How to Approach your Landlord." The building energy use can be reduced substantially by using recommendations from EcoBizNYC. The building owner will have the opportunity to demonstrate his/her commitment to saving the planet, caring about health and well being of their tenants and save money as well. Also possible to restructure the lease so that both landlord and tenant are rewarded for environmentally sound practices, aka a "green lease."