August 31, 2011

Nearly 60 Charlottesville-area businesses are competing against each other to be more sustainable and more energy efficient.

Wednesday, members of the Better Business Challenge team delivered stickers to participating venues, which include Mudhouse, the Paramount Theater and Lexis Nexus.

Competing businesses earn points by making green changes, such as recycling and replacing lighting with energy efficient lighting. The group with the most points at the end of the competition wins.

"Anytime you cut waste in a business you are increasing your bottom line, and that is never a bad thing," said Teri Kent of Better World Betty. "What we are hearing is any time businesses can reuse or repurpose some of the things that are inherent in their business they are going to save money."

Better Home Betty partnered with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and local leaders to issue the year-long challenge toward sustainability.

Organizers hope to get 100 businesses signed up. A winner will be announced in June 2012.