June 15, 2011

Charlottesville businesses have been challenged to "Go Green".

The Local Energy Alliance Program, better known as LEAP, has partnered with Better World Beauty, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and local leaders to issue the year-long Better Business Challenge toward sustainability. The friendly competition will provide participants with the resources they need.

Here's how it works. Businesses will earn points based on energy, water and waste conversion while also minimizing purchases. The group with the most points at the end of the competition wins.

"If we get a large number of businesses [participating] it will really drive some change in the community, and will really show that increased efficiency, waste reduction and sustainability is a better way of doing business," said program manager, Teri Kent.

Registration for the competition begins on Tuesday, June 21. Kent hopes at least 100 businesses sign up.

There will be a banquet and awards ceremony at the end of the competition.