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In 2008, the Chamber convened a diverse group of members to explore their interest in fostering Haywood County as “green”  with practices of sustainability that positively impact it’s social, environmental and economic health. It subsequently established the Green Initiative Committee.
The Committee agreed that it’s primary desire for Haywood County and the surrounding region to become a “green” place to live, do business, and visit. Furthermore, it adopted five sustainability goals directed at fulfilling this desire: Air Quality and Energy Efficiency, Water Quality and Quantity, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Education and Awareness and Sustainability Leadership.
The Committee then collaborated with the community to develop sustainability strategies and practices for each of these goals. Businesses and organizations wishing to participate in the Green Initiative must be a member in good standing of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. Next, they created a sustainability plan of action by selecting practices to implement and measurable outcomes. Thus, they individually and collectively further sustainability and the development of the region as “green”.
The first group of pilot businesses including the following:
- Haywood Community College
- Champion Supply Company
- Stewart Builders
- WNC Interior D-Zines
- Gateway Club
- Animal Hospital of Waynesville
- Haywood Builders Supply
- Keller Williams
- Osondu Booksellers
- Lake Junaluska Assembly
- Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
have received their “Going Green” recognition. This progressive recognition is received upon completing the initial steps in joining the Green Initiative. The culminating step is completion and submission of the Sustainability plan of action.
The second recognition “Green Now” will be designated based upon the businesses and organizations ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes for their set sustainability goals and the associated strategies/practices contained in their business plans. The final culmination/designation will be “Green Leader”. Businesses and organizations eligible for this designation must demonstrate significant outcomes for goal five, Sustainable Leadership in addition to meeting the requirements for the “Green Now” designation.
Committee Chair, Dr. Rose Johnson has spent countless hours on the formation of this committee and the set objectives. She has fostered “Green Initiatives” in the business practices of all ten pilot businesses and has set forth “green coaches” to aid them in the implementation of their Sustainability plan of action.
The Chamber’s unique approach to environmental stewardship in Haywood County has encouraged over ten area businesses to improve their green business practices. These businesses have set forth sustainable goals and associated strategies with measurable outcomes. The Chamber has also teamed up with the Smoky Mountain News to feature a monthly article, “The Green Corner”. The corner features a pilot business, the steps they have taken to “green” their business practices, and easy steps that community businesses may take to “green” their environment as well.
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