Pilot Program Phase
Currently, we are in a pilot period with 13 participating businesses in Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. The scheduled six month pilot program will help the Illinois Green Business Association gain experience, test previous assumptions, and emerge as a central resource for green business certification. The major goals of the pilot period are to:
- Assist in making cost-effective energy and water conservation improvements to a sample of businesses sectors in Champaign County.
- Build and evaluate program infrastructure.
- Establish constructive relationships.
- Determine the general program interest level by participating businesses.
- Provide businesses with the support needed to make sustainability a primary focus in the community.
Business Assistance
We will assist businesses working to complete their green business program checklists, utilizing rebates and incentives where needed. The Illinois Green Business Association provides personal assistance and service to business owners participating in our program in order to achieve maximum results.
Meetings with business owners will give updates on projects, answer any questions the owner might have, and guide them through changes. Between these meetings, owners must implement these changes and be active in the process. Program staff will answer any questions a business owner may have because it is important to feel comfortable with implementing more sustainable changes in their place of work.
Resource Collection
During the pilot program, a comprehensive resource collection period will be underway to compile and sort resources in the certification process to better prepare the organization for a full launch. We will provide businesses owners with the resources needed to better assist them with project implementation. This will equip them with all the applicable information toward achieving their sustainable goals and doing better business.
Program Evaluation
This assessment period will be an essential portion of the program. The evaluation plan for the pilot program will be designed to fit the following objectives:
- Measure cost-effectiveness
- Measure the levels of conservation achieved
- Measure program effectiveness (interviews, processes, objectives)
- Assess the effectiveness and awareness of the program within the community.