Green Business Initiative

The Green Business Initiative (GBI) is a program by the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce (GKCC) and Centex Sustainable Communities Partnership recognizing local businesses that have incorporated sustainable practices into their organization.
Benefits:
GBI Certification will communicate to your customers that you are committed to reducing your company's environmental impact. Certified businesses who are members of the GKCC will enjoy several benefits, including:
- Certificate for storefront & digital badge for website
- Listing on GKCC website
- Recognition on GKCC Facebook and newsletter
- Representation on GKCC Green Business Council
- Eligibility to be awarded "Green Business of the Year" at the GKCC Annual Banquet
- Discounted service with The Green Plant compost pickup
- The competitive advantage and efficiency that sustainable practices bring to your business
- Recognition as a community leader in sustainability

GBI certification requires implementing at least 15 of the measures listed below, or developing your own green practices.
- Recycle paper/plastic/cans/cardboard/glass by bringing recyclables to the recycle center or arranging a creative reuse system.
- Compost food waste by starting your own compost pile or using The Green Plant's Compost pickup service (254-393-0504).
- Decrease the frequency of your waste service pickup or container size.
- Implement at least 7 measures to reduce paper waste.
- Centralize purchasing to eliminate unnecessary purchases and ensure that all waste reduction purchasing policies are followed.
- Buy in bulk or refillable containers to reduce packaging waste.
- Offer reusable or non-plastic alternatives for single-use items.
- Replace paints/solvents/cleaners/glues/other hazardous materials with less/non-hazard products.
- Institute a window cleaning schedule of "as needed" instead of routinely scheduled.
- Implement at least 2 measures to reuse items rather than discard them.
- Adjust your thermostat up in Summer and down in Winter by 2 degrees and use ceiling fans for air circulation.
- Install timers and automatic shut-off systems for faucets, sprinklers, light fixtures, etc.
- Use renewable energy such as solar or wind, and use natural light whenever possible.
- Regularly check for and repair all water leaks in your facility to catch repairs while they're still small. Savings: up to $35/year.
- Install/use a programmable thermostat with 4 temperature settings. Savings: up to $180/year.
- Set your water heater's thermostat to 120 degrees and wrap with an insulating jacket to reduce heat loss. Savings: up to $461/year.
- Switch off just 1 light bulb that would otherwise burn 8 hours and day. Savings: up to $20/year.
- Replace your 5 most frequently used lights with ENERGY STAR bulbs/fixtures. Savings: up to $75/year.
