Open to all Ulster County businesses both large and small, the Ulster County Green Business Champions (UCGBC) program is the newest effort to help build a green economy
The UCGBC Program increases implementation of sustainable business practices in Ulster County
KINGSTON, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced today the launch of the Ulster County Green Business Champions Program to support businesses who wish to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions, improve their energy efficiency, utilize renewable energy, and green their operations. The program will recognize and celebrate businesses that have achieved one or more of these goals and provide outreach, education, and technical support to those seeking to do so.
“Whether it’s building the country’s first net-zero commercial bakery, like Bread Alone, upgrading to high efficiency LED lighting, like Moonfarmer, or installing geothermal heating, like Mohonk Mountain House, there are many options available to save money, improve your operations, and demonstrate your commitment to greening our community.” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Right now, in Ulster County, about 20 percent of carbon emissions come from the business sector. So today I am calling on every single business – large and small – to join our climate action efforts.”
Through its Green New Deal, Ulster County has committed to bringing economic development and sustainable conservation together. Meeting New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals will necessitate upgrading our aging building stock to 21st-century energy efficiency standards and dramatically accelerating the shift to renewable energy and zero-emission technologies, according to the Ulster 2040 economic development strategic plan. These efforts promise a great deal of opportunity – to lower utility bills, create healthier indoor environments, and create many well-paying jobs.
“By reimagining Ulster County's financial future, we are laying the foundation for significant improvement of the Ulster County green economy.” Director Of Economic Development Tim Weidemann said. “The Green Business Challenge will bring together local organizations, financial backers, Ulster County residents and our Office for Economic Development to assemble the framework needed to support the expansion of sustainability initiatives that affect all sectors.”
“Environmental sustainability practices will prove to be a competitive advantage as businesses navigate higher energy prices and meet statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets. The County’s Green Business Champions program provides a ready-built toolkit and hands-on support at no cost to county businesses to help reduce expenses and improve resource efficiency,” said Nick Hvozda, Director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment.
To become an Ulster County Certified Green Business Champion:
1. Register your business: https://ulsterny.greenbiztracker.org/
2. Complete the online checklists
3. Review and submit
Once certified, businesses will be recognized as an Ulster County Certified Green Business Champion and join the national and local network listings of Green Businesses, which entitle them to:
- free marketing and promotion through online directories
- recognition from the County
- two storefront decals
- access to online marketing tools
Contact the program administrators at the Ulster County Office of Economic Development and the Ulster County Department of the Environment at 845.891.6658 or email ucgbc[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us for a consultation.
On April 22nd, 2021, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, joined by environmental leaders from throughout the Hudson Valley, released his Green New Deal plan for Ulster County. The report, consisting of over 30 goals and targets, makes Ulster County the first County in New York State and among the first in the nation to release a comprehensive Green New Deal plan. April 22nd, 2022, marks the one-year anniversary of Ulster County’s Green New Deal.
To kick off Earth Week 2022, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan welcomed New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to Ulster County to learn more about the progress Ulster County has made towards achieving its Green New Deal initiatives. The Executive and Comptroller discussed the growth in green jobs with members of organized labor, toured UCAT’s new electric buses, visited the nation's first net-zero commercial bakery at Bread Alone, and toured a community solar field in Saugerties.
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