Smart Business Resources

Skyline from Moore

SBC Start Here Resources:

General Resources:

U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy provides a variety of information on its website regarding energy savings and conservation.
Building and Plants
Learn how to build an energy saving program or your building or office. The Energy Star website contains information for all shapes and sizes of businesses.
National Renewable Energy Lab
The National Renewable Energy Lab website offers energy efficient advice for smaller businesses. This page focuses on a variety of ways that small business can save energy and have sustainable business practices.

rain drop with a leaf around it and "Conserve Water" text

EPA's WaterSense Program for Commercial Businesses and Institutions
The EPA's WaterSense program focuses on reducing water use by adopting and promoting water-efficient products, services and practices for facilities.

EPA Fuel Economy
The EPA provides a variety of policy and planning information to help businesses related to fuel economy, from how to get the most out of your fleet to choosing a new vehicle.
U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy provides information on reducing petroleum fuel use in transportation.

An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality (4.0)
The EPA provides valuable information about indoor air quality and how your business can improve your indoor air.

Outdoor Air - Industry, Business, and Home (5.0)
Do you know how to improve outdoor air quality? If you are interested, the EPA offers this valuable webpage to help you improve outdoor air.
Bird Friendly Iowa
Did you know Ames is a bird friendly city? If you are interested, the Bird City Network offers a certification to aid in improving education and engagement in birding and conservation

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
This website provides information on green purchasing for small to large businesses.
U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

recycling containers

Electronic Waste
The Iowa DNR provides useful information on this webpage for handling electronic waste.
Iowa Waste Exchange
Iowa Waste Exchange is a materials exchange program to help businesses find outlets for their byproducts and waste.
Waste - Resource Conservation
This website shares a variety of options for businesses about how to recycle electronics.
Recycling
This website by the Iowa DNR provides information on recycling appliances, batteries, cars, bottles, electronics, composting, tires, and more.
Solid Waste Alternatives Program The Iowa DNR offers financial assistance to businesses to start solid waste management programs.

grassy footprint

These tools can be used to help businesses determine their current greenhouse gas emissions impact and offer ideas for reduction strategies
- CoolClimate Small Business Carbon Footprint Calculator
- Ames Smart Energy Carbon Footprint Calculator(XLSX, 300KB) and Detailed Instructions(DOCX, 350KB)

Sustainability and the Customer Service Experience
This article offers information about various strategies for connecting customers to your business’ sustainability commitment, initiatives and accomplishments.

Volunteer Iowa
This website offers opportunities to volunteer and engage volunteers throughout Iowa.

earth911.com
A guide to local resources to help protect the environment and a variety of ideas for helping your company to go green.

Highlight business sustainability projects that could be adopted by Smart Business Challenge members