Autumn Marsh & Soham Arekar
Chambers of commerce hold a remarkable but untapped power in the world of sustainability. In-progress research happening here at Seaside Sustainability is finding that chambers of any size have the potential to influence dozens, if not hundreds of businesses to implement sustainable changes to their business structure.
Before investigating the methods chambers can implement to promote sustainable practices, what is a chamber of commerce? According to the ACCE, a chamber of commerce is a group of businesses either on community, regional, state, or national level trying to further their collective interests; commonly advocating on behalf of the community to further economic prosperity. This means that a multitude of businesses are working together to promote and push shared interests; meaning that if the businesses involved with the chamber implement a collective desire to become more sustainable, they’ll hold a lot of power in the area to encourage that change.
Additionally, chambers offer opportunities for networking and information sharing among businesses. This allows sustainability nonprofits to promote themselves to businesses that might use their resources or businesses that offer sustainable swaps such as solar panels and composting services to establish the needed connections with the businesses that need them.
Chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to facilitate networking and resource sharing among businesses. This is especially vital for sustainability efforts, as it allows for the dissemination of best practices and the promotion of innovative solutions. Sustainability nonprofits can leverage these networks to promote their missions, connecting with businesses that can benefit from their resources. Meanwhile, businesses offering sustainable products or services, such as solar panel installations, energy-efficient technologies, and composting services, can establish valuable partnerships that drive widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices.
Beyond just networking, chambers of commerce often engage in advocacy work, representing the interests of their members at local, state, and even national levels. This advocacy can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability. By championing policies that encourage green business practices—such as tax incentives for renewable energy use or regulations that promote waste reduction—chambers can help create an environment where sustainable practices are not only encouraged but also financially advantageous for businesses.
The EPA found that 31% of direct greenhouse gas emissions produced in the United States in 2022 came from residential and commercial businesses. We need accessible information and resources regarding sustainable alternatives and how to implement them on the broadest scale possible now more than ever. Organizations such as the U.S Green Chamber of Commerce provide toolkits to support chambers of any size to start implementing these important and highly influential changes regardless of the resources accessible to the chamber.
While many may think that chambers of commerce only work at the local or regional level. Their collective impact can contribute to global sustainability efforts. By promoting practices that reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources, and support sustainable development, chambers of commerce can help drive the broader movement toward a more sustainable world. As these practices become more widespread, the ripple effect can lead to substantial environmental benefits on a global scale.
Ultimately, chambers of commerce have a lot of unused influence on local businesses that can have monumental impacts on promoting sustainability within our local communities. For all readers looking to encourage more sustainability, consider sharing the chamber toolkits with your chamber, and be sure to keep an eye out for Seaside Sustainability’s white paper on sustainability in the chamber of commerce coming within the month!
Citations
1. American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). (n.d.). What is a Chamber of Commerce? ACCE. Retrieved from https://www.acce.org/what-is-a-chamber-of-commerce
2. Chamber toolkits - U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce - Why You Belong With America’s Leading Forward-Thinking Businesses. (2024, July 24). https://usgreenchamber.com/chamber_toolkits/
3. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.-b). Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
4. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). (2021). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of business. International Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from https://iccwbo.org/publication/sustainable-development-goals-and-the-role-of-business
5. What is a Chamber of Commerce? ACCE. (n.d.). https://secure.acce.org/pages/...
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2020. Retrieved fromhttps://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2020