Power in Numbers: The Business Council on Climate Change Unites Bay Area Businesses in the Campaign to Reduce Carbon Emissions

By Anna Puccinelli, Chicago-based freelance writer

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, speaking at the BC3 Inauguration Ceremony in City Hall on April 5, 2007. Courtesy of the BC3

Mark Klaiman, Co-Owner of Pet Camp Courtesy of Pet Camp

Blessed with a bewitching coastline, world-famous hills, and lush vegetation, it is no wonder San Francisco has long led the nation in environmental initiatives. In 2002 the city boldly launched a climate action plan that aims for a 20% reduction of 1990-level carbon emissions by the year 2012—a goal that substantially exceeds the levels set forth in the Kyoto Protocol. Such rigorous standards present a challenge for Bay Area businesses: How can companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously increase their bottom lines?

The 100+ member companies of the Business Council for Climate Change (BC3) grapple with this question every day. “I am a green business owner, but if I went out of business, it wouldn’t matter how green I used to be,” said Mark Klaiman, Co-Owner of Pet Camp, an award-winning pet boarding facility that boasts the largest privately financed solar power system in the city.

Klaiman and other members of the BC3 recognize the importance of integrating sustainability into profitable business practices. In the long run, combating global warming will rely not only on government mandates, but also on businesses developing cost-effective ways to implement them. “I think Pet Camp, like many small businesses, wants to do the right thing (environmentally) and small businesses often don’t have those resources. Having other businesses that you can speak with about sustainability really has great value.”

A Think Tank on Climate Change

By joining the BC3, Klaiman gained access to educational seminars, the latest research findings, community leadership opportunities, and a network of other businesses committed to sustainability. The BC3 is a voluntary organization co-sponsored by the San Francisco Department of the Environment, The Bay Area Council, and the UN Global Compact. Through regular meetings, the BC3 acts as a kind of think-tank on climate change—a forum in which businesses can strategize, innovate ideas, and exchange best practices for reducing their carbon footprints.  

A BC3 Networking Event, hosted by ARUP on March 26, 2008. Courtesy of the BC3

A BC3 Strategic Planning Meeting, June 28, 2007 Courtesy of the BC3

Fiona Berry, LEED AP, (former) Senior Sustainability Consultant, Arup Courtesy of Arup

“We felt that there should be a group of businesses that had an upfront and open discussion about climate change and what climate change means for businesses,” said Fiona Berry, LEED AP, (former) Senior Sustainability Consultant for ARUP. As one of the founding members of the BC3, ARUP is a global firm that has contributed to some of the world’s most sustainable buildings, from the Water Cube and Birds Nest featured in the Beijing Olympics, to the new California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

Another founding member of the BC3 is environmental consulting and marketing firm Creative Eco-Catalysts. “For me, it has been an educational experience to see how the BC3’s larger members have become sustainable,” said founder Allison Quaid. Formerly the Executive Director of the Bay Area Alliance for Sustainable Communities, Quaid values the give and take atmosphere of the BC3. “I am interested in sharing my knowledge with other members,” said Quaid, who has spent more than 15 years in the environmental sector.

Leading By Example

Allison Quaid, Founder, Creative Eco-Catalysts Courtesy of Creative Eco-Catalysts

In addition to offering resources and network support to participating members, a key mission of the BC3 is to lead by example. Upon joining, members must pledge to uphold the organization’s five principles on climate change: 1) internal implementation of emission reduction strategies, 2) commitment to community leadership, 3) advocacy, 4) collective action, and 5) transparency of business operations and best practices.

“To market our business as a member of the BC3 puts us in a class of companies that have value,” said Peter Sharer, CEO of Agilewaves. An environmentally conscious software company, Agilewaves has developed a web-based tool called the Resource Monitor, which enables users to track energy usage and calculate their carbon footprints in real time. Sharer believes participating in the BC3 helps position his business as a leader in the green movement. He also values the educational seminars, case studies, and cutting-edge research provided by BC3 sponsors. “The events the BC3 organizes are excellent,” said Sharer.

Peter Sharer, CEO of Agilewaves Courtesy of Agilewaves

Almost a year after its founding, the BC3 has garnered a diverse roster of members including GAP, Inc., Gensler, Clif Bar, and Pacific Gas & Electric. Regardless of industry or size, the BC3’s members unite in a fundamental belief: if climate reform is to succeed, it will require the cooperation, support, and innovation of the business community.

“The environmental world is filled with too many envirocrats and academics,” said Clifford Waldeck, who joined the BC3 because he wanted to be part of a collective group of businesses committed to the environment. Waldeck’s family-run business, Waldeck’s Office Supplies, specializes in environmentally friendly office products. “With a strong exchange of ideas among businesspeople, new opportunities emerge,” said Waldeck. Like other BC3 members, Waldeck believes climate reform must move from theory to application, and from a business challenge, to an opportunity for economic growth.

Clifford Waldeck, CEO, Waldeck’s Office Supplies Courtesy of Waldeck’s Office Supplies

Kindley Walsh Lawlor, Senior Director, Strategic Planning and Environmental Affairs at GAP, Inc., speaking at the BC3 Full Membership Meeting on October 27, 2008. The event was held at GAP, Inc. headquarters. Courtesy of the BC3