The new home for Leadership San Luis Obispo, an independent program of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, will model high energy efficiency and seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification, thanks to a generous grant recently received.
Leadership San Luis Obispo was recently awarded a $55,000 grant from Pacific Gas and Electric Company to help lower the environmental impact of its new home at 895 Monterey St., and showcase cost-effective green business practices. The SLO Chamber has provided a home and organizational framework for Leadership SLO since the program’s inception 22 years ago; the two organizations expect to move into their new home by March.
“With this generous grant, Leadership SLO will be a real-world model for small business owners and visitors, showcasing cost-effective green business practices”, said Leadership SLO Board Chair Dawna Davies. “Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s support helps us to fulfill our mission to serve as a vehicle for research, planning and community information…. I think it’s going to look great too!”
Leadership SLO intends to showcase practical and measurable green building design, construction and operations solutions at the new Monterey Street location as part of its mission to support and advance the educational, cultural and economic interests of the SLO community. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and specifies sustainable objectives in the areas of water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
A sustainability exhibit will be featured in the Visitor Center, one of the most visible and trafficked locations in the county, welcoming over 65,000 local business people, residents and visitors each year.
“PG&E is once again proud to partner with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and Leadership SLO to demonstrate that the business community can also be a leader on environmental issues,” said Tom Jones, director of government relations at PG&E. “From its long history of providing leadership in such areas as supporting open space acquisitions, to supporting public anti-smoking regulations in the workplace, the Chamber will now be showcasing sustainable business practices for the community. Once again they are at the front of the pack.”
PG&E, a charter member of the Chamber, was also instrumental in the successful development of the Leadership program.
“It was the resources – both financial and in executive talent – that PG&E provided that launched Leadership San Luis Obispo from just an idea into what has become an impactful county wide program over the last 22 years,” explained Ermina Karim, SLO Chamber President and CEO. “This grant marks another time that PG&E has stepped forward to help advance the Chamber’s mission and enhance the local business community.”