Workshops

EcoStar Services

EcoStar had a very busy 2007 with the addition of 17 new members, seven successful workshops, multiple new recycling and reuse programs, and our first EcoStar Achiever!  (See our 2007 Annual Report for more details on our accomplishments.)  In response to the continuously growing interest in the program, and the increasing concerns around global climate change, pending resource shortages, and the necessity for corporate stewardship, we are preparing to expand our offerings under the umbrella of the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center.

 

A collection of proposed new services received positive response from the more than 25 attendees of the “Introducing the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center” session held

on January 31.  The mission of the Center will be to help establishments located in Devens and the surrounding communities become more innovative, competitive, and environmentally responsible through the implementation of more sustainable business practices.  Our goal is for the Center to serve as a premier resource that supports the development of a resilient and stable business community with companies that are ecologically sensitive and economically viable.

 

One of the first new services to be launched through the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center is a series of Roundtable events that will enable business managers with similar interests – initially in the areas of green building practices, transportation efficiencies, and environmental health and safety issues – to network on a quarterly basis.  These Roundtables will provide a forum for leaders to share information, learn from other experts, and pursue joint initiatives that will result in environmental and economic efficiencies.  )

 

We will also be building internship programs with area colleges and universities that have environmentally-focused curriculums.  These partnerships will enable us to provide businesses with more dedicated assistance to help them improve their environmental performance and provide the students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and gain experience in their area of interest.  The internship programs will also help us to ramp up our new walk-through reviews that help organizations identify opportunities to minimize waste and decrease operational expenses.  They will also support the new energy conservation campaigning and building energy efficiency support services that will be unveiled in the upcoming months.

 

 

Additionally, the Center will provide a venue for our partner organizations to make their assistance programs available to area organizations.  An example of this is the half-day session on Clean and Lean Manufacturing practices that was sponsored by the NE EPA and facilitated by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) last February.

 

We will continue to keep you informed of our progress with the establishment of the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center and look forward to your suggestions and feedback.  To those who attended our “Introducing” session last month – your comments are greatly appreciated!  We would also like to thank the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust for their funding support of this initiative, as well as the Nashua River Watershed Association, who graciously acts as our fiscal agent with this grant.