Roanoke businesses plan to cut greenhouse gases by 20%

By: Media General News Service | WSLS 10
Published: November 22, 2008

» Comments | Post a Comment

Some of Roanoke's leading businesses today announced they plan to cut their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent over five years.

Calling themselves the Clean and Green Business Coalition, representatives of the group gathered at the Orvis store in downtown Roanoke to challenge other businesses in the Roanoke Valley to cut emissions, recycle more waste and reduce their use of energy.

The coalition is composed of a dozen businesses -- including Southwest Virginia's biggest employer, the Carilion Clinic -- plus Virginia Western Community College.

"We're trying to lead by example," said coalition co-chair Stan Breakell, CEO of construction contractor Breakell Inc. Breakell said his business last year emitted 538 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The coalition's 20 percent goal doubles that set by the Roanoke City Council last year when it began a campaign to encourage businesses and residents to cut greenhouse emissions by 10 percent.