Clean Energy Toolkit for Chambers of Commerce

Is Your Chamber at the Table?

Clean energy is transforming the business and policy landscape. With solar and wind now the cheapest forms of new electricity generation, the clean energy revolution presents a tremendous economic opportunity, generating billions in investment and millions of jobs across sectors like solar, wind, transportation and infrastructure, and energy efficiency.

The strong support for clean energy, sustainability, and climate advancements among a significant majority of Americans underscores the need for economic leadership to harness the vast economic potential in these initiatives and steer policy development forward.

Is the Voice of Business heard?

As the clean energy economy gains momentum, the economic development community plays a crucial role in shaping robust clean energy and climate policies. Whether you’re deeply involved in clean energy initiatives or just beginning, the Chamber Clean Energy Toolkit aims to empower you to find your seat at the table and advocate for the priorities important to your membership and community.

Getting Started

Designed specifically for chamber and economic development leaders, this toolkit provides real-world examples and the latest insights on clean energy, sustainability, and climate-related opportunities for organizations, communities, and businesses. It includes sample policies, programs, and events from chambers across the country, along with innovative ideas to help you engage in this critical space, enhance your leadership, generate non-dues revenue, and attract new members.

• Lead by Example

  > Create a Policy or Position Statement

  > Create an Economic Development Statement

  > Organize a Clean Energy, Sustainability, or Climate Action Committee

  > Establish or Join a Community/Regional Task Force

  > Enhance Your Operations

  > Attract & Support Investment in Your Community

  > Make Your Voice Heard: Advocacy

• Provide Value to Your Members

  > Host an Event with Impact

  > Create a Value-Add Program

  > Help Businesses Access Incentives

  > Establish a Workforce Development Program

  > Share Information & Resources

• Inspire Your Community

  > Promote Clean Energy Initiatives

  > Create a Community Scorecard or Dashboard

  > Develop Certification or Pledge Programs

  > Establish an Awards Program

  > Utilize Social Media

“We see people who want to embrace sustainability, so we are trying to provide more of a carrot than a stick through positive reinforcement. We knew if we took leadership on this, we could make changes in our community.“

- Betsy Gardner Eckbert, IOM, President & CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce