Kelowna's GreenStep Solutions named 'Best for the World'

Of course, businesses can be environmentally friendly and make more money.

"Creating a positive impact with greener practices can increase your profitability," said Angela Nagy, founder and CEO of Kelowna-based GreenStep Solutions, which helps companies become more sustainable.

"Plus, customers want to do business with companies that are doing right by the planet."

For its work helping revolutionize companies, GreenStep has been named 'Best for the World' in the environment category three times in the past five years by B Corps by B Lab.

The accolade is only bestowed on the top 10% of B Corps' 5,000 members internationally.

This year GreenStep was again named 'Best for the World' under even more stringent guidelines -- being in the top 5%.

It's quite the honour considering B Corp is a global powerhouse that's helping transform the world economy to the benefit of all people, communities and the planet.

GreenStep's impact ripples forever outward and onward because it coaches other businesses in how to be more environmentally friendly, thus saving money and increasing profits.

"It's all about creating positive impacts," said Nagy, who was also a champion for the environment when she was on City of Kelowna council 2008-11.

"If we can help a company assess, track and measure outcomes they will reduce operating costs, conserve energy and fuel and reduce waste and see an incredible return on their investment."

It all starts with a business having a free energy assessment done by GreenStep through FortisBC or BC Hydro.

Book a free assessment at GreenStep.ca.

"We do a full assessment and outline opportunities for improvements with an implementation plan for upgrading and retrofitting systems and equipment so you use less energy and fuel and water, reduce waste and pay less carbon tax," said Nagy.

Even if savings are only 5% the first year, that compounds over time to turn into 25% savings over five years.

In fact, Canadian author and consultant Bob Willard contends businesses can improve profitability by up to 80% in only three to five years by being greener.

GreenStep has helped the likes of restaurant supplier Sysco, Fairmont Hotels, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC and Kelowna-based biodegradable phone case company Pela, as well as many other small and medium-sized businesses.

"Our purpose is to save the world through business, by helping small and medium-sized enterprises measure and improve their sustainability performance," said Nagy.

"Business is the fastest ticket to change. While we need better government policy, it is taking too long. Businesses are more nimble than governments and small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, make up 98% of all businesses in North America."

Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, the first winery in the Okanagan to be organic, is also B Corp 'Best for the World' certified.