The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the U.S. Chamber Foundation is bringing top-tier sustainability development initiatives to The City Beautiful.
Orlando was chosen as the program’s pilot city due to its demonstration of a high degree of readiness for recycling and reuse system development. The City of Orlando’s GreenWorks initiatives, as well as its commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050, have succeeded in putting Orlando on the map as a leader in sustainability nationwide.
The project, known as “Beyond 34: Recycling and Recovery for A New Economy,” is focused on breaking through the current 34 percent recycling barrier in the U.S. This unique, multi-stakeholder project will provide a scalable model for improving recycling and recovery rates to help communities, cities, and businesses achieve their sustainability and recycling goals.
“As the fastest growing region in the country, Orlando has a unique opportunity to show the world how large-scale sustainable growth can be achieved,” said Jim Thomas, executive director of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Orlando is already paving the way in sustainability initiatives on a number of fronts including infrastructure, neighborhoods, recreation, transportation and energy. Business and community leaders here are committed to planning for a sustainable future; we are excited to support the Beyond 34 project in order to equip these business leaders with the tools and resources they need to achieve their sustainability goals.”
The U.S. Chamber Foundation, in collaboration with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) and with funding from the Walmart Foundation, Target, Republic Services, The Dow Chemical Company, and Walgreens, will identify opportunities to improve recycling efficiencies within the region and construct a business plan that quantifies the economic and environmental benefits of recycling. The Foundation will use this project here in Orlando to develop a case study and toolkit for other communities nationwide to emulate.
“Orlando is an ideal city to begin the Beyond 34 project,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Its strong private sector engagement, innovative culture, and robust sustainability goals were all factors that contributed to their selection. We look forward to engaging with local leaders throughout the project, and we are confident that Beyond 34 will help support the Orlando area’s mission to advance sustainability and economic growth.”
The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to work with B34 to demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable future in the Orlando region.
Find out more about the project here.
