Montpelier Times Argus: SunCommon Honored Among 92 Companies

WATERBURY — SunCommon, a Waterbury Center solar company, is among more than 90 businesses around the world chosen by the nonprofit B Lab as being among companies that earned the top scores in the B Impact Assessment, “a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a company’s impact on its workers, community, and the environment.” Among the honorees are micro, small and mid-sized businesses.

In all, 92 companies worldwide were “recognized for creating the most positive overall social and environmental impact,” according to a news release issued on Wednesday by SunCommon. The honor, called the B Corp Best for the World list, “honors businesses that earned an overall score in the top 10 percent of all Certified B Corporations on the B Impact Assessment.”

Vermont-based SunCommon earned recognition, the press release stated, “as one of the world’s 22 small businesses ‘Best for Environmental Impact,’” firms. SunCommon is Vermont’s largest residential solar business.

“Our very purpose is positive environmental impact, so it’s great to be recognized for trying to do our bit,” said SunCommon Co-President Duane Peterson.

Peterson added, “SunCommon believes that everyone has the right to a clean environment and safer world. Our mission is to knock down the barriers which have made renewable energy inaccessible. By making it easy and affordable to go solar, now everyday Vermonters can be part of the climate change solution by re-powering our state with clean, safe, renewable energy,” he said.

“In addition to helping over 700 Vermonters go solar, SunSolar’s commitment to positive environmental impact runs throughout its business process,” according to the news release. The company’s headquarters are in The Energy Mill, Vermont’s largest ‘net zero’ office building which generates more energy than it uses. The firm uses 18 high mileage vehicles, hybrid Toyota Priuses and electric Chevrolet Volts, and office-bound workers carpool, the firm said. On-site vegetable gardening, composting and rigorous recycling round out the employee-driven environmental initiatives at SunCommon.

Of being chosen for the B Lab honor, Peterson said, “The assessment process not only recognizes achievement but encourages betterment by identifying ways to improve yet. This B Corp program is a great tool for any venture seeking to use the power of business as a force for social and environmental change.”