SCS Joins DIRTT and B Lab to Raise Money for USGBC Urban Garden Projects in San Francisco at GreenBuild Networking Reception

A reception sponsored by B Lab, SCS Global Services, and DIRTT Environmental Solutions at the GreenBuild 2012 convention in San Francisco raised awareness and funds for two local US Green Building Council "legacy projects." The projects, focused on sustainable urban gardens, were selected by the 2012 GreenBuild Host Committee to create a lasting legacy and improve the quality of life among low-income communities in San Francisco. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/MM63583LOGO)

The Tenderloin Vertical is a vertical garden designed to maximize yields in an existing urban space in the heart of the Tenderloin district, while the Potrero Terrace Texas Street Farm is a community garden for a low-income housing complex on the eastern edge of San Francisco.  In addition to providing a local source of produce and revenue, these projects will train current and incoming residents about growing and maintaining an urban garden. Funds raised at the BLEND reception will support materials acquisition and construction, employment of local residents to maintain the gardens as well as outreach and educational programming.

Supporting community revitalization projects reflects the social responsibility that certified B Corporations assume. "The BLEND reception showcased the community of Certified B Corporations and GreenBuild industry leaders who are redefining success in business," said Andy Fyfe, Community Development Coordinator for B Lab. To be certified, companies must meet an exceptional level of social and environmental performance and make a legal amendment in their bylaws to consider all stakeholders in their decision-making.  Over 650 companies, across 20 countries have been certified to date.

Representing the Certified B Corporation community were BLEND cohosts SCS Global Services and DIRTT Environmental Solutions.  SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development. DIRTT Environmental Solutions is a modular walls manufacturer, with pre-engineered interior solutions that provide an alternative to conventional stud and drywall construction.  Other Certified B Corporations featured at BLEND included Love & Hummus, Farmigo, Equator Coffee, Numi Organic Tea, Fearless Chocolate, VEEV, Guayaki, World Centric, Indigenous Designs, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, Alter Eco, Dharma Merchant Services, EO Products, and the hosting space: HUB Bay Area.

"We are excited to have been able to play a role in financially supporting these important legacy projects in our own backyard, while also creating a unique and stimulating networking opportunity for GreenBuild attendees," said Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice-President.  SCS Global Services is headquartered in Emeryville, just across the Bay from the site of the event and the locations of the urban gardening projects.

The BLEND reception, attended by more than 700 conference participants, was held at HUB Bay Area. HUB Bay Area is an innovative community workspace representing over 1,000 entrepreneurs working toward world-changing solutions. HUB Global represents 5 continents with over 4,000 members.  

SCS Global Services (SCS) has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for nearly thirty years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is accredited to provide services under a wide range of nationally and internationally recognized certification programs.  Consistent with its mission, SCS is a chartered benefit corporation in the state of California, and a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

B Lab.  B Lab is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves a global movement of entrepreneurs using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Lab serves these entrepreneurs through three interrelated initiatives that provide them the legal infrastructure and help them attract the customers, talent, and capital to scale.