ReNew Mexico has had the privilege of partnering with a growing number of hardworking and dedicated organizations across New Mexico who are committed to improving the economic and sustainable well-being of our communities. For this reason, we are kicking off a new series that showcases the incredible work they are doing, how they have overcome the barrage of challenges this past year, and what their plans are for the future.
We are honored to launch this series with an interview with our partner, the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce (SFGCC). SFGCC has been a longtime force for social equity and environmental preservation, growing Santa Fe’s economic prosperity. This past year they have been focused on providing resources for small local businesses and working to implement a water conservation program for restaurants. SFGCC has worked to grow that list of participants for this program and faced difficulties because of concern over new and changing COVID-19 regulations.
SFGCC is strongly focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, and advocating for more sustainable business practices. The Chamber is partnering with the City of Santa Fe’s Mayor Webber and Santa Fe County, and hope to see CARES Act funding to help create jobs and community college programs in energy efficiency. At the regional and national levels, the Chamber was involved with advocating and lobbying for addressing the methane cloud that was detected over part of New Mexico. Members of the chamber examined the real economic impacts associated with methane and worked alongside other organizations like Western Environmental Law Center and the Environmental Defense Fund. The Santa Fe Green Chamber is also involved with advocating for community solar and organizing the Drive Electric week.
SFGCC is also continuing to build their energy efficiency and water conservation programs with a focus this upcoming year on networking to hotels, as hotels are the biggest water users. The Santa Fe Chamber began testing out a new water meter in eight different restaurants to learn the water behavior in the buildings. Their water conservation program has a potential to save an estimated 22 million gallons of water.
They are also highly supportive of building the renewable energy industry. The Chamber believes that wind energy in particular has the potential to create high paying jobs and create boosts into local economies. The pricing of renewable energy is cost competitive and making these transitions is achievable. Glenn believes that the state of New Mexico has the capacity to be an energy center.
At ReNew Mexico, we look forward to working with the Santa Fe Green Chamber and hope our collaborative efforts can make a better New Mexico in 2021.