Georgiy, 15, USA - The Next Big Step organization is a non-profit group that operates to convert small communities to more environmentally conscious, “green”, habits. The group will introduce itself to small businesses concerned with being both environmentally responsible and surviving these tough economic times.

NBS will perform an energy audit and calculate the negative impact of the business on the environment and their pocketbook. In particular we will investigate wasteful areas such as: light bulbs, heating and ventilating systems, air conditioning, unnecessary use of electricity, of water, plastic bags instead of paper ones, and the lack of a recycling program.

We will then formulate a method that will create a smooth transition, be partly paid for by NBS and partly by the client. The transition will correct all of their energy inefficiencies and install new, environmentally friendly items into their facility.

After completing the installation we will leave the company and return six months to a year later to evaluate the energy efficiency of their facilities and how much they have saved as a result of the transition. If they have saved as much as we had calculated, then they will return us our original investment thus keeping our company sustainable.

NBS: Georgiy, Oliver, Blake and Mallory