Understanding the Value Chain: Your Role and Its Business Impact
2025-02-26 11:45 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | WSP Office, 40 La Riviere Drive, Buffalo, NY
Companies of all sizes are increasingly incentivized to calculate greenhouse gas emissions to satisfy regulatory requirements, voluntary standards, and customer expectations.
Drawing on their experience guiding companies through customer, investor, and regulatory expectations for reporting upstream and downstream GHG emissions, WSP experts VP Laurie Kutina and Project Director Sarah Quintal will lead this session, offering attendees the opportunity to learn:

What is the value chain, and how do Scope 3 emissions fit into it?
Why does it matter?
What does it look like to measure and report these emissions?
How does addressing value chain emissions advance climate action?

WSP will be joined by Kayla Foxen, Global ESG Manager at Bausch + Lomb, who will share insights from her company’s journey in launching Scope 3 emissions reporting.
Whether you're navigating new requirements, aiming to meet voluntary sustainability standards, or seeking to strengthen your market position, this session will provide insights on how businesses can benefit from the integration of value chain considerations into their overall sustainability strategy.
Please join us on Wednesday, 2/26/25, from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM at the WSP office on Buffalo’s Waterfront, 40 La Riviere Drive, Suite 320 Buffalo, NY. Lunch will be provided.
When: Wednesday, February 26, 11:45 - 1:15 pm
Where: 40 La Riviere Drive, Suite 320 Buffalo, NY
Cost: $25 for Members, $30 for nonmembers
Attention Employees of Member Businesses: SBR is transitioning to a new event registration system. Create a profile that will link you with your organization and simplify future event registration. Your profile must be linked with your employer’s membership to receive member pricing for events.
Once your profile is created, we will activate your membership with your organization. You will receive an email confirmation confirming the process is complete. If you have any questions or need assistance registering for the event, please contact Bea Goldthwait.

Register Here

Buffalo Niagara's Climate Challenge
2025-03-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Fattey Beer Co, 5 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY
A happy hour with purpose - network, strategize, and drive real climate action.
Join SBR on March 13th for a one-of-a-kind climate action happy hour where networking makes real impact.
SBR is partnering with the University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI) for Buffalo Niagara's Climate Challenge. This interactive experience will have you working alongside other participants to develop strategies for reducing emissions in our region in a casual and supportive environment.
Your input will directly shape the One Region Forward Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, a crucial roadmap for the region's climate future. The plan will identify key actions, assess their impact, and highlight community and workforce benefits, all aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient Buffalo Niagara.
Whether you're deeply involved in sustainability or just starting to explore climate action, this event offers the perfect opportunity to learn from fellow participants, discover diverse strategies, and expand your professional network. Open to anyone passionate about building a more resilient Buffalo Niagara, you'll engage with professionals across industries, exchange ideas, and connect with our vibrant sustainability community over a beer. Every ticket comes with a free drink to enjoy during the evening.
When: Thursday, March 13, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: 5 Genesee St, Buffalo NY
Cost: $19.99 for Members, $24.99 for Nonmembers
Attention Employees of Member Businesses: SBR is transitioning to a new event registration system. Create a profile that will link you with your organization and simplify future event registration. Your profile must be linked with your employer’s membership to receive member pricing for events.
Once your profile is created, we will activate your membership with your organization. You will receive an email confirmation confirming the process is complete. If you have any questions or need assistance registering for the event, please contact Bea Goldthwait.

Register Here

The Business Of Energy
2025-04-29 08:00 - 10:00 | Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216
The clean energy transition is reshaping Western New York’s business landscape, creating new challenges and opportunities across industries. Whether you own a small business, lead a mid-sized company, or operate in manufacturing, understanding the evolving energy sector is critical to staying ahead.
Join the WNY Business Leadership Forum for The Business of Energy: Clean Power, Local Impact, featuring expert insights from Jon Powers, Co-Founder & President of CleanCapital, and Matt Ferguson, Partner at Lippes Mathias and former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy.
The session will provide a deep dive into how renewable energy development, federal policies, and increased local investment are transforming the region—and how businesses of all sizes can benefit.
Following the keynote discussion, a panel of local energy and business leaders will share their perspectives on navigating the intersection of energy policy, economic development, and business growth in WNY.
Key Discussion Topics:

How clean energy investment is fueling local job creation, supply chain expansion, and economic development.
The role of solar, energy storage, and renewables in meeting rising energy demands from industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing.
The impact of evolving federal policies, tax incentives, and funding opportunities on WNY businesses.
Actionable insights on how your business can participate in—and profit from—the clean energy shift.

This event is complimentary to attend, but space is limited. RSVP is required.
When: Tuesday, April 29, 8:00 - 10:00 am
Where: Buffalo History Museum
Cost: Free, RSVP required

More Information

Register Here

What's New in Renewables Happy Hour
2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 | BNMC Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Whether you are just starting to explore the world of renewables or looking to deepen your understanding, the What's New in Renewables Happy Hour is a great place to be. Join SBR for complimentary drinks, networking, and discussions about what's happening now with renewables.
Meet and chat with industry experts and project leaders who are driving real change. No pressure, no jargon, just great conversation. Come learn about the latest developments in renewable technology and sustainable projects.
When: Thursday, May 22, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: BNMC Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St. Buffalo, NY
Cost: $10.00 Member, $19.99 Nonmember

Register Here

2025 Annual Meeting
2025-06-24 17:00 - 20:00 | Delaware North Global Headquarters, 250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14202
Mark your calendars! The WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 24, from 5–8 PM at the Delaware North Global Headquarters in downtown Buffalo.
With several new initiatives on the horizon, this is the perfect moment to come together as a community, reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and look ahead to where SBR is going next. You’ll hear about our direction for the coming year and have the chance to help shape it by sharing your ideas, connecting with fellow members, and voicing the needs of your business and the broader community.
We ask that each member organization send at least one representative, and we also welcome colleagues or peer businesses who are not currently SBR members.
We look forward to our Annual Meeting on June 24th and the chance to connect with our members. Please register by June 20th.
When: Tuesday, June 24, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Delaware North Global Headquarters, 250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Cost: Free for Members, $15 Nonmember

Register Here

Sustainable Business Forum at Chautauqua: How WNY Businesses are Protecting our Water Resources
2025-07-16 12:30 - 14:00 | Chautauqua Institution Smith Wilkes Hall
This event is an exclusive opportunity for SBR members.
Western New York is blessed with abundant water resources, from Lake Erie to Chautauqua Lake and countess rivers, streams and wetlands in between. This make our region attractive to people and businesses across the U.S., especially as many other areas struggle with expanding drought and other climate threats. But as with freshwater resources globally, our waters suffer ongoing environmental challenges. Fortunately, the Western New York business community is stepping up to address these challenges through innovative technologies and practices. Our July 16 forum features five Western New York business leaders who are stepping up to the challenge of safeguarding our water resources.
SBR Members: Access Your Member Registration Code
If you're an SBR member, you received your registration instructions and code in an email sent on June 18, 2025, with the subject line:“Exclusive Invitation: Join Us at Chautauqua for the Sustainable Business Forum.”
To get free parking, simply add both the Forum pass and Main Lot Parking for July 16th to your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. (Main Lot Parking can be found under "Lectures & Daily Tickets" on the site menu.)
Chautauqua Institution, one of America’s premiere arts and cultural institutions, located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, is please to host this forum and offer free access to WNSBR members on July 16 to all our programming, plus an exclusive happy hour for WNYSBR members. Moreover, July 15 is the Institution’s annual “Buffalo Day” where we offer free access to all residents of the greater Buffalo region. If you’d like to come on July 15 and stay over for the July 16 forum, check out our accommodation options here: https://www.chq.org/visit/accommodations/. We highly recommend you book overnight accommodations ASAP as space is limited.

Register Now!

Buffalo River Clean Up
2025-08-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Thomas F Higgins Park, 152 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, 14220
Join us for an afternoon of hands-on service along the Buffalo River! Connect with fellow SBR members as we help care for one of our region's most iconic waterways. After volunteering, stick around for casual networking and a happy hour at a local bar.
Supplies and water will be provided for volunteers. Parking at the park will be limited! We encourage our volunteers to carpool whenever possible.

Register Now!

Building WNY's Sustainable Workforce
2025-09-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Northland Workforce Training Center, 683 Northland Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14211
Join SBR for a panel discussion highlighting how workforce training programs across Western New York are preparing talent, strengthening the regional economy, and growing the region’s sustainable workforce. This event will introduce businesses to a variety of local workforce development programs.
Panelists will share how their organizations are developing the skills needed for a sustainable workforce and the resources available to employers. Attendees will learn how businesses can engage to address hiring needs, grow talent, and build lasting partnerships.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Featured Speakers:
Stephen Tucker, President & CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center
Richard Hanaburgh, Workforce Dev & Recruitment Manager, PUSH Buffalo Sustainability Workforce Training Center
Sandra Bleckman, Director of Workforce Development, NYPA
Mary Ruelle, Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives, TechBuffalo
Moderator: Linda Batycki, Senior Program Manager, WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition

Register Now!

Inside GreenForce
2025-10-28 16:30 - 18:00 | Viridi Parente, 1001 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14215, United States
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Viridi and the GreenForce workforce development program. Discover how Viridi is powering a cleaner future and discover how GreenForce is preparing skilled talent to meet the region’s growing demand for sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing jobs. This guided tour will showcase innovative technology, training opportunities, and real-world career pathways driving Western New York’s green economy.
GreenForce helps individuals find and secure employment through comprehensive support, including job search guidance, career counseling, and skill development. Formerly focused solely on training employees for Viridi, GreenForce has recently expanded to provide qualified workers to a variety of organizations across the region.
After the tour, stay for networking and an opportunity to discuss workforce development challenges and solutions with fellow attendees.
Viridi requests that everyone wear safety glasses on the tour. Please bring your own if you have them!
​

Register Now!

2025 Sustainable Business Summit
2025-11-19 11:00 - 18:30 | The Richardson Hotel, 444 Forest Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14213
The Sustainable Business Summit is the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable’s annual flagship event and the region’s premier platform for sustainable business leadership.
This year’s Summit will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the historic Richardson Hotel in Buffalo, NY. The 2025 theme, The Future We Build Today, invites us to explore what’s possible when bold sustainability goals are paired with practical, actionable strategies.
The half-day program will feature an inspiring keynote speaker, expert-led breakout sessions, and energizing networking, all designed to help turn sustainability ideas into practical action.
Tickets are available now!

Learn More

Conscious Cup
2026-02-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Socotra Yemeni Coffee House, 671 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY, 14218
In the spirit of the new year, we’re kicking off our Conscious Cup initiative! Beginning in January and extending through April, Conscious Cup meetings will offer a space for SBR members to meet and connect in a casual setting on the second and third Tuesdays of each month.
No registration is required! Mark your calendars and come meet us for a cup of coffee.
Schedule:
2nd Tuesdays - Facilitated by Fenna Mandolang (716-504-7474)

Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Location: Socotra Yemeni Coffee House, Lackawanna
Dates: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14

3rd Tuesdays - Facilitated by Jenny Bruce (716-279-9884)

Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Five Points Bakery, Buffalo West Side
Dates: Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 17, Apr 21

Conscious Cup
2026-02-17 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-17 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-04-21 08:00 - 09:00 | Five Points Bakery, 44 Brayton St, Buffalo, NY, 14213

Operational Sustainability: From Policy to Practice
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:30
Join SBR for a practical 90-minute session designed to help businesses develop and implement effective internal sustainability policies.
This free webinar will begin with a presentation from Executive Director Anna Attea covering the business case, development process, and core components of internal sustainability policies followed by an optional hands-on workshop where you'll begin drafting or refining policies tailored to your business.
Attendees are encouraged to bring any existing sustainability policy you'd like to review and improve. Perfect for business owners, operations managers, and sustainability champions ready to move from intention to action.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: Zoom

Register Now!

Muddled Together: A Member Appreciation Celebration
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Mint Mojito Bar, 1225 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY, 14213
In partnership with LED Energy Solutions, SBR is bringing together current and future members to celebrate sustainable businesses in WNY.
As a part of this celebration, we welcome new organizations interested in learning more about SBR. Members are encouraged to bring a guest and introduce them to the inspiring individuals and organizations that make our community so great.
Join us to connect with fellow members, meet new people, and look ahead to a productive season. Enjoy delicious food and drink at Mint Mojito Bar accompanied by meaningful conversations. Every ticket purchased comes with light appetizers and two drinks. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
We look forward to celebrating you and this vibrant community as we enter this season of growth.
Date & Time: March 12, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Mint Mojito Bar, 1225 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Tickets: $20 member, $25 nonmember
About our Partner:
LED Energy Solutions (LEDES), based in Buffalo, NY, helps cities, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the public and private sectors modernize energy infrastructure through LED lighting, HVAC optimization, geothermal systems, solar, wind turbines, and EV charging stations — delivered through a proprietary performance-funded model. Projects require no upfront capital and are structured to produce positive cash flow from day one, enabling organizations to achieve their Zero Net Energy goals without capital outlay.

Register Now!

Navigating Climate Mitigation Policy in Buffalo Niagara
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
​Join SBR and the UB Regional Institute to explore the recently released Buffalo Niagara Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), tools for implementing the plan’s recommended actions, and the evolving policy landscape shaping climate action in the region.
​This virtual session will examine how state and federal policies are impacting key sectors, including commercial buildings, transportation, and energy generation, and what that means for local businesses. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the roadmap for climate action in Buffalo Niagara, practical steps to comply with or leverage new or emerging policies, and how incentives, funding opportunities, and regional collaboration can help support and advance climate action in Western New York.
Date & Time: April 14, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Tickets: Free

Register Now!
