ssbn and its member businesses represent a local living economy organized around the components or building blocks of a sustainable system -- Retail; Food & Farming; Building; and Energy:

Retail
Retail businesses are a fundamental part of a local marketplace for goods.  Look for the window decals highlighting our Think Local First Campaign, which recognizes these businesses and encourages local residents to vote with their dollars by supporting local retailers.

Food & Farming
Lancaster and York Counties and surrounding areas are known as having some of the finest farmland, farmers, and farm products anywhere in the world.  The Buy Fresh/Buy Local Campaign is an important event during the heart of the growing season to recognize and celebrate the healthy connections residents enjoy by buying and eating local produce, meats, dairy and other farm and food products crafted right here in the lower Susquehanna River valley. 

Building
As our region continues to grow economically, the need for smart growth, green building, and historic preservation is greater than ever.  Sustainability means growth that protects our vital farmland, forests and water supplies and revitalizes our downtowns, growth that creates a built environment which is not dependent on perpetuating an overdependency on automobiles and oil, and growth that uses resources and energy in a way that reduces our collective "ecological footprint" on the planet.

Energy
Shifting our consumption of energy to renewable sources and energy conservation is one of the most important ways that community institutions, individuals and businesses can reduce our local and global environmental impact. 

Climate, Energy and Water Communications Resources (Excel Download)

Energy Cost vs. Value (Excel Download)