CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Local businesses are pledging to go green.

The Community Climate Collaborative's Green Business Alliance added 10 new members, making its total membership 26.

Local businesses commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions on a five-year timeline.

Some new members are the UVA Community Credit Union and the Piedmont Housing Alliance.

C3 director Susan Kruse said their commitment gives her hope.

"These businesses have buildings, have markets, have stores in our community. And, to be reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in every building makes it a lot more likely that our entire community will be able to hit our emissions reductions goals," she said.

Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan, who is a long-time leader in climate policy, gave the keynote address.

Kruse said her attendance shows the importance of local businesses committing to change.