In June, seven Boston-area businesses were honored for taking a leadership role in reducing energy and other environmental strategies at the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce’s annual Green Business Breakfast Awards. Conscious Capitalism CEO Doug Rauch, the former president of Trader Joe’s and a Newton resident, delivered the Green Breakfast’s keynote address.

The Residence Inn Needham, which opened in the N2 Innovation Corridor last year, was named 2014 Needham Green Business of the Year for considering sustainability in design, construction and guest use of the hotel. Lasell College was named 2014 Newton Green Business of the Year for reducing environmental impact on its Auburndale campus in building maintenance, academic studies and community involvement. The Bulfinch Group of Needham received a Green Initiative Award for eliminating paper waste and maximizing office space by digitizing 18 years worth of files. Other award recipients included Byggmeister of Oak Hill Park in Newton, Commodore Builders, BigBelly Solar and Building 36, a start-up in Needham’s N2 Corridor.

In his remarks, Rauch discussed his newest business venture, a nonprofit solution to the issue of food waste, hunger and obesity that brings high-quality, affordable, nutritious food to inner cities.