POTSDAM -- Mark Curran, co-owner of Black River Produce, will speak at Clarkson University about building an environmentally responsible business Friday, April 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the student center’s multi-purpose rooms.

By developing markets for Vermont farmers and building a business that is increasingly fueled by alternative energy, Curran and his co-owner, Steve Birge, have created a model of a sustainable, profitable business.

“The cheapest watt is the watt you don’t use,” said Curran in a recent issue of RenewableEnergyWorld.com. “We redid our lighting to make it more efficient. Our refrigeration system is computer-controlled. We power our fleet of trucks with vegetable oil from our restaurants converted to bio-diesel. And now, we’re investing in ourselves and our environment with solar power.”

“Our goal is to get as much local food on the plate as possible. Over 22 percent of our sales were locally raised products from more than 120 Vermont farms. Being socially responsible fits our philosophy,” said Curran.