Bottom Line: Green business certification is a marketing asset, cost cutting measure, energy saver, workforce morale booster and overall smart business strategy.
The Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership between cities, counties, environmental agencies, and utility companies that assist businesses in transitioning to practices that are environmentally friendly. There is often an upfront time and dollar investment in gaining green business certification, but almost all businesses agree the savings are worth it after a short payback period. The largest cost saving efforts usually include waste reduction and recycling, lighting upgrades, water conservation, and sourcing recycled products. Local colleges and universities may have graduate level students that are willing to help with energy audits and compliance reviews. Once a business satisfies the requirements on the green business checklist, including visits by PG&E and the water agency, the Green Business Coordinator verifies the results.
Green businesses have the responsibility of educating at least one other business about the process and maintaining their commitment to the spirit of the program. Counties and Green Business Coordinators try to make the process as straightforward as possible by providing resources and recommendations for interested parties. Due to the high interest, there is currently a ‘line' of businesses awaiting official certification. While this program is not available in all cities in San Mateo County as of April 2009, all organizations are encouraged to meet green business standards because they can often enjoy the cost savings and environmental benefits even if they have to wait for official certification.
Take Action:
The Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership between cities, counties, environmental agencies, and utility companies that assist businesses in transitioning to practices that are environmentally friendly. There is often an upfront time and dollar investment in gaining green business certification, but almost all businesses agree the savings are worth it after a short payback period. The largest cost saving efforts usually include waste reduction and recycling, lighting upgrades, water conservation, and sourcing recycled products. Local colleges and universities may have graduate level students that are willing to help with energy audits and compliance reviews. Once a business satisfies the requirements on the green business checklist, including visits by PG&E and the water agency, the Green Business Coordinator verifies the results.Green businesses have the responsibility of educating at least one other business about the process and maintaining their commitment to the spirit of the program. Counties and Green Business Coordinators try to make the process as straightforward as possible by providing resources and recommendations for interested parties. Due to the high interest, there is currently a ‘line' of businesses awaiting official certification. While this program is not available in all cities in San Mateo County as of April 2009, all organizations are encouraged to meet green business standards because they can often enjoy the cost savings and environmental benefits even if they have to wait for official certification.
Take Action:
- Contact Green Business Coordinator Danielle Lee at 650/599-1468 or e-mail dlee@co.sanmateo.ca.us
- View the green business checklist at www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov or www.RecycleWorks.org
- Find sources for green products or services by visiting http://www.greenbiz.ca.gov/GreenResources.html
- Resource Directory:
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