The goal of the San Diego Area Green Business Program is to promote "green" practices among businesses in the region by assisting businesses to operate in an environmentally efficient manner, and to recognize businesses that meet environmental compliance and conservation criteria.
The San Diego Area Green Business Program Steering Committee began meeting in 2002 to establish a cooperative regional effort that proactively assists businesses to come into full compliance with environmental regulations and encourages businesses to take extra steps towards pollution prevention and resource conservation. This Steering Committee was initiated through a partnership with the San Diego/Imperial County Pollution Prevention Committee, the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Division, and Project Clean Water.
The Program works with various community groups to support local green outreach efforts such as the "Negocio Verde" (Green Business) Project in South San Diego County.
Why Be Green?
- Reduces waste and utility costs
- Improves systems and equipment performance
- Attracts environmentally conscious customers
- Provides a safer working environment
What is a Green Business?
A Green Business meets standards in the following areas:
- Environmental Compliance
- Pollution Prevention
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Solid Waste Reduction
List of Current Green Business Program Participants
Benefits of Participating in the Green Business Program include:
- Sticker - To prominently display in your window
- Certificate of Participation - Suitable for framing and displaying at your place of business
- Public Information Fact Sheet - For display to your customers
- Assistance with conservation efforts and compliance issues
Eligible Businesses includes:
- Food Facilities
- Automotive Repair Facilities
- Commercial Offices
The Green Business Program is currently being piloted to Commercial Offices, and soon plans to expand to retail businesses.
Five steps to Becoming a Green Business
- Adopt, post for customers, and circulate to employees the Green Business Pledge.
- Designate a Green Business Coordinator or team that will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining Green Business efforts.
- Demonstrate compliance with regulatory programs addressing:
- Public health protection
- Hazardous waste/materials
- Air emissions
- Storm water protection
- Other environmental regulations
- Institute the following general practices:
- Track use of resources
- Provide employee incentives and training
- Inform customers about your efforts to become a Green Business
- Introduce another business to the Green Business Program
- "Work Smart" by making green practices the standard way of doing business
- Complete the Green Business checklist, meeting minimum measures. You may contact us for free assistance.
Contact Information
- Automotive Repair - Susan Hahn, Pollution Prevention Specialist, Hazardous Materials Division, 619-338-2324
- Food Facilities and Commercial Offices - KariLyn Merlos, Pollution Prevention Specialist, Community Health Division, 858-495-5799
- E-mail: Green.Business@sdcounty.ca.gov
Meetings
Joint meetings of the Green Business Steering Committee and the San Diego & Imperial Counties Pollution Prevention Committee take place quarterly. All interested parties are welcome to attend!
June 12, 2008
10:00 - 12:00 am
County of San Diego - Department of Environmental Health
9325 Hazard Way, 3rd Floor Conference Room
San Diego, CA 92123
Training Opportunities
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