Community Segment: Business

Segment Liasion: Mark Sabin

Without the participation of our valued local businesses, Palo Alto cannot acheive our goals in sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reductions.  Businesses that become green certified and reduce energy, water and waste:

• save money;

• provide a healthier and often more productive environment for workers; and

• contribute to the health of community.

Success Stories and Listing of Palo Alto Certified Green Businesses

Green Business Programs and Initiatives

Palo Alto Business Goes Green

Palo Alto Business Goes Green (PABGG) is a program of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses in Palo Alto to sign up for the County's Green Business Certification program. The Chamber offers seminars and workshops to help businesses become green and Chamber businesses who have been through the certification process provide mentorship for others becoming green certified. For more information, contact PABGG Chair Carroll Harrington.

Green Business Certification

The Green Business Program is a voluntary regional program for certifying and recognizing businesses that operate using environmentally sound practices. The Program is primarily designed for small and medium sized businesses.

Businesses are evaluated on measures in four areas: water and energy conservation, pollution prevention, and solid waste reduction/recycling. The Program provides checklists for implementing the measures and provides flexibility for meeting them. 

The Program was developed by Bay Area local governments in collaboration with US EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business community. The Association of Bay Area Governments coordinates the Program, which is implemented by Green Business Coordinators in nine participating counties. The City of Palo Alto is a partner and provides funding for this Program.

How do I become a certified Green Business?

Contact the County of Santa Clara Green Business Coordinator and enroll in the Program. The County Coordinator will assist you with every step of the process- from reviewing the environmental measures your business has already implemented, scheduling water, energy and waste assessments, to identifying additional ways to improve your business practices.

Santa Clara County Green Business Coordinator

408-282-3169 or visit www.greenbiz.ca.gov/AboutUsSCC.html

Is there a cost to participate?

No, there is no charge to become a certified Green Business. Check-out the profiles of Palo Alto businesses that have been certified.

How long will it take to become a certified Green Business?

Most businesses can complete the process is two to six months.

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