Green Business Program

(Please note:  The San Diego Area Green Business Program is not currently enrolling new applicants for recognition.  Tips and resources are offered below to assist businesses to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.)

The goal of the San Diego Area Green Business Program is to encourage "green" practices among businesses in the region by offering tools to implement more efficient and sustainable business operations.  

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 is in compliance with environmental regulations and takes voluntary steps beyond compliance in the areas of:

• Pollution Prevention
• Energy Conservation
• Water Conservation
• Solid Waste Reduction

List of Previously Recognized Green Business Program Participants

Tools & Resources

Assessment checklists are available for the following business sectors:

• Auto Business
• Food Facilities
• Commercial Offices  

 Links

• Energy Conservation
  • California Center for Sustainable Energy: 
    (858) 244-1177
    www.energycenter.org
  • San Diego Gas & Electric / Sempra Energy:
    (800) 644-6133
    www.sdge.com/business
• Water Conservation  
  • San Diego County Water Authority:
    (858) 522-6600
    www.sdcwa.org  
• Solid Waste Reduction/Recycling
  • California Integrated Waste Mgmt. Board:
    (916) 341-6363 
    http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BizWaste/factsheets/
  • Countyof San Diego, Dept. of Public Works, Recycling (Unincorporated Areas)
    http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/recyclinghome.html
• Pollution Prevention
  • Best Management Practices
    www.projectcleanwater.org/bmp
  • San DiegoRegional Stormwater Hotline:
    (888) 846-0800
  • Western Regional P2 Network
    www.wrppn.org/hub/index.cfm

Training Opportunities

• SDG&E Food Service and other Business Seminars
• California Center for Sustainable Energy – Energy Training
• San Diego Environmental Training Center - provides a forum for assistance, training development, audit, and outreach services to businesses requiring compliance with Federal, California OSHA, EPA, and other environmental, health and safety regulations
• Solana Center for Environmental Innovation - Provides environmental education and workshops for residents and businesses on topics such as composting and use of re-refined motor oil.

Contact Information

• Automotive Repair - Susan Hahn, Pollution Prevention Specialist, Hazardous Materials Division, 619-338-2324
• Food Facilities and Commercial Offices - KariLyn Merlos, REHS, Community Health Division, 858-495-5799
• E-mail:  Green.Business@sdcounty.ca.gov