Contra Costa County

Our Newsletter Check out the July 2012 edition of Staying Green! Mission of the Green Business Program: To strengthen and sustain the quality of the environment in Contra Costa County through a collaborative partnership of public and private organizations that encourages, enables and recognizes businesses taking action to prevent pollution and conserve resources. Watch our video to hear our Green Businesses discuss the benefits of being certified green! What 76 Environmentally Friendly auto repair shops can save... 22 hot tubs of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) - not purchased and contributing to air pollution Over 15 swimming pools of water polluted with oil, grease and antifreeze - not reaching storm drains, creeks, the Bay & Delta 10 pick-up truck loads of contaminated absorbent materials such as kitty litter - not reaching our landfills A new two-story house full of cardboard that's now being recycled

Why We're Doing this Program

Many moved to Contra Costa for the beauty of the hills and the water. We want to protect this environment in every way. Working with our businesses to green their operations—and recognizing them for their inspiring efforts—is one more way to do this. We want to show that a business can be both green and profitable at the same time. And we want to encourage residents to shop at these local businesses to support them.

Our Accomplishments Thus Far

We have certified over 350 businesses in Contra Costa! Including a large number of the auto repair shops, landscapers, printers, grocery and hardware stores, solar panel installers, home remodelers, and everything in between!

Numerous public agencies have been certified because the partners think it's important to show that government is walking the same walk as the private sector.

The Bay Area Green Business Program received the coveted Governor's Award for Environmental & Economic Leadership—because of our successful work in promoting sustainability with businesses.

But by far the most important accomplishments have been the actions taken by businesses to protect and preserve our environment. We believe that what's good for the environment is also good for business.

Statewide Program Expansion

The Green Business Certification Program has gone from local/regional to statewide! With the passage of AB 913 in October 2011, we now have support from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to increase coordination of Green Business Programs throughout the State. With new programs being formed in jurisdictions from San Diego to Humboldt, this is a much welcomed collaboration! All programs will continue to be operated at the local level.

Partners

Contra Costa Hazardous Materials, Contra Costa Clean Water Program, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Mt. View Sanitary District, West County Wastewater District, Richmond Wastewater, San Ramon Valley Fire, West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Martinez, Pittsburg, San Ramon & Walnut Creek; Contra Costa County Watershed Program, Contra Costa Water District, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, PG&E, 511 Contra Costa, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Numerous other organizations provide program support.

For More Information

Claudia Pingatore
925/335-3220
cpingatore@hsd.cccounty.us

Paris Greenlee
925/335-3213
Paris.Greenlee@hsd.cccounty.us