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Becoming Green

The Sonoma Green Business Program is a partnership of government agencies and utilities that assists, recognizes, and promotes local organizations that demonstrate a commitment to higher environmental performance. To be certified green, participants must:

  • Be in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations
  • Meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution, and minimizing waste.

The Bay Area Green Business Program has developed a series of sector-specific checklists of environmental best practices, providing an easy-to-use framework to help businesses meet program standards.

Businesses Served

The Sonoma Green Business Program serves local organizations, focusing on small- to medium-sized consumer-oriented businesses. We currently have checklists for the following sectors: hotels, restaurants, office and retail operations, wineries, auto body, auto repair, printers, dental offices, garment cleaners (wet or CO2 systems only) landscape design and maintenance, painters, and remodelers. If your business does not fall into these sectors, you may still be eligible to apply. Please contact the Green Business Coordinator who will enroll you if you are eligible and direct you to other programs if you are not.

Other programs that recognize environmentally responsible businesses include U.S. EPA Performance Track, LEED, ISO 14001, Business Environmental Alliance’s Partners Program, Petaluma Build It Green, Santa Rosa - Build It Green and Sonoma Valley Green Business Program.

At this time, the Sonoma Green Business Program is unable to certify home-based businesses, virtual offices, large-scale manufacturers, large construction companies, or businesses that paint and/or remove nail polish. Please also note that the Sonoma Green Business Program requires conservation assessments in water, energy, and solid waste and recycling. If your business is located outside the service area of our partner agencies--Sonoma County Water Agency, PG&E, and the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency--your business will have to finance assessments performed by qualified experts. Please contact the Green Business Coordinator at SonomaGreen@sonoma-county.org for more information.

Steps to Become Green

Step 1: Apply

Complete the application and release form and email to SonomaGreen@sonoma-county.org or fax to (707) 565-7231.

Step 2: Checklist Completion and Compliance Check

Upon notification of your acceptance, you will receive the appropriate Green Business checklist for your sector. The checklist outlines compliance measures in resource conservation and pollution prevention. Please complete the checklist, only marking off measures that are currently being implemented by your business. Please add any notes or comments in the space provided at the bottom of every page. We encourage your business to not only meet these standards, but also exceed them, demonstrating your commitment to sound environmental practices. If your business does not meet program standards, the Business Environmental Alliance will provide you with resources and assistance. Also, at this time, if operating in a regulated industry, we will confirm with regulatory agencies that your business is in compliance with all environmental regulations.

Step 3: Onsite Conservation Assessments

After we receive your completed checklist and confirm your business is in compliance, if applicable, you will receive onsite assessments by representatives from our partner agencies. These area experts will verify the resource conservation and pollution prevention practices already being implemented (as marked on your completed checklist) and recommend measures that may lower your operating costs. Your business will receive assessments from the following agencies or their third-party contractors:

The Sonoma Green Business Program can provide free onsite assessments if your business is located within the service areas of the above partner agencies. If you are located outside a utility service area, you will have to finance the assessment of your site. Please contact the Green Business Coordinator to get a list of approved auditors.

Step 4: Reap the Benefits of Being Green

Once it is verified that your business meets the Green Business standards, you will be recognized by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and receive a packet with your award certificate, window decal, and completed checklist. You will have access to the Green Business logo to use on your web site and on your marketing materials. We will also provide free marketing on your behalf and post your business in our Green Business Listings. Green business certification is valid for three years, and then you may apply for re-certification. Additionally, Green Business certification is site-specific so it will not transfer if you change your business location.

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