San Mateo County Green Business Program

The San Mateo County Green Business Program verifies that businesses meet higher standards of environmental performance. Our partnership of government agencies and utilities helps local businesses comply with all environmental regulations and take actions to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and minimize waste. We offer motivated businesses and agencies an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance.

Why Go Green?

Going Green makes good business sense! Not only does it minimize your environmental impact, it also helps your bottom line. Green businesses:

  • Save money and resources by reducing energy, water, and garbage usage
  • Reduce their impact on Climate Change
  • Improve employee morale and create a healthy workplace
  • Strengthen their bottom line through operating efficiencies and innovations
  • Are recognized and marketed as environmental leaders in their communities

Certified Green Businesses receive recognition through:

  • Green Business Program websites:http://greenbiz.abag.ca.gov/ and www.RecycleWorks.org
  • Listing in the printed regional Bay Area Green Business Directory
  • Use of the Green Business logo on business materials
  • Special recognition event and press coverage
  • Window decal, certificate and promotional material

green building


Becoming Green — the Process

The Green Business Program recognizes businesses that comply with all environmental regulations and take steps to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. To become a certified Green Business:

  1. Enroll at www.greenbusinessca.org.
  2. Complete checklist of required and voluntary measures and implement necessary measures to prevent pollution and to conserve resources. Additional meetings are required with technical experts such as PG&E and the water agency.
  3. Once the items above are completed, the Countywide Green Business Coordinator will conduct a final check of your application through a site visit.
  4. You will then receive your Green Business Certification!

Remember your business may already be doing a lot to go green. If so, you can take credit for what you've already implemented. Your local Green Business Coordinator will work with you throughout the process and help identify the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the program.

Checklist

Once you apply to the program, your city coordinator will contact you and ask you to complete a green business certification checklist. While the checklist is not available until you apply, below is a sample of some of the measures green businesses have completed as part of their certification process.

Some Actions Green Businesses Have Taken:

  • Buying recycled content paper and copying double-sided
  • Using efficient lighting systems to save energy
  • Promoting walking, biking, or public transit or buying alternative energy/hybrid vehicles
  • Remodeling with green materials such as low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint
  • Conserving water with low-flow toilets and faucet aerators

Note: Independent consultants and non-profit organizations offer coaching and assistance to businesses seeking to improve their environmental performance. These consultants can help you identify and implement environmentally responsible measures, but can't officially verify that you have met the standards and achieved Green Business status. The Green Business Program is not affiliated with any coaches or consultants.

Is My Business Eligible?

The San Mateo County Green Business Program serves small- to medium-sized consumer-oriented businesses. We currently have checklists for the following industries: auto services, printing, hotels, restaurants, landscape design and maintenance, remodeling, garment cleaning (using wet cleaning or CO2 systems exclusively), dentists, wineries, and office and retail operations. Other businesses may be eligible.

The Green Business program is currently available in the following cities in San Mateo County:

  • Belmont
  • Burlingame
  • Daly City
  • Half Moon Bay
  • Millbrae
  • Pacifica
  • Portola Valley
  • Redwood City
  • San Bruno
  • San Carlos
  • Unincorporated San Mateo County

If your business is located in a city outside of the current program or is a different business type, Fill-out an application to be put on a waiting-list and to receive future updates on the program. For information on becoming a Green Business in other Bay Area Counties visit: www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/enviro/gbus/CountyCoordinators.html

For information on the regional Green Business Program, please visit: www.greenbiz.ca.gov

San Mateo County Green Business Program:
Resources