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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 County 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 services, printing, landscape design and maintenance, and remodeling. 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.

Steps to Become Green

Step 1: Apply

Complete the application 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. Please complete the checklist, only marking off measures that are currently being implemented by your business. 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 practices already being implemented 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 website 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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