Proposed Criteria
The Los Angeles Certified Green Business Program (GBP) proposed criteria are based on the criteria for the Bay Area Green Business Program.
Below you will find the general standards for all business and the specific proposed criteria for restaurants, auto repair and office/retail businesses. Other business sectors will be added as the program moves forward. The listed below criteria are for information only, and the final criteria may be different when the certification process formally begins in 2011.
Green Businesses practicing resource efficiency are assuming stewardship for the Earth and its resources, with the goals of achieving a successful business operation, a healthy bottom line, and sustenance of the environment and its inhabitants. A Green Business not only conserves resources but educates employees and customers about resource conservation.
To be certified a Green Business you must:
- Comply with all environmental regulations applicable to your business.
- Implement a variety of measures to save energy, water and other materials, and reduce waste. This checklist walks you through this step.
- Allow site visits to verify that your business meets the above two steps.
- Pledge to continue these terrific efforts to prevent pollution and conserve resources (including environmental compliance).
- Track water and energy usage and solid and hazardous waste generation.
- Provide 3 on-going incentives or training opportunities to encourage management and employee participation in the Green Business Program. For example, incorporate Green Business into:
-Performance appraisals, job descriptions, training programs,
employee orientations
-Your employee reference materials
-Your company newsletter or bulletins
-Your company suggestion and reward programs - Inform your customers about your business’ environmental efforts and what you are doing to meet the green business standards. For example:
-Post the Green Business logo, certification and pledge in a visible location.
-Post reminders listing steps you are taking to be a Green Business.
-Offer tours that highlight your Green Business successes.
-Offer customers “green” service or amenities options.
- Highlight your Green Business efforts and/or certification on your website, and link it to the GBP home page. - Assist at least one other business in learning about becoming a Green Business. Encourage them to enroll in the Green Business Program and provide their contact information to your GBP coordinator.
Specific proposed criteria for: