Green Business Program: Certification in SB County

Earning a certificate from the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County means that you have made a commitment to your community and the future success of your business – a commitment to go above and beyond basic environmental requirements.

The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County is part of the California Green Business Program, a network of local programs operated by counties and cities throughout California. The program provides resources and assistance to businesses wanting to be green, and certifies businesses through workshops, training, on-site visits, and evaluation. Creating a Commuter Benefits program with Traffic Solutions is one of the steps to become certified.

Getting Certified

The Green Business Program uses a method of workshops and checklists to evaluate your business operations, determine sustainability measures already in place, and assist you in implementing additional measures to earn certification. The checklists are online and are divided into sections on Energy, Waste & Recycling, Pollution Prevention, Water Conservation, and Wastewater.

Workshops provide direct assistance and the information and tools you need to meet checklist requirements.

Your business will most likely meet many of the requirements before you even get started. However, depending upon processes you already have in place and the physical location of your business, you may find the need to upgrade in certain areas such as installing low-flow plumbing fixtures or implementing a commuter benefits program for your employees.

This is where the information you learn in the workshops will help – Green Business staff will teach you everything you need to know to easily make any necessary changes and make you aware of any rebates available for water or lighting upgrades. Staff and partners will visit your business to verify and assist you in meeting the requirements.

For more information visit Green Business Programs (greenbusinessca.org).