New Green Business program comes to Encinitas

Businesses in Encinitas have an exciting new sustainability opportunity as a result of a recent partnership between the City of Encinitas, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego Green Building Council, according to a news release. Through this partnership, local businesses may participate in the California Green Business Network’s Certification Program for free. Participating businesses receive advice on ways they can reduce waste, conserve energy, limit water use and other sustainable practices to assist with receiving the California Green Business Certification.

Businesses seeking to become a certified green business will meet a checklist of environmental measures that are relevant to their business type. The San Diego Green Building Council will review applications from businesses, recommend relevant sustainable practices where needed, assist with the certification process and verify the individual business operations. Once certified, businesses enjoy a number of benefits including access to California Green Business Network marketing materials, public recognition, and reduced operational costs. Plus each certified business contributes to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and helps the community address climate change.

“Certified green businesses demonstrate to customers and the community that the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits can exist together and benefit one another,” said SDGBC Executive Director Colleen FitzSimons in the news release.

The partnership aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan and the chamber’s goal of supporting the local Encinitas economy. This partnership with the San Diego Green Building Council, as well as close collaboration with the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and its Environmental Sustainability Committee, will encourage and incentivize sustainable solutions for Encinitas businesses, the news release states.

“We are pleased to support the Green Business Certification program in Encinitas and actively encourage businesses to take advantage of the value that green practices provide to customers, employees, and the bottom line,” said City of Encinitas Sustainability Manager Crystal Najera, in the news release.

Encinitas businesses that have already become certified include Encinitas Periodontics and Dental Implants and Surf Dog.

Interested business owners and operators may visit www.sd-gbc.org/green_business to learn more about the Green Business Certification program.

This story originally appeared in Encinitas Advocate .