San Mateo County Green Business Program: Resources

Local Resources

Bay Area Green Business Program
The program distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
A regional agency that regulates air pollution.

Bay Area Alliance for Sustainable Communities
A coalition of business, environmental, social equity and government leaders who forge collaborative solutions to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area.

Pacific Gas & Electric Pacific Energy Center
Offers technical assistance, training on energy conservation and efficiency, and information on renewable energy for businesses.

San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (STOPPP)
STOPPP partner's with the county's residents and businesses to prevent pollution of our local water bodies; such as creeks, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

South Bay Waste Management Agency (SBWMA)
A joint powers authority of twelve member agencies in San Mateo County and is a leader in innovative recycling and waste-reduction programs.

Regional, State and National Resources

CalMAX - California Materials Exchange
State website dedicated to businesses sharing undesired, usable items and/or items wanted. Using this exchange could save money on disposal and purchasing costs.

CalRecycle - California Procurement
Various state agencies needing a product or service submit a request to the California Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS/PD) which then conducts an open competitive solicitation to acquire that good or service on their behalf.

Co-op America
Its Green Business Program provides networks, resources, and technical assistance for socially and environmentally responsible businesses.

Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Site provides guide to programs, policies and laws concerning the handling of hazardous wastes.

Energy Star Small Business Program
Energy Star is a federal program that seeks to improve environmental quality through the reduction in energy use. It provides technical support, educational information and energy-conservation guidance to small businesses.

Environmental Finance Center (EFC 9)
As the Western States Green Business Coordinator, EFC 9 is assisting jurisdictions throughout California and other states to organize and launch Green Business Programs.

Flex Your Power
Significant rebates and incentives may be offered through your local utility that can help offset up-front costs for many energy- and water-saving measures. Provides an easily searchable database of money-saving rebates, grants, and loans for commercial customers in California.

Green Seal
An independent, non-profit organization that identifies and promotes products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.

GreenBiz.com
Online resource center for businesses looking for information on environmental practices, references to other green business websites, government programs for businesses.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Provides information about the voluntary standards created by the U.S. Green Building Rating System® for developing high-performance sustainable buildings.

Extended Product Responsibility
Offers a product-oriented approach to environmental protection.

Industry Specific Resources and Professional Associations

The Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies (EERC)
Evaluates cleaner products for many industries.

Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR-GreenLink)
National information clearinghouse to help automotive professionals save time and protect the environment.

EPA Region 9: Pollution Prevention for Auto Repair and Fleet Maintenance
Provides links to fact sheets and documents offering technical assistance in dealing with items such as Aqueous Parts Cleaning, Floor Cleanup and Oil Water Separartors.

Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center (PNEAC)
EPA and private industry partner effort offering compliance assistance and pollution prevention information.

RightLights
Program provides subsidized lighting upgrades and free professional assistance to help you lower your energy bills and boost your cast flow.

The Teleosis Institute
An educational not-for-profit organization devoted to Green Health Care-sustainable medical practices that are good for you and your local environment. The Institute is a certified member of the Bay Area Green Business Program. Teleosis assists health care providers in greening their offices.

Awards

Acterra Business Environmental Awards
Awards highlight and honor innovative programs and outstanding achievements that contribute to a sustainable Bay Area.

Sustainable San Mateo County Awards
Awards recognize San Mateo County businesses, community groups, and individuals that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to bringing sustainable practices to their work