Green Business Program

The Green Business Program is a voluntary partnership among business leaders, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. We recognize and promote businesses that...

• Demonstrate continuous compliance with applicable environmental regulations
• Conserve energy, water, and other materials
• Implement sound environmental practices that prevent pollution and waste generation
• Share environmentally responsible practices with other businesses in our community

The Marin County Green Business Program is part of the California Green Business Network developed by Bay Area public agencies in collaboration with US EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business community, the Program is currently offered in many jurisdictions across the State including all nine Bay Area counties.

Our local partners include MCE, North Marin Water District, Marin Municipal Water District and The Energy Alliance Association.

What does it mean to be a Marin Green Business?

Businesses in over 20 different industries, including auto repair shops, printers, hotels, restaurants, landscapers, wineries, janitorial and laundry services, grocery and retail stores, home remodelers, attorneys, architects, engineers, gift services, and a variety of office and home-based businesses, have successfully met the standards and are now recognized as California Green Businesses. Use the links below to learn more about guidelines for:

• Auto Repair
• Hotels
• Landscapers
• Printers
• Remodelers
• Restaurants
• All Other Businesses

View the County's video on What it Means to be a Marin Green Business.

What will the Green Business Program provide for your business:

• Streamlined Environmental Assistance
• Improved Operations through Innovations
• Money Saving Opportunities

Green Business promotions work! Current and new customers will see your business in an earth-friendly, positive light. The Green Business Program will promote your: Environmental Responsibility, Good Business Practices and Community Concern.

By successfully participating in the Green Business Program, your business will receive:

• Use of the California Green Business Network logo
• Listing in the California Green Business Directory
• Profile in the location-based Shop Green app for iOS and Android
• Recognition certificate
• Green Business window decal
• Camera ready art work
• Ongoing promotions through local advertising and public events

If you are thinking about becoming certified as a Marin Green Business:

1. Visit the About Us panel above to learn more about the program and requirements.
2. Enroll online to access the Green Business Application.

If you have questions as you work through the checklist, contact Mark Chhabria via email or phone 415-473-3069 for assistance.

3. Access our Resource Guide page if you would like assistance in meeting the standards.

To obtain more information on the program and learn about other participating businesses and counties, visit the California Green Business Network website.

What do I have to do?

• Pledge to Stay Green
  • "We believe a successful business is dependent on a healthy environment. We are actively working to show our environmental responsibility to our community by committing to the following objectives:
    • To comply with all applicable regulations and strive to exceed compliance
    • To conserve energy, water, materials and other resources
    • To develop and implement practices that prevent pollution and waste
    • To be an environmentally responsible business within our community
    • To strive for continuous improvement."
  • Staff will work with your business and local agencies to verify that you are complying with any applicable environmental regulations. These could include visits from wastewater, storm water, CUPA (hazardous materials/waste) and Air, depending on your business type. We pride ourselves on providing technical assistance to ensure your business is in compliance.
• Identify ways to conserve resources & prevent pollution
• Use Green Business checklist to select and record measures to:
  • Conserve Water
  • Conserve Energy
  • Reduce Waste
  • Prevention Pollution

You may already be doing enough to qualify. Staff from PG&E, your water company and others will verify what you're doing to meet the Green Business certification criteria.

Case Study #1: Mother Nature’s Cleaning, San Rafael

The California Green Business Directory is now available in a searchable format along with all of the other California Green Businesses.