October 08, 2018 SCORE VENTURA What Are We? What is VCGB? The - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

October 08, 2018

SCORE VENTURA

What Are We?

 The Ventura County Green

Business (VCGB) Program is a free certification program that assists small- to medium-sized businesses by implementing sustainable and cost-saving

• practices. It is part of the

California Green Business Network (CAGBN) and administered by the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA).

What is VCGB?

The VCGB is implemented through the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA), a Joint Powers Agency (JP A) composed of public agencies working together to address good energy stewardship and enhance the area we live in.

CAGBN History

CA Green Business Network

• 35 programs and growing
• 3600+ recognized businesses
• 2000+ interested businesses
• New programs in the Central

Valley and S

• uthern

California (6 new programs since April)

• Over 70 certified businesses

in Ventura County

You Are in GOOD Company!

• Save Money
• Marketing edge over competition
• Builds customer trust and loyalty
• Recognition as a community leader
• Meet environmental achievements in:

 Energy Efficiency  Water Conservation  Waste Reduction and Recycling  Pollution Prevention  Transportation

Perks for Certified Green Businesses

 Certificate (3 years)  VCGB Logo Window Cling  Digital VCGB Logo files  S

earch on CAGBN website (greenbusinessca.org)

 S

• cial Media

 Further recognition from

City and County

 EE/ Media Kit (TBA)  Envirosavings

Who Can Join?

Currently, Ventura County has 10 sectors!

Register

Complete

• nline

checklist Get Assistance Verification

It is easy to join… Participation is FREE!

Three-tiered System

 Participant  Certified  Innovator

Register with Online Application & Complete Online Checklist

Participant



Every business starts out as a 'participant' and must complete all the measures listed.



It's a great way for businesses to dip their feet and ease into going green. Most businesses that choose to stay in this tier are not yet ready or have the capital to fully go green yet. Once completed, you will receive a 'Participant' award.



This tier does not come with the perks

• f being a “ certified” green business.

Certified



The “ certified” level is awarded to participating businesses that are ready to fully commit in greening their

• perations. They meet all the core

standards on top of a number of optional measures required.



Once certified, you will receive a certificate, VCGB logo to display in- store, online, and in your PR and marketing materials, entered into the statewide and nationwide databases, and social media and press release.

Innovator



The "innovator" level is for the businesses that want to go above and

• beyond. Businesses are able to apply

for this tier after they've been certified for 3 years.



They receive all the perks that come with a certified business + premium decal, CAGBN newsletter mention, boasted social media ads, and front page logo/ link display on the CAGBN website.

https://greenbusinessca.org/resources/

Energy Efficiency

 Energy efficient lighting

(LEDs)

 FlexAlert.org  ENERGY S

TAR or EPEAT appliances

 365-day programmable

thermostat

 Power strips

Water Conservation

 Low-flow faucet aerators

and toilets

 Adj ust schedule of

irrigation system

 Drought-tolerant plants

for outdoor landscaping

 Cleaning practices – dry

sweep methods

Waste Reduction and Recycling

 Place recycling bins in most

common areas

 Purchase recycled-content

(office paper, towels, toilet paper napkins)

 Use reusable dishware  Reduce j unk mail  S

ign up for electronic billing

 Implement double-sided

printing

 No S

tyrofoam, plastic bags

Pollution Prevention

 Use low-toxic cleaning

products

 Use low-VOC inks  Eliminate use of chemical

• r aerosolized air

fresheners and deodorizers

 General best practices  Dispose chemicals and

toxic products properly

Transportation

 Employee commute options

• S

ecure bike storage

• Flexible schedule
• Public transportation
• Ride S

hare

 Fleet impacts

• Electric vehicles
• Hybrids

BECOME A CER

TIFIED

GREEN BUSINESS! 

Vivian Wang vivian.wang@ ventura.org (805) 654– 2507

Leigh Lain Walker leigh.walker@ ventura.org (805) 654-3887

VC Regional Energy Alliance vcrea.admin@ ventura.org

greenbusinessca.org

(805) 654– 3874