Placer Green Business Program enters second year

The Placer Green Business Program, in partnership with the Business Environmental Resource Center’s Sacramento Area Sustainable Business Program, was renewed for a second year by approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the June 6 Roseville City Council meeting.

The MOU extended the program and allowed $2,250 in program funding to be transferred to the Business Environmental Resource Center that manages the program as part of the existing Sacramento Area Sustainable Business Program. Program funding consists of 100 percent business sponsorships raised by a working group of area local governments and businesses. Sponsors for 2012-13 were Recology Auburn Placer, Sims Recycling Solutions, United Natural Foods and Whole Foods.

The program allows Placer businesses to certify facility improvements and business practices that increase environmental sustainability in the areas of energy and water efficiency, solid waste recycling and reduction, green building, alternative transportation and pollution prevention (air and water). The program is free to participating businesses, 100 percent voluntary and certifying businesses receive a certificate and a window placard to display at their place of business.

The Placer Green Business Program began in January 2011 and has certified 13 Placer County businesses since the program began. The additional funding will allow for approximately 15 additional Placer businesses to be certified in the coming year.

“The Placer Green Business Program has helped to connect businesses that want to make sustainable facility and business practice changes to what we can offer as a utility – programs and rebates that help businesses manage our natural resources wisely,” said Derrick Whitehead, Director of Environmental Utilities. “By making simple resource-wise decisions and taking advantage of the free programs and utility rebates out there, businesses can save money relatively easy.”

Businesses interested in participating in the Placer Green Business Program should contact the Business Environmental Resource Center at (916) 874-2100, e-mail at SSB@sacberc.org or go to their website at www.PlacerGreen.org.