AgdaPkt 2008-11-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5C Page 24 Green Business and Operations Why is this important? Green business - operating businesses, governments, and other organizations in an environmentallY~[Tiendly manner - can offer many environmental, organizational and community benefits. Green business practices can save money and save resources. They can also reduce water use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by limiting energy use and waste production. Greener sites, buildings, products and operation practices have also been shown to improve employee morale by creating a healthier work environment and encouraging efficiencies and innovation. Businesses and governments also have a large upstream impact through the products and services they choose to purchase. In the United States, local and state government combined purchase more than $1 trillion of goods and services each year, including items such as paper, vehicles, infrastructure, landscaping materials, cleaning supplies and janitorial services, and even financial or investment services. When purchased goods are toxic or highly energy~ and resource~intensive to produce, they have negative environmental impacts. Implementing environmentally preferable purchasing programs not only contributes to a better environment, it helps to develop markets for environmentally responsible products. Additionally, through setting visible and publicized standards for procurement, government has the opportunity to impact purchasing decisions throughout the community. Another way governments and business can have an impact on the environment is by influencing employee commute patterns and encouraging alternatives to single~occupancy vehicle commuting through incentives, requirements, or information campaigns. Commuting on foot, by bike, by carpool, or by public transit saves energy, uses less gas, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces stress and improves health, and can saves employees money. Defining Sustainability Sustainable business and government operation practices conserve resources, reduce an organization's impact on climate change, provide healthier workplaces and promote environmentally responsible products and practices. Indicator Results Number of Businesses Certified by the Bay Area Green Business Program The Bay Area Green Business Program is a partnership between Bay Area local governments, the U.S. and California E.P.A, and local businesses. It is the best known and most well~subscribed third~party green business certifier in the Bay Area. Certification requires members to adhere to a variety of environmental best practices in their operations. As of August 2008,7 businesses had been certified by the Bay Area Green Business Program in Redwood City. These businesses are: Redwood City Page 14 Sustainability Indicator Analysis