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About GBCP

Site Sponsors

This site was developed and is supported by:

• Environmental Finance Center, Region IX (EFC9)
• Bay Area Green Business Program (BAGBP)
• US EPA Region IX (EPA)
• Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network (WRPPN)
• California EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC)

What is a Green Business Certification Program?

A Green Business Certification Program (GBCP) certifies businesses (generally small businesses) and in some cases government agencies, cities, counties and non-profit organizations that operate environmentally responsibly. To be certified, applicants must comply with federal, state and local environmental regulations as well as undertake measures to conserve energy, water and other resources, and reduce pollution and waste. Some programs incorporate other goals such as implementing an Environmental Management System, demonstrating environmental leadership, mentoring businesses, encouraging customers, suppliers and employees to make environmental improvements and engaging in social and ethical practices. Participation in the program is voluntary.

• Increased compliance by businesses (and other organizations applying for certification);
• Increased resource conservation (energy, water and material) and pollution prevention;
• Increased inspector knowledge of resource conservation and pollution prevention;
• Enhanced communication and cooperation among participating agencies; and
• Consistent interpretation of regulation and policies.

Who Should Use this Site?

This web site is a resource for champions of environmental compliance, resource conservation and pollution prevention by businesses and other entities. It will be most useful for employees of public agencies who are:

• considering developing a GBCP in their community,
• ready to set up a GBCP,
• currently participating in a GBCP
• interested in becoming a Region IX Green Business Program

This site provides:

• information useful for deciding if your community is ready to develop a GBCP,
• the key steps to setting up a GBCP,
• suggestions on how to maintain and grow your GBCP, and
• specifics about the Region IX Green Business Program.

This site focuses on Best Management Practices (BMPs) and highlights the experience of the Bay Area Green Business Program. USEPA and Cal EPA/DTSC, which supported the development of the Bay Area GBP, are encouraging expansion of Green Business Programs throughout California and EPA Region 9 based on the Bay Area GBP's guidelines and standards. US EPA Region IX consists of California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and the US Pacific Islands.

The US EPA, with Cal EPA/DTSC approval, has named EFC the Region 9 Green Business Program Coordinator. In this capacity, EFC9 will assist US EPA, Cal EPA/DTSC and the BAGBP in their GBP expansion efforts.

The documents can be read on the site or downloaded as PDF files.