Green Business Program

The San Mateo County Green Business Program provides local businesses with the tools and resources to operate in an environmentally sustainable way. By offering technical assistance and certification, the program helps businesses save money, conserve resources, reduce pollution, and lower their carbon footprint. The program supports small to medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and other types of businesses across a variety of industries.

The Sustainability Department and its partners will provide hands-on support to guide businesses through the process of becoming Green Business certified. This includes offering technical assistance, resources, and expertise to help businesses meet environmental standards, reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower their carbon footprint.

The program offers 3 levels of recognition:

Entry-Level – Businesses recognized at the Entry-Level level implement baseline environmental practices.
Certified – At the “Certified” level, businesses meet industry-specific environmental best management standards.
Innovator – “Innovators” are leaders in their industry, setting an example for how businesses can operate with sustainability as a core practice.

Businesses that complete the Green Business process at any of the 3 levels are recognized by the County of San Mateo. The recognition lasts 4 years.

Cost

This program is free for businesses based in San Mateo County.

Register your Business

Take these four easy steps to become a San Mateo County Green Business!

Register for the Green Business Program
Schedule a consultation by emailing mgoldberg@smcgov.org or by scheduling an appointment.
Complete any necessary action items
Submit completed checklist

Green Business Areas of Focus

Green Businesses implement practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water, and garbage bills.

Reduce Water Use

Conserve water and cut costs with our technical assistance. We’ll help you retrofitting your toilets to high-efficiency models, replacing existing faucets and showerheads to high-efficiency fixtures, installing low flow or waterless urinals. We’ll connect you with resources, rebates, incentives, or low-cost options to reduce your water usage and other cost savings strategies.

close up of Energy Star sticker on refrigerator door

Conserve Energy

We can help you upgrade your lighting and equipment to save energy and reduce costs. Our team offers assistance with finding energy-efficient options, securing incentives, and exploring electrification to make your space more sustainable.

person applying a Green Business sign on window of a small business

Commute Sustainably

Reduce your business’ carbon footprint by offering and incentivizing sustainable commuting options for your employees. Explore carpooling, biking, public transit, and incentives for alternative transport

used cooking oil waste collection container in restaurant

Prevent Pollution

We’re here to help you eliminate and properly dispose of harmful chemicals, setting up proper universal waste management to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.

two people looking at laundry detergent and all purpose cleaner used in restaurant

Use Non-Toxic Cleaners

Switch to safer, environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals and non-toxic laundry products that are third-party certified. Reduce your environmental impact with our guidance on choosing healthier cleaning alternatives.

Avoid Waste

We’ll help your team learn waste reduction and minimization by eliminating unnecessary packaging, printing, and purchasing. Opt for digital alternatives and compostable or reusable packaging to reduce environmental impact, by asking vendors to reduce packaging, eliminate single use plastic, and using reusables in the break room. We’ll help you streamline these practices.

compost and recycle bins in a small business

Recycle Materials

Divert waste from landfill through reuse, recycling, and composting. We’ll assist you in setting up an efficient recycling system, teach proper sorting techniques, and connect you with free or low-cost resources. We can guide you in implementing effective reuse, reduction, and recycling practices.