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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04232013 - PR.2RECOMMENDATION(S): Recognize the new Bay Area Green Businesses for 2013. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. BACKGROUND: Green Business Program Highlights • Eighteen new businesses were certified and thirty-four recertified since staff reported last year. We currently have 373 certified Green businesses in the County. • The Bay Area Green Business Program has more than 2,300 certified Green Businesses in the Bay Area (despite the closure and decertification of many businesses due to the economy and stricter standards). • More than three Green Businesses are being recertified each month. Businesses need to perform a lot of work to meet the new recertification standards but reap many additional benefits. Due to the large number of businesses requiring recertification and limited staff time we have developed a streamlined recertification procedure, and alternative methods for satisfying the requirements. • Continued collaboration APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 04/23/2013 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Randy Sawyer, 335-3200 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: April 23, 2013 David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Stacey M. Boyd, Deputy cc: T Scott, D Gary, Paris Greenlee PR.2 To:Board of Supervisors From:William Walker, M.D. Date:April 23, 2013 Contra Costa County Subject:Annual Recognition of New Green Businesses BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) between our program partners has led to more efficient auditing procedures, identification of more resource conservation opportunities, and greater public visibility of the advantages of patronizing green businesses. • The Statewide Green Business Certification database was improved to allow more efficient processing of GB applications, and is now a repository of quantifiable data that shows how much businesses are saving each year and the benefits to the environment. Businesses and communities can now quickly calculate: reductions in solid and hazardous waste, energy and water saved, and wastewater and greenhouse gas emissions reduced as a result of the green certified businesses. It is also easier for businesses to apply online and to find resources to help market their green business achievements. Checklists are being shortened to simplify the certification process for businesses, the Green Business Program, and external programs that perform site audits. • Maintained a partnership with the Chinook Book - a coupon book with green resources and coupons for green businesses throughout the East Bay. The Green Businesses listed in the Chinook Book are now easily located with many handheld electronic devices. Requirements to Become a Green Business Certified Green Businesses must meet high standards of environmental excellence established by the Program’s partnership. In addition, with the passage of AB 913, a statewide Green Business Program (with the leadership of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control) has been established to assist the local government programs, support the development and maintenance of the statewide certification database, promote the establishment of new programs, and provide technical guidance. To be certified, a business or public entity must: ? Fully comply with all environmental regulations including: Hazardous Materials, Fire, Stormwater, Wastewater, Water, and Air Quality; and ? Conserve energy, water and other natural resources; and reduce or eliminate pollution from any hazardous and/or solid wastes. The Contra Costa Green Business Program has twenty-three partners with representatives from public agencies, cities and the utility districts. We work hard together each year to achieve our vision of Contra Costa as a place where businesses contribute to the sustainability of our communities by being green themselves. Our annual report and newsletter are attached to help convey the accomplishments of this past year. NEW CONTRA COSTA GREEN BUSINESSES District 1: Kensington: East Bay Regional Park District, Environmental Education Center – Dave Zuckermann, Crestmont School - Andy Schneider District 2: Lafayette: Pure Ambition Consulting – Kym Cadle, Sustainable San Ramon, Generation Green – Lynda Deschambault, Greenhouse Design Studios – Laurie Furber, Cavazos Environmental Consulting – Anne Cavazos, Inc., Esin Restaurant & Bar – Esin DeCarion, California Environmental Services, LLC – Jennifer Flohr, WRECO - Jennifer Gokhman District 3: Brentwood: no businesses were certified in District 3 District 4: Pleasant Hill: Hanson Bridgett LLP – Jeffrey Washington, State Farm Agency - Matthew Rinn, Window Rider – Brett McClarey, Jim's Auto Body – James Maltbie, Environmental Resources Management – Adriane Burwell, Prima Ristorante Rick Van Der Linde District 5: Martinez: Engineering/Remediation Resources Group, Inc. - Sarah Gustafson CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: Green Businesses will not be publicly recognized for their achievements. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS GBP Annual Report News Letter 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are currently 373 certified green businesses in the county. The continued success of the program is the result of the commitment and dedication of past and present staff, our partners, and most importantly the enthusiasm of our local businesses. Our program partners consist of 23 local agencies, cities and utilities that provided $38,350 funding for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, and in-kind contributions that includes: active leadership, staff time and resources to certify businesses. Primary funding and oversight for the program is through the generous support of the Contra Costa Health Services – Hazardous Materials Programs as part of the pollution prevention efforts of the Hazardous Materials Programs. In addition to the Green Business program meeting most of the goals and objectives for the year, the partnership continues to be a strong, focused group aimed at working together to strategically and successfully green Contra Costa’s businesses. Highlights of 2012  Mr. Paris Greenlee, P.E. is the new Hazardous Waste Reduction Manager and has assumed responsibility for Pollution Prevention and the Green Business Programs.  Seventeen new Green Businesses were certified: Five Offices, Five home offices, Two Auto Repair shops, Four Restaurants, and One commercial cleaning business,  Thirty-four businesses were recertified.  One new Partner joined the program – City of El Cerrito  Seven Chambers of Commerce continue to help promote the Green Business Program and six are certified green businesses.  One large public organization was certified – East Bay Regional Parks District – Environmental Education Center. Green Business Program Annual Report 2012 2  Comprehensive updates to the online database system including: expanded reporting features, addition of formulas to calculate financial benefits recognized by the Green Businesses, more revisions and consolidation of several of the checklists and removal of duplicate measures.  Completion of a checklist for Property Managers.  Established better procedures for working with restaurants to make the audit procedures more efficient for GBP staff and our Partners, and take less time for the businesses. This business sector has a huge potential for reducing resource consumption and related environmental impacts, but also has some of the most difficult compliance issues to overcome.  Developed a method for calculating Partner contributions that takes into consideration the number, size, and complexity of businesses served, and the potential benefits to each of the Partner agencies and utilities.  Revised the recertification procedures to allow for the processing of more than 180 businesses that will need to be recertified in 2013. New Businesses Certified in 2012 Date Certified City Organization Name 8/8/2012 Alamo Greenhouse Design Studios 8/1/2012 Concord Jim's Auto Body 8/3/2012 Danville Esin Restaurant & Bar 2/14/2012 Danville Jules Thin Crust, LLC 2/9/2012 Danville Sideboard 4/20/2012 Kensington Environmental Education Center 10/2/2012 Moraga Generation Green 8/3/2012 Pleasant Hill Window Rider 12/20/2012 San Ramon Pure Ambition Consulting 11/9/2012 San Ramon Sustainable San Ramon 8/3/2012 San Ramon Cavazos Environmental Consulting, Inc. 4/5/2012 San Ramon California Environmental Services, LLC 1/26/2012 San Ramon vCom Solutions 12/6/2012 Walnut Creek Hanson Bridgett, LLP 6/13/2012 Walnut Creek Environmental Resources Management 4/17/2012 Walnut Creek European Auto Repair 4/11/2012 Walnut Creek Prima Ristorante 3 Businesses Recertified Date Recertified City Organization Name 3/12/2012 Antioch Organic Choice Carpet Clng 8/1/2012 Concord Concord Parks Division 8/1/2012 Concord Concord Fleet Services 8/1/2012 Concord D & H Enterprises 3/22/2012 Concord Happy Gardener 3/22/2012 Concord Concord City Hall 3/19/2012 Concord Mechanics Bank (Concord) 3/12/2012 Concord Autos International 1/26/2012 Concord Sage Centers for Veterinary Care 2/28/2012 Danville Danville Maintenance Svcs 11/5/2012 El Cerrito El Cerrito Recycling Center 2/8/2012 El Cerrito Tehiyah Day School 1/20/2012 El Sobrante Burrough & Sons Automotive 5/18/2012 Martinez D&D Security Resources 5/18/2012 Martinez Mt. View Sanitary District 3/1/2012 Martinez Hagin's Automotive, Inc. 1/9/2012 Martinez Guy's Smog 1/4/2012 Martinez Contra Costa Cty Fleet Svc 12/7/2012 Moraga Autohaus Stuttgart 3/6/2012 Orinda AXA Rosenberg 2/28/2012 Orinda Orinda Motors, Inc. 11/29/2012 Richmond Foreign Auto Repair 2/28/2012 San Ramon Toyota Parts Distribution Ctr 2/7/2012 San Ramon San Ramon Marriott Hotel 1/24/2012 San Ramon Sky Power Systems 1/9/2012 San Ramon Choicelunch 7/31/2012 Walnut Creek WRECO 3/19/2012 Walnut Creek Mechanics Bank (Walnut Creek) 3/13/2012 Walnut Creek Joe's Foreign Auto 3/13/2012 Walnut Creek German Sport 3/7/2012 Walnut Creek A-1 Brake & Tire 2/3/2012 Walnut Creek M. Service 1/23/2012 Walnut Creek Central Automotive Svc Ctr 1/18/2012 Walnut Creek German Auto Clinic, Inc. 4 MISSION OF THE GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM To strengthen and sustain the quality of the environment in Contra Costa County through a collaborative partnership of public and private organizations that encourages, enables and recognizes businesses taking action to prevent pollution and conserve resources. GOALS (2008-2013) FOR THE GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM 1. To expand the program to sustainable levels by increasing the number of participating businesses and business sectors, including governmental agencies. 2. To encourage improved environmental performance of GBs by ensuring checklists that reflect up-to-date standards and technologies. 3. To improve the visibility and marketing of the program and of the participating businesses. 4. To build a strong program partnership to support the implementation of the Green Business Program. 5. To maintain sufficient organizational capacity to successfully o perate the program. INTRODUCTION The focus of Contra Costa’s environmental agencies is to protect the environment by preventing pollution and conserving natural resources. In an effort to further these goals, we have partnered with all local environmental agencies and utilities to implement the Green Business Program (GBP). By leveraging resources and combining expertise, the GBP works with Contra Costa businesses to address a full range of environmental concerns all at the same time. This is accomplished in a cooperative, direct and personal way with businesses. The program began by working with auto repair shops in 1998, and expanded to all businesses in 2002. Each business is certified for compliance with all environmental regulations (hazardous materials, air, wastewater and storm water), and achievement of specific standards to conserve water and energy, prevent pollution, reduce waste and conserve resources. The GBPs in the nine counties of the Bay Area are coordinated by ABAG (the Associat ion of Bay Area Governments), through its Hazardous Waste Committee. ABAG ensures consistency between the programs and hosts the program’s website: www.greenbiz.ca.gov. Since the program began in 1998 over 530 businesses have been certified in Contra Co sta County and over 2300 in the Bay Area. This annual report describes who the partners are in the Green Business Program, our goals, as well as an evaluation of progress in achieving these goals, a budgetary report, and our revised strategic plan and goals for the future. 5 GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP The Green Business Program partnership is made up of city and county public organizations with a mandate to protect the environment which includes those focusing on: hazardous materials, stormwater, wastewater, air, fire, solid waste, and greenhouse gas reduction. The partnership also includes public and private utilities tasked with conservation of water and energy. As partners, each of these entities provides a variety of program support in one or more of the following areas: Leadership and program guidance Funding Materials and other resources Inspections or audits of businesses Expertise in setting program standards Promotion of the program to businesses and community Referrals of worthy businesses Green Business certification of their own entities to show the community that they are leading by example Contra Costa’s Green Business Partners Contra Costa Hazardous Materials Contra Costa Clean Water Program Central Contra Costa Sanitation District Mt. View Sanitary District Delta Diablo Sanitation District West County Wastewater District Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority CCC Watershed Program City of Antioch City of Brentwood City of Concord Town of Danville City of El Cerrito City of Martinez City of Pittsburg City of Richmond City of Walnut Creek Pacific Gas & Electric Company Contra Costa Water District East Bay Municipal Utility District 511 Contra Costa Bay Area Air Quality Management District 6 EVALUATION OF 2012 PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES In 2001, 2004 and again in 2007, long-term planning by the GBP Partners yielded a strategic plan and program goals to guide the program for the subsequent three-five years. Below is an evaluation of work done in 2012 to achieve these goals. Program Goal 1: To expand the program to sustainable levels by increasing the number of participating businesses and business sectors, including governmental agencies. In 2010 we set several specific objectives for this goal. Objective 1: To certify 50 new businesses per year. Results: We certified 17 new businesses and recertified 34 Objective 2: To certify two partner or public agencies. Results: Four public agencies were certified: Office of Contra Costa County Administrator, Board Member Karen Mitchoff, Board Member Mary Piepho (both offices) & Contra Costa College’s Buildings & Grounds. Seventeen new businesses were certified, bringing the total number certified to more than 530 since the beginning of the program. Growing the program in sustainable ways—rather than certifying as many as possible—continues to be a focus of the partnership. As the number of businesses needing recertification grows and as the standards of certification for Green Businesses rises, program staff and auditors are spending more time on recertifications. The online database continues to require significant work to enable it to serve both the businesses and staff. This necessitated the hiring of a firm to evaluate the user interface and revise the webpages for clarity and ease of use. The company, Pier Two in San Francisco (and a Green Business themselves) did an amazing job. The database has been completely updated but still does not track all the necessary information to accurately report all the progress businesses are making. In addition, it is still difficult for many businesses to navigate through the database user interface and checklist measure. Additional improvements have been identified and scheduled for implementation once funding is available. In addition to changes in the online database, we have also shortened all of our (almost 20) checklists again, with the goal of making the process an easier one for businesses and the auditors. The other challenging work has been to certify restaurants—a business sector that we had previously chosen not to work with because of compliance issues, and because of high staff turnover. With a number of businesses promoting their use of organic foods, we felt that some restaurants would prime candidates completing their conversion to being green—in the back of the house where customers can’t see what is happening. Some partners are hesitant about certifying restaurants due to wastewater and storm water compliance . On the other hand some Partners are anxious to work with them because of the potential to save a significant amount of water and energy, and reduce waste. Policy changes have been made that incorporate an initial screening of wastewater compliance before investing too much time in the certification 7 process. We plan to continue working with restaurants, but only those that are committed to staying in compliance and have a good track record of doing so. All previously certified restaurants will be carefully scrutinized during their recertification and expected to fully comply with all of the new checklist measures and regulations. Program Goal 2: To encourage improved environmental performance of GBs by ensuring checklists that reflect up-to-date standards and technologies. 6. More than 100 businesses have been recertified with our newer stringent standards that require low-flow toilets, efficient T-8, CFL or other efficient lighting systems, 30% or greater post-consumer waste paper products, green cleaning products, and the use of Integrated Pest Management to manage pests. Due to these more stringent certification standards the efforts needed to recertify these businesses has been the same as if they were newly certified. This has been accomplished by working one-on-one with each business and utilizing the services of our Partners. We are very proud of the improvements so many of our businesses have made. When these businesses need to be recertified again in three years the process should not be as difficult. Program Goal 3: To improve the visibility and marketing of the program and of the participating businesses. As a result of creating the online database, we now have a fully searchable database of green certified businesses on the website. As part of the continued revisions to the user interface, the searchable database provides businesses even more exposure to the public through the use of logos, business descriptions, and other marketing tools. Additionally, the program staff and our Partners continue to invest time in traditional program promotion and educational outreach including: 1) participation in various community events— West County, John Muir and other Earth Day events, 2) Pollution Prevention Week, 3) local economic development workshops, 4) and internally through hazardous material program trainings and facility contact. GBP staff routinely make presentations to business and community organizations, and sustainability organizations to promote the certification program and communicate to the community the benefits of patronizing green certified businesses. Program Goal 4: To build a strong program partnership to support the implementation of the Green Business Program. The partnership continues to seek self-education of all environmental issues and programs in the county. Towards this end we have dedicate d a significant amount of time at our quarterly meetings to presentations on what the partners are particularly focusing on, and exploring in depth any issues that they may be having. 8 Program Goal 5: To create sufficient organizational capacity to successfully operate the program. A strength of the GBP continues to be the partners themselves, and their ability to work together effectively. These partners contribute in essential ways: funding, staffing, policymaking, program promotion and providing referrals for the program. The partnership itself includes 24 partners. The interest and importance of all of the partners is evidenced in the work done every three years to strategically plan the future direction of the program. BUDGETARY REPORT Contributions to the Green Business Program are made on a fiscal-year basis. Contra Costa Hazardous Materials continues to provide the majority of the funding for the program coordinator, with the partners contributing $32,000 in FY12/13. This contribution is applied to direct assistance to businesses and verifying the pollution prevention part of the checklist. The remaining funds are dedicated to program promotion and materials. 9 FIVE-YEAR GOALS (08-12) FOR THE GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM These goals, with their associated outcomes, provided the program with both its general direction and guided the setting of specific annual objectives. 1. To expand the program to sustainable levels by increasing the number of participating businesses and business sectors, including governmental agencies. Outcomes: This goal will be satisfactorily met when: a. Appropriate educational materials have been developed and distributed to businesses considering certification. b. Inspectors regularly make referrals to the Green Business Program. c. The program focuses on business types selected in response to environmental considerations, size and partner needs. d. The annual targeted goal is met for the number of businesses certified e. The certification process runs smoothly, in a timely fashion, and with opportunity for problems encountered at a business to be resolved. f. Partners have been either partially or fully certified. g. The GBP continues to emphasize certification of public organizations. h. Green Businesses are recertified every three years. 2. To encourage improved environmental performance of GBs by ensuring checklists that reflect up-to-date standards and technologies. Outcomes: This goal will be satisfactorily met when: a. Checklists used for certification and recertification have appropriate standards to meet the environmental expectations of the partners, and exceed current business practices. b. Ongoing education of GBs occurs through the biannual GBP newsletter and email communications with GBs on trainings, events and information on how to be green. 3. To improve the visibility and marketing of the program and of the participating businesses. Outcomes: This goal will be satisfactorily met when: a. More prominent use and recognition of the GBP logo and tagline (Environmental Values at Work) occurs. b. Green Businesses have sufficient tools to market themselves effectively. c. Program promotion to the public includes: Website Promotional materials distributed to GBs Environmental and business fairs (identified by partners) Promotions by partners within their own jurisdictions Partner newsletters d. The website is revamped to effectively serve the public, GBs and the media. e. We strategically market the program to the public. 10 f. Outreach resources such as materials, appearances at events, and giveaways are leveraged and shared among partners, reducing costs for all. g. Develop partnerships with Chambers of Commerce. h. Measured environmental results of participating in the GBP are communicated to the public. i. PR effectiveness with GBs and the public has been measured. 4. To build a strong program partnership to support the implementation of the Green Business Program. Outcomes: This goal will be satisfactorily met when: a. A sufficient number of partners have joined to successfully implement the program. b. All appropriate environmental agencies and cities have been identified and encouraged to participate. c. Partners are provided program updates and program evaluations and/or annual reports. d. Sufficient training in compliance and/or pollution prevention/resource conservation is provided. e. The Green Business Program is seen as a valuable asset to the partners and a means to achieve their own environmental protection, conservation and public relations goals. 5. To create sufficient organizational capacity to successfully operate the program. Outcomes: This goal will be satisfactorily met when: a. An effective organizational structure and process are in place. b. Appropriate policies and procedures have been developed and implemented. c. Sufficient funding from GBP partners exists to realize our goals and outcomes. d. Sufficient funding from outside sources exists to realize our goals and outcomes. e. Partner agencies commit sufficient personnel as inspectors and auditors to successfully certify Green Businesses. f. Roles are clearly defined for the steering committee, its task forces and subcommittees, and program staff. With the passage of AB 913 in October 2011, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has been directed to provide support and assistance to local government in the development of the Statewide Green Business Certifi- cation programs. DTSC staff have historically been in- volved with many aspects of the program and helped with the creation of the Statewide certification database, pro- motional materials and the Statewide Green Business Program Network. In the future we expect DTSC to pro- vide more assistance in all aspects of the program, includ- ing standardization of certification requirements and the development of a Statewide logo and marketing cam- paign. With the statewide recognition of our program, certi- fied businesses and organizations should feel even prouder of their efforts to become Green. For more information contact: Contra Costa Health Services Green Business Program: Mr. Paris Greenlee, P.E. paris.greenlee @hsd.cccounty.us 925/335-3213 or Claudia Pingatore CPingatore @hsd.cccounty.us 925/335-3220 www.greenbiz.ca.gov Contra Costa’s Green Business Program brings you... already been done, while at the same time evalu- ating the needs of busi- nesses to make sure we are adequately serving them. My goals are to help our businesses and public entities continue to be model environ- mental citizens, discover better ways to deliver service to our commu- nity, and provide more opportunities for organi- zations to become Green Business certified. To achieve the pro- gram’s goals I will utilize the wealth of services available by our environ- mental programs, non- profit organizations and private companies. I Greetings from Mr. Paris Greenlee, P.E., new Green Business Program Manager What Businesses have to say about us “Going through the Bay Area Green Business process helped us examine sustainability issues throughout our of- fice. It gave us new insights into the ini- tiative taken by many staff and how we can continue to improve as we strive to become the sus- tainable consultancy of choice” Ariane Burwell Sustainability Consultant Environmental Resources Management, Walnut Creek STAYING GREEN believe that the Green Business Program is in the perfect position to help connect businesses and public organizations with these services. I look for- ward to working with eve- ryone that has made this program a success and continue serving the needs of our wonderful community. August 2012 Words cannot express how excited I am to have been chosen to take the reins of this regionally renowned program from my predecessor Robin Bedell-Waite. Over the last twenty-five years I’ve watched the develop- ment of Contra Costa County environmental programs and admired their effectiveness at educating businesses and improving the great environment we all enjoy here in Contra Costa County. As the Green Business Program Manager I will continue to support and build upon the out- standing work that has The Green Business Program goes Statewide ! ► City of El Cerrito joins the Program: A long time supporter of Green Businesses in their community, the City of El Cerrito is now is an official Partner. ►Update your contact information profile: Make sure we have your current email and regular mail contact information. We want to make sure you are listed properly in our public Green Busi- ness Services Directory and we are able to notify you of upcoming events. ►Take advantage of energy and water re- bates while you can: Changes to the rebate programs occur fre- quently. Check with your local utilities to see if there are any new re- bates or rebates planned for discontinuation, such as for T-12 to T-8 up- grades. We’ll try and keep you informed as well. ► New Student Intern joins the Program: Welcome Austin Flores who will be working on recertifications. If you received your certifica- tion three or more years ago you will be getting a call or email from him explaining the new certi- fication requirements and helping you get re- certified. WHAT’S UP IN THE PROGRAM? S T A Y I N G G R E E N No Trace Inc. is a family- run document shredding company based in Rich- mond that prides itself in operating sustainably and domestically. We are a certified Green Business, operate a green mobile shredding truck, and recycle ALL paper shreds domesti- cally. As a certified Clean Idle truck, our mobile shred- der significantly reduces pollution and hydraulic fluid consumption (5 gal- lons versus 55). Also, accidental spills of this toxic material are much less likely since hoses are within versus under- neath the truck. And it requires only one pulveri- zation unlike some other companies, providing high security without high energy use. Once baled, we use a local truck or railcar and ship to do- mestic facilities. This pa- per (1,200,000 pounds annually!) is put directly back into locally available consumer goods. This keeps our Carbon foot- print low and helps keep jobs in the US, where environmental impact and working conditions are better regulated. Supporting our economy and our citizenry is a cru- cial component of our business! Nancy & Ernest Lompa No Trace Inc., 3950 Bis- sell Ave., in Richmond 925. 957-6755, On and Off Site services, public Walk Ins accepted. www.notraceshred.com P A G E 2 GETTING TO KNOW OUR GREEN BUSINESSES: No Trace, Inc. (local shredding company) CONGRATULATIONS! TO OUR NEW GREEN B USINESSES! REGULATORY CHANGES! vCom Solutions — Financial Management, San Ramon Sideboard — Restaurant, Danville Jules Thin Crust — Restaurant, Danville California Environmental Services — Consulting firm, San Ramon Prima Ristorante, Walnut Creek European Auto Repair, Walnut Creek Environmental Education Center at Tilden, Kensington Environmental Resources Management, Walnut Creek Special thanks to the Board of Supervisors for recognizing all of our Green businesses at our ceremony on April 24th Starting July 01, 2012, businesses and public entities that generate more than four cubic yards of solid waste a week (including multi-family dwellings with more than five units) are mandated to establish a commercial recycling program. Green Certified Busi- nesses are likely in compliance because you already recycle all you can, however there may be changes that effect how you recycle and what services are available. For more informa- tion go to: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/climate/recycling/.