Greening Your Sonoma Valley Business
By greening your business, you can improve your bottom line through operating efficiences, boost employee morale and the health of the workplace, gain a marketing edge, and contribute to the sustainability of Sonoma Valley (and our planet!).
Free, No-Obligation Energy and Water Efficiency Assessments
On-site energy assessments available through PG&E and its partner organizations will provide you with information on available rebates and incentives. To schedule an on-site energy evaluation for your Sonoma Valley business, contact Scott Warner at (707) 577-1027 or sawu@pge.com.
On-site water usage evaluations are available to help identify ways to save your business money. Landscape evaluations are also available for businesses with large landscaped areas, and incentives are provided for completing the recommendations identified. For more information or to schedule a water evaluation, contact the Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance. You may also contact Carrie Pollard, Water Conservation Specialist with the Sonoma County Water Agency, at (707) 547-1968 or carriep@scwa.ca.gov, or the City of Sonoma Water Conservation Coordinator, Kathy Toohey at (707) 933-2247 or ktoohey@sonomacity.org.
Water Efficiency Retrofits
Commercial customers of the Sonoma Valley Sanitation District should check out a nnew free direct-intstall program to replace toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.
Financing Energy and Water Efficiency Improvements
All businesses in Sonoma Valley can apply to participate in the Sonoma County Energy Independence Loan Program. Recognized as one of the leading programs of its kind in the nation, SCEIP can be used to finance installation of a wide variety of improvements, including but not limited to solar and voltaic units, solar thermal devices and tankless water heaters. Also eligible are water efficiency technologies that help conserve water.
For businesses located within the City's redevelopment project area, loan programs are available to help with certain types of energy efficiency improvements to commercial buildings, as well as for solar energy and hot water systems. Visit the financial assistance page for details.
Rebates
Rebates for certain kinds of commercial equipment are available through the local Sanitation District's Commercial Water Efficiency program. Rebates for turf replacement and irrigation efficiency improvements to commercial properties are available through the City of Sonoma's "Cash for Grass" and Landscape Equipment Rebate Programs. Contact the City of Sonoma Water Conservation Coordinator, Kathy Toohey, at (707) 933-2247 to learn more.
For Lodging Businesses
Linen exchange cards are available at no charge through the Sonoma Valley Economic Development Partnership. These laminated cards encourage guests to conserve water and energy by opting not to have towels and sheets changed on a daily basis. Contact the Economic Development Manager to request cards.
For Wineries and Growers
Wineries and growers can access resources available through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Association, including their new Sustainable Winegrowing Certification.
For All Businesses
The Sonoma Valley Green Business Recognition program showcases the environmental efforts of your business and encourages green business practices throughout the community. Visit the green business page at the Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about this program and the Sonoma Valley businesses who have achieved this important recognition.
Ready to take your green business efforts to the next level? A number of local businesses have achieved the prestigous Bay Area Green Business Certification through the Sonoma County Green Business Program. The Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance provides a small business toolkit to help you get started. The Green MBA program at Dominican University provides local businesses with assistance from student teams in achieving Green Business Certification.
