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, such as The Energy Alliance Association, 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. The assessment will provide a conservation plan tailored to your business and identify potential rebates and ongoing cost savings. Landscape evaluations are also available for businesses with large landscaped areas. For businesses located in the City, contact the City's water conservation coordinator, Kathy Toohey, at (707) 933-2247 or ktoohey@sonomacity.org. Outside the City, contact the Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance.
Water Efficiency Retrofits and Rebates
Rebates for certain kinds of commercial equipment are available through the local Sanitation District's Commercial Water Efficiency Program. Additional resources are available through the Sonoma County Water Agency.
"Cash for Grass" turf replacement rebates are available in both the City of Sonoma and Valley of the Moon Water District service areas, subject to available funding. Rebates for landscape irrigation efficiency improvements at commercial properties are available through the City's Landscape Equipment Rebate Program. Contact the City's water conservation coordinator, Kathy Toohey, at (707) 933-2247 to learn more.
If you are considering landscape modifications for your business, a valuable local resource is the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, which provides listings of QWEL-trained landscapers.
Financing Energy and Water Efficiency Improvements
Both commercial and residential property owners 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.
For Home-Based Businesses
Home-based business, and lodging businesses such as Bed & Breakfasts, are encouraged to take advantages of tips, resources, and incentives available to residential properties. Learn more through PG&E and SonomaConserves.
For Lodging & Restaurant 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. Lodging properties that have implemented this program report a high level of guest participation and significant savings. Contact the Economic Development Manager to request cards.
Information on ways for restaurants to save energy and water is available through the Food Service Technology Center.
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 local businesses 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. Look for additional businesses to be recognized at the Chamber's "Tops in Sonoma" breakfast in September 2010.
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.
