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Tags: business certification, business coordinator, business name, business program, community image, compliance inspectors, facility changes, free advertising, free assistance, free rebates, janitorial companies, landfill, monterey bay area, pride, proactive relationship, raw materials, rebate programs, sanctions, saving energy, water fixtures,Pages: 15
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Created: Fri Nov 23 12:38:13 2007
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Janitorial Companies
Business Name
Contact
Phone Number
MONTEREY BAY AREA GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
Janitorial Checklist
Why should my business get certified as a Green Business?
· No fee: There is no fee to become a certified Green Business.
· Better image: Your company's community image is enhanced through Green Business certification.
· Save Money: Saving energy, water and raw materials saves you money. Sending less trash to the landfill
saves you money, too.
· Positive workplace: Developing a positive, proactive relationship with local compliance inspectors can
help you avoid liability, fines and other sanctions.
· Free advertising: The Program promotes your business to the public and other businesses for free!
· Safer Workplace: Your employees will enjoy a safer workplace and will have one more reason to take
pride in working for you.
· Free assistance: The Green Business Program offers you free, convenient, time-saving assistance.
How to become a Certified Green Business....
Please read through the following checklist and check all of the boxes that apply. To become certified you must
achieve all the criteria that are listed as REQUIRED. There are also some categories that offer choices. Call
your Green Business Coordinator if you have questions or need assistance meeting the requirements. There are
many rebate programs for facility changes. Before upgrading lighting or water fixtures, Talk to your
Coordinator about taking advantage of the free rebates. When you believe you have met most or all of the
requirements, contact your Coordinator and he or she will begin the certification process. If there are some
things that need to be done to meet the requirements, the Coordinator will let you know what you need to fix
before certification.
Remember, the program offers free, non-enforcement, technical assistance to help meet the criteria. We will
send out professional technical staff to assist you in meeting the energy, water, resource conservation, and
pollution prevention requirements.
· For businesses located in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County, Scotts Valley, and Capitola,
call (831) 477-3907 or email: greenbusiness@co.santa-cruz.ca.us
· For businesses located in Monterey County, call Monterey County Environmental Health at (831) 755-
4579 or email: NapalanJA@co.monterey.ca.us
· For businesses located in the City of Santa Cruz, call (831)420-5160 or email shealy@ci.santa-
cruz.ca.us
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Green Business Checklist
Business must meet compliance with regulatory requirements as well as all of the criteria outlined below to
obtain Green Business Status, except where a choice is given. If a certain section does not apply to your
business, mark it with N/A for Not Applicable. For instance, if there aren't any car washing operations at your
facility, mark that section N/A. Offices with a cafeteria that is making and/or serving food will need to meet all
Green Business Practices required for restaurants.
A. Pollution Prevention
I. Pollution Prevention Measures and Practices
A. Janitorial Chemicals
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Use Green Seal Certified janitorial products whenever possible.
2. Use non-chlorinated abrasive powders (i.e. Bon Ami)
3. Use a non-chlorine bleach alternative for whitening instead of Hydrogen peroxide or
bleach.
4. Use an abrasive sponge or pumice stone in place of strong chemicals to remove grime
or deposits.
5. Use a vinegar/water mixture instead of alcohol or ammonia-based window cleaners.
6. Use mild detergents or soaps in place of cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, or caustic
ingredients.
7. Screen all products for hazard/toxicity prior to using. Obtain Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) for all products used.
8. Be sure to avoid these chemicals:
¬ Hydrochloric Acid ¬ Ethanolamine,
¬ Phosphoric Acid, ¬ Toluene,
¬ Sodium Hydroxide, ¬ Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates,
¬ Sodium Metasilicate, ¬ Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite),
¬ Potassium Hydroxide, ¬ Paradichlorobenzene (Urinal Blocks),
¬ Butoxyethanol, ¬ Quaternary Ammonium Chloride (Ammonia)
9. Use the lowest concentration of cleaners that will do the job.
10. Only use zinc-free and butyl-free floor cleaners and strippers. (Go to www.greenseal.org to find a
product list.)
B. Cleaning Materials
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Buy cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mop buckets, mops, that are more durable and
energy efficient in order to extend life expectancy and reduce waste.
2. Use biodegradable products, like trash bags, when not cost prohibitive.
3. Use reusable spray bottles for dusters, glass cleaners, etc, instead of disposable aerosols.
4. Whenever possible use spray bottles to apply cleaners, rather than mixing a bucket. (Ensures that
less cleaner is used and less is wasted).
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C. Drains and Housekeeping
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. No wastewater may enter a storm drain. "Only rain down the storm drain.
2. Never hose down or wash floor mats, equipment, or vehicles in an area where the wastewater may
flow to a storm drain. Never wash vehicles in an area where the wastewater may flow to a storm
drain
3. Use dry cleanup methods as a norm, and sweep prior to mopping floors
4. Dry sweep outdoor seating areas and dispose of the debris in the garbage.
5. Mop water (soapy water only) is discharged to the sanitary sewer, not the storm drain
6. The wastewater from outdoor pressure washing and steam cleaning is routed to the sanitary sewer or
to landscaping (not permitted to route to landscaping in the City of Santa Cruz). None of the
wastewater is entering a storm drain or neighboring water body.
7. Replace traditional janitorial chemicals, including those used in restrooms and staff break rooms or
kitchens, with more environmentally friendly chemicals (i.e. replace Comet with Bonami). Use one
or a few multipurpose cleaners, rather than many special-purpose cleaners. If a product is Green
Seal Certified, it is typically safer and works well.
8. Correct situations that attract and harbor pests with proper food and garbage storage and
landscaping.
9. Use a licensed, registered PCO (pest control operator) for chemical pesticide applications. Only
apply pesticides or herbicides during dry weather and never before it rains.
10. Integrated Pest Management - Use (or specify in contracts with landscapers) least toxic pest control
methods and products to reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides.
¬ Correct situations that attract and harbor ¬ Use less toxic pesticides such as soaps, oils, and microbials and apply
pests with proper food and garbage on an "as needed" vs. on a set schedule.
storage and landscaping. ¬ When chemical pesticides are necessary, use those labeled "caution"
¬ Use traps, baits and barriers. rather than "warning" or "danger"
¬ Use biological controls.
¬ Use pest resistant plants.
11. Have a volunteer organization label all storm water drains with "No dumping, Drains to Bay"
stencils. Your Green Business Coordinator can organize this for you.
12. Liquids such as leftover beverages are not placed in the garbage, because they eventually reach the
dumpster and may leak out into the environment.
13. If water softeners are used, use potassium chloride instead of sodium salt or an exchange service
instead of an automatic regenerating unit in areas where treated wastewater is recycled for
agricultural purposes.
Compliance Notes
Compliance with environmental regulatory laws is required to be certified as a Green Business. Following
are some typical compliance issues that businesses find challenging:
o No wastewater may enter a storm drain. "Only rain down the storm drain."
o The wastewater from outdoor pressure washing and steam cleaning is routed to the sanitary sewer or
to landscaping (in the City of Santa Cruz this wastewater may not go to landscaping and must go to
the sanitary sewer). None of the wastewater is entering a storm drain or neighboring water body. Use
a water conserving broom attached to a hose as an alternative to pressure washing where possible.
o Equipment is not cleaned outdoors where wastewater can enter a storm drain or creek.
o Mop water (soapy water only) is discharged to the sanitary sewer, not the storm drain.
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D. Exterior Storage
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Dumpsters are kept tightly covered and impermeable to rain water. If there are no covers on the
dumpster, provide overhead coverage.
2. If the dumpster area has overhead coverage and there is a drain in the area, this drain must be routed
to the sanitary sewer or be permanently sealed.
3. Report a leaking dumpster to your waste management agency so it can be repaired or replaced.
4. Post signs at trouble spots (e.g., loading docks, dumpster areas, outside hoses) describing proper
practices.
5. Keep receiving and storage areas, parking, landscape, and dumpster area clean and free from litter,
oil drips and debris.
Compliance Notes
Compliance with environmental regulatory laws is required to be certified as a Green Business. Following are
some typical compliance issues that businesses find challenging:
o Dumpsters are maintained leak free. Leaking dumpsters are repaired or replaced immediately.
o Dumpsters are kept tightly covered and impermeable to rain water. If there are no covers on the dumpster,
provide overhead coverage.
o If dumpster areas have overhead coverage and there is a drain in the dumpster area, this drain must be
routed to the sanitary sewer. Otherwise, the drain should be permanently sealed.
E. Building and Maintenance Materials and Supplies
Complete four out of items #5-17 below to be GREEN NOTES - Green Building
certified. Also, please use this section as a reference
When remodeling your business review the following
whenever you remodel. materials prior to construction:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
5. Use at least two alternative ¬ City of Santa Cruz Green Building Policy:
http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pl/gbwg/gbwg.html
building/maintenance materials or supplies.
6. Use natural or low emissions building ¬ Build-it Green: http://www.builditgreen.org
materials, carpets or furniture.
7. Use electric (not gas) powered tools. ¬ US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/
8. Use wet scraping, tenting or HEPA-vac
instruments to reduce dust and debris when ¬ Santa Cruz Green Building Directory:
http://www.ecoact.org/PDF/GBD_2007_Application.pdf
removing paint (avoiding chemical paint
stripping).
9. Use high-efficiency paint spray equipment.
10. Buy rechargeable batteries and appliances such as hand-held vacuum cleaners and flashlights.
11. Print promotional materials with soy or other low-VOC inks.
12. Use unbleached and/or chlorine-free paper products (copy paper, paper towels, coffee filters, etc.).
13. Switch from commercial air fresheners to potpourri or vinegar & lemon juice.
14. Switch from toxic permanent ink markers/pens to water-based markers.
15. Purchase laundry detergents that have little or no phosphates.
16. Purchase recycled content construction materials when building/remodeling (such as plastic lumber
for decking, benches and railing, carpet, carpet padding, etc).
17. Buy low-mercury fluorescent lamps.
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GREEN NOTES Vehicle Emissions
F. Air Emission Reductions
Please complete this requirement: An improperly tuned car produces 10-15 times
more pollution than a tuned one. Each person
(Before GB program )(After GB program) driving alone to work creates more than 2 tons of
1. Encourage employees to use alternative auto exhaust each year. If every commuter car in
transportation to get to work such as bike, bus, the U.S. carried just one more passenger, we
would save 600,000 gallons of gasoline and
or carpool. Please describe how: reduce air emissions by 12 million pounds of
______________________________________ carbon dioxide every day!
__________________________
The amount of carbon emitted for driving 50 miles
In addition, reduce air pollution in at least two ways: is roughly equal to 105 square feet of mature
forest.
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Encourage commute alternatives by informing employees and customers about transportation
options for reaching your location (i.e. post transit schedules/routes).
2. Help employees rideshare by posting commuter ride sign-up sheets, employee home zip code map,
etc. Get assistance from www.rides.org or 1-800-755-POOL.
3. Offer telecommuting and/or flexible schedules so workers can avoid heavy traffic commutes.
4. When possible, arrange for a single vendor who makes deliveries for several items.
5. Patronize services close to your business (e.g., food/catering, copy center, etc.) and encourage
employees to do the same.
6. Purchase Carbon Offsets to compensate for miles traveled by company vehicles.
7. Other ________________________________________________________________
If your business has a company-owned vehicle(s), complete at least two of the following or purchase low
emission vehicles or alternative fuel vehicles:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Plan delivery routes to eliminate unnecessary trips.
2. Keep vehicles well maintained to prevent leaks and minimize emissions, and encourage employees
to do the same.
If you have more than 100 employees, complete at least 3 of the following:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Provide car/van pool parking.
2. Provide a commuter van.
3. Sell bus or light rail passes on-site or at a discount to your employees.
4. Offer a shuttle service to and from bus, train and/or light rail stops.
5. Provide shower facilities for employees who walk/jog/bike to work or contract with an athletic club
to use their facilities.
6. Encourage bicycling to work by offering rebates on bicycles bought for commuting.
7. Provide secured and enclosed bicycle parking for employees (e.g., bike lockers)
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B. Energy Conservation
I. Energy Management
Please complete the mandatory measures listed below:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Organize an energy service to conduct a commercial energy audit of your facility to help
identify which energy conservation measures to use at your business. Your Green Business
Coordinator can organize this for you.
2. Complete regularly scheduled maintenance on your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air
conditioning) system.
¬ Clean permanent filters with mild detergents every two months (change replaceable filters every 2 months).
¬ Check entire system each year for coolant and air leaks, clogs, and obstructions of air intake and vents.
¬ Keep condense coils free of dust & lint.
3. If more than five people are employed, track and post monthly gas and electricity usage
information for employees to view.
II. Energy Conservation Measures and Practices
Implement at least ten of the following measures listed below, with at least four in Section A:
A. Equipment/Facility Changes:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Use an energy management system to control lighting, kitchen
exhaust, refrigeration and HVAC.
2. Install occupancy sensors for lighting in low occupancy areas,
including walk-in refrigerator/freezers.
3. Retrofit incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
4. Install ultra efficient ballasts such as GE UltraMAx units to dim
lights to take advantage of daylight.
5. Upgrade existing fluorescent lighting with T-8 lamps with electronic
ballasts (T-8 systems consume up to 40% less energy than
conventional T-12 systems). Recycle old lamps and ballasts.
6. Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and air
conditioning.
7. Insulate all major hot water pipes.
8. Insulate refrigeration cold suction lines.
9. Use weather stripping to close air gaps around doors and windows.
10. Retrofit exit signs with LEDs or fluorescent bulbs.
11. Select electrical equipment with energy saving features (e.g. Energy Star).
12. Install and use computer hardware programs that save energy by automatically turning off idle
monitors and printers.
13. Plant native shrubs or trees near windows for shade.
14. Install plastic strip curtains on walk-in refrigerator/freezer doors.
15. Convert hot water heaters to on-demand systems.
16. Use a solar water heater or pre-heater.
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17. Reduce the number of lamps and increase lighting efficiency by installing optical reflectors or
diffusers.
18. Install ceiling fans.
19. Consider adding desk lamps or task lighting fixtures to work spaces in order to reduce the need
for overhead lighting when only one person is in the office.
20. Other ___________________________
B. Employee Practices GREEN NOTES Office Electronics
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Clean lighting fixtures and lamps so that Energy Star® compliant monitors have power
management features and consume up to 90%
they are lighting as effectively as possible
less energy. Screen savers don't save energy!
(dirt can reduce lighting efficiency by up Energy Star® copiers and fax machines can
to 50%) and replace aging fluorescent reduce their annual electricity costs by about 60%
tubes. Then remove lamps where possible. and 50% respectively.
2. Check and adjust lighting control devices
such as time clocks and photocells.
3. Set thermostat to 76º F for cooling, 68ºF for heating, and use the thermostat's night setback.
4. Institute a policy that all electronic devices and lighting be turned off in non-occupied rooms.
5. Drain and flush hot water tanks to the sanitary sewer every 6 months to prevent scale build up
and deposits (This can reduce heating efficiency).
6. Set hot water heaters to standard 140-150º F.
7. Turn room cooling units off when the weather is cooler.
8. Maintain refrigerator doors by replacing worn gaskets, aligning doors, enabling automatic door
closers, and replacing worn or damaged strip curtains.
9. Maintain refrigerators by keeping evaporator coils free of excessive frost and by keeping
condenser coils free of dust and lint.
10. Check pilot lights for proper adjustment
11. Rearrange workspace to take advantage of natural sunlight, and design for increased natural
lighting when remodeling.
12. Use light switch reminders to remind customers and staff to turn off lights.
13. Use energy efficient space heaters during off hours instead of heating the whole office.
14. Other ___________________________
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C. Solid Waste Reduction
I. Waste Management
Have a solid waste reduction assessment done for your facility to help identify which waste reduction,
reuse and recycling practices would best work for your shop. Your Green Business Coordinator can
organize this for you. Please complete the mandatory solid waste measures listed below:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Eliminate the use of polystyrene containers. Utilize one of the following options (in order of
preference): paper, paperboard, compostable containers (starch-based sugarcane, rice hulls,
and/or corn), or recyclable plastic.
2. Where applicable, provide recycling and GREEN NOTES - Recyclables
composting container(s) at convenient and
appropriate locations. Santa Cruz Regional Recycling Programs
3. If you provide disposable bags to your continually upgrade recycling capabilities.
For detailed information on recycling
customers for items purchased or supplied by programs refer to Ecology Action's Recycling
your business, you must primarily provide Guide:
paper bags instead of plastic. Plastic bags
should only be provided when necessary. http://www.ecoact.org/PDF/WTR_res.pdf
II. Waste Reduction Measures and Practices
Perform all five of the following activities to reduce
paper usage and increase reuse. GREEN NOTES - Polystyrene
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
Paper takes 4 times less space in storage
1. Keep a stack of previously used paper near and disposal than polystyrene. In 1986, EPA
printers; use it for drafts or internal memos, or ranked the 20 chemicals whose production
designate a draft tray on printers with multiple generated the most hazardous wasted.
trays. Polystyrene was number five.
2. Purchase/lease all new copiers and printers with
In most parts of the county including Santa
double sided copying capability. Cruz, Polystyrene is NOT recyclable
3. Encourage employees (signs or memos) to use regardless of the stamp on the container.
reusable lunch bags and containers, and for
leftovers from restaurant lunches.
4. Set all multi-page documents and defaults on
printers and copiers to be double sided.
5. Set document defaults to smaller fonts and margins.
A. Paper Reduction
Reduce paper in at least five of the following ways:
(Before GB program )(After GB program) GREEN NOTES Paper Wastes
1. Use computer fax modems that allow faxing
directly from computers without printing or The average office worker discards more than
use email rather than faxing. 175 pounds of high-grade office paper each
2. Manage incoming and outgoing mail by year.
completing any of the following:
¬ Eliminate unwanted mailings by calling sender's 800 number or writing "refused" on first class mail.
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¬ Eliminate duplicate mailings & subscriptions by returning labels to the sender requesting that all but one be
removed.
¬ For bulk mail, request removal of name, & write "refused" on first class mail.
¬ Purge your own mailing lists to eliminate duplication.
¬ Re-use envelopes you've received by covering up the old address and postage, and affix new.
3. Set up a bulletin board or develop routing lists for bulletins, memos, trade journals to minimize
the number of employees receiving individual copies.
4. Replace memos with e-mail messages & discourage the printing of messages.
5. Design marketing materials that require no envelope simply fold and mail.
6. Request that marketing materials be printed on recycled content paper.
7. Use electronic billing methods to invoice customers and receive payment.
8. Other____________________________________________________________
B. Other Waste Reduction
Recycle or reuse materials in 2 additional ways:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Use laundry service that provides
GREEN NOTES Regional Landfill Status
reusable bags for dirty and clean
linen. A May 2007 study by a local environmental task-
2. Leave grass clipping on mowed turf force slated the Buena Vista Landfill to reach
("grass-cycling") rather than capacity in less than fifteen years.
disposing.
3. Compost food scraps. Board of Supervisors approved diversions goals
including:
4. Compost or recycle landscape - Diversion rate of 75% by 2010
debris. - Recycling programs for building materials and
5. For shipping non-food items, use food wastes
shredded paper for packaging needs
instead of purchasing polystyrene
pellets, bubble wrap, other packing materials (if you receive these, reuse them in your own
packaging).
6. Printer cartridges.
7. Plastic wrap/bags.
8. CD's/DVD's (mail to: Envirom, 22605 E. La Palma Ave., Suite 501, Yorba Linda, CA 92887).
9. Other ____________________________
III. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Please complete the mandatory environmentally preferable purchasing measures listed below:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Purchase 100% recycled content office paper with at least 30% being post consumer waste
(pcw).
2. Purchase paper towels for restrooms with the highest recycled content available.
A. Purchasing Activities
Demonstrate a commitment to purchasing Environmentally Preferable Products. Select at least three of
items 1 through 10 to reduce the environmental impact of purchasing decisions.
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
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1. Centralize purchasing to eliminate unnecessary purchases and ensure that all waste reduction
purchasing policies are followed.
2. Select products shipped with less packaging or that are shipped in returnable, reusable or
recyclable containers.
3. Work with vendors to minimize product packaging: ask vendors to take back packaging and
used/damaged products for reuse and recycling (choose vendors that offer these services).
4. Arrange for cooperative buying through association, co-located business groups, etc.
5. Purchase reusable rather than disposable office items such as refillable pens, erasable white
boards & wall calendars.
6. Have all employees use reusable mugs and cups. In the lunch/break room, eliminate disposables
by using permanent ware (mugs, dishes, utensils, towels, rags, coffee filters, etc.) and using
refillable containers of sugar, salt & pepper, etc. to avoid individual condiment packets.
7. Donate old uniforms and linens to shelters or nonprofits or otherwise recycle them.
8. Buy products that are bulk, concentrated, durable, repairable, and/or recyclable, making sure
that you need ALL you are ordering.
9. Retailers stock/sell products which are less toxic or less polluting than conventional products.
10. Retailers - offer an incentive to customers who bring their own shopping bags, coffee mugs, etc.
B. Purchases GREEN NOTES Office Paper
Purchase three recycled content products from items
listed below: In the manufacture of "recycled" paper,
64% less energy and 58% less water is
(Before GB program )(After GB program) required, and 74% less air pollution is
11. Business cards. generated.
12. Disposable drink and food items. Look for recycled paper with a high post-
13. Storage bins and containers for recyclables. consumer content (previously used-not
14. Refuse pails and bags (recycled HDPE trash liner manufacturing scraps). Copy paper with
bags instead of LDPE or LLDPE). 30% post-consumer content is readily
15. Floor mats. available and proven effective.
16. Toilet seat covers and toilet paper.
17. Carpet.
18. Construction materials when building or remodeling.
19. Use recycled-content paint.
20. Pencils, rulers and other desk accessories.
21. Purchase mulch, soil amendments and compost made of plant trimmings or green waste.
22. Other:__________________________________
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Recyclables and Hazardous Wastes
The following items are recyclable either by curbside collection or at a drop-off site depending
upon your refuse service and location:
aluminum
bottles
cans
cardboard
glass
magazines and junk mail (remove any plastic)
metals
mixed paper (except bright or fluorescent paper)
newspaper
office paper
packaging
paint (if water-based)
phone books
plastic bags (must be placed in a larger plastic bag that is tied off)
plastic containers (# 1-7 on container) except black plastic
plastic sheets (no tarps)
printer cartridges (recycle or refill at local participating stores, your Coordinator can inform you)
tires
wood pallets and spools
yard waste
Recyclable Hazardous Wastes
The following items are hazardous waste and recyclable if taken to a Household Hazardous
Waste collection facility (where available) or picked up by a hazardous waste hauler:
automotive fluids, i.e. coolant and waste motor oil
electronic equipment (anything with a cord)
oil-based paints and solvents
fluorescent light bulbs (tube and CFL)
**Note: If your business is a small quantity generator (SQG) of hazardous waste, then you may
recycle hazardous wastes at a Household Hazardous Waste facility. If your business is a large
quantity generator, you must have a licensed hazardous waste hauler remove and recycle these
waste streams. If your business generates less than 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds), then you fall
under the SQG category.
Electronic Wastes
Electronic wastes such as computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, etc. can be taken to landfill
household hazardous waste facilities, provide your business is a SQG. However, the best option for
this wastestream is reuse through our Community Partners, where electronics can be reconditioned for
the public to benefit the community. Please visit
http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Waste_Reduction/Recycling/ewaste.htm for details on reuse of e-
waste.
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D. Water Conservation
I. Water Management
Contact your water utility to request a free water use survey of your facility (where available) and ask for your
available water usage data-preferably for the past three years. You should also ask about their rebate programs.
(Your Green Business Program Coordinator can organize this for you). Review the water use survey results
annually to identify additional ways to reduce your water use and retain all your future water use data.
Complete all of these mandatory water conservation measures listed below that are applicable to your
business:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Understand your water bill and review it monthly for indications of leaks, spikes or other problems.
Call your water utility if you notice any unusual increases in use or if you need suggestions on how
to improve the efficiency of your water use.
2. Learn how to read your water meter.
3. Regularly check for and repair all leaks in your GREEN NOTES
facility (toilet leaks can be detected in tank toilets
A faucet with a slow leak can waste 10
with leak detecting tablets, which may be available gallons of water a day, or more! A single
from your local water company). Train your staff to leaky toilet can waste as much as 1000
monitor and respond immediately to leaking gallons of water per day.
equipment.
4. Use "dry sweeping" to clean concrete or asphalt
surfaces instead of using water to wash down surfaces. Use high pressure, low water use cleaning
techniques only when necessary. Always send wastewater from pressure washing to landscaping or
the sewer (discharge to the sewer is mandatory in the City of Santa Cruz), not the storm drain. Use a
water conserving broom attached to a hose as an alternative to pressure washing where possible.
II. General Water Conservation Measures and Practices
Complete the mandatory water conservation measure directly below if it is applicable:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Install low flow aerators in faucets (1.5 gpm) and showerheads (2.5 gpm). Your water utility may
provide these for free.
2. Install toilets manufactured to flush 1.6 gallons or less. Your water utility may have a rebate program
for low flow toilets.
Implement at least 3 of the elective water conservation measures listed below. Consider areas of greatest
water use at your facility in choosing new measures.
A. Fixtures and Equipment
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Install non-water (water free) urinals.
2. Install urinals that are manufactured to flush at 1.0 gallon or less. Or replace diaphragms in the flush
valve, so that they flush 1.0 gallon.
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3. Install low flow, self-closing faucets either infrared or springloaded.
4. If cleaning floors with water, use high-pressure low-volume cleaning equipment or use a recycling
filtered system such as, an electronic powered cleaning machine.
5. Maintain water pressure (pressure reducing valve) between 60-80 PSI to optimize performance and
reduce water loss through leakage, if necessary.
B. Indoor Water Management Practices
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Change window-cleaning schedule from "periodic" to "as required."
2. Use dry floor cleaning methods indoors followed by damp mopping, rather than spraying or hosing
with water.
C. Outdoor Water Management Practices
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Instead of washing vehicles on site, go to a washing service that recycles water.
2. Regular pavement cleaning is accomplished by sweeping manually or with electric vacuum or
blower, and properly disposing of debris.
D. Other (describe):
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
III. Landscaping
Complete all of these mandatory water conservation measures that are applicable to your business:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
1. Test irrigation sprinklers 4 times per year to ensure proper operation and coverage.
2. Repair all broken or defective sprinkler heads/nozzles, lines & valves.
3. Adjust sprinklers for proper coverage optimizing spacing and avoiding runoff onto paved surfaces.
Adjust sprinklers to achieve even water distribution.
4. Adjust sprinkler times and/or duration according to seasons, water during non-daylight hours
(generally before 7 am or after 9 pm).
If you have landscaping, you must meet at least 3 of the elective water conservation criteria below:
(Before GB program )(After GB program)
5. Rain shut-off devices or moisture sensors are installed to override automatic irrigation when
adequate moisture exists.
6. The number of days lawns are irrigated is limited to a maximum of 3-4 days per week during
summer, 2-3 in the spring and fall, and none in the winter. Tree and shrub watering is limited to a
maximum of 2 days per week in the summer, 1-2 days in the spring and fall, and none in the winter.
Foggy coastal areas can usually get by with fewer days per week of irrigation in the summer season.
7. Prevent runoff when irrigating landscaping on slopes or in narrow planting strips, by scheduling
multiple run times for short periods (3-5 minutes), with at least an hour between water applications.
8. Valves are separated based on plant water use (hydro zones).
9. Sprinklers are matched with same precipitation rates.
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10. Automatic irrigation controller has the following features:
¬ Dual programming capability program A and B
¬ Automatic rain shut-off
¬ Soil moisture sensor to override program when adequate moisture is present
11. At least two inches of mulch is applied in all non-turf planting areas.
12. Plant material is native or drought tolerant (water conserving).
13. Where available, use recycled water instead of potable water for landscaping.
14. Demonstrate/describe your alternative water conservation techniques for
landscaping:__________________________________________________________________
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E. Employee Awareness
1. New and current employees are trained to follow the Green Business practices.
2. All employees are trained on hair care products and health hazards associated with them
3. An employee will be asked if they know what Green Business and/or Best Environmental Practices
are and they will be asked to give an example.
4. Provide incentives to employees who take ownership of Best Environmental Practices such as
"Employee of the Month".
F. Compliance Checks
1. Business has not had any SIGNIFICANT health violations that have not been corrected (confirm
with Environmental Health Services/Consumer Protection Agency)
2. Business has met compliance with all storm water-related regulatory requirements (confirm with
Environmental Health Services/Certified Unified Program Agency and regional Publicly Owned
Treatment Works [POTW])
3. Business has met compliance with all wastewater-related regulatory requirements (confirm with
regional POTW Pretreatment Programs)
G. Client Recommendations
Now that your business is aware of how to prevent pollution, recycle and conserve energy and water, make
recommendations to your clients where appropriate:
1. Look for leaky toilets and faucets, point them out to your clients and explain how fixing the leaks
can save your client money on both the water bill and the sewer bill.
2. Look for old appliances that are inefficient, explain rebate programs for energy efficient appliance
purchases.
3. Help your client set up a recycling system that is easy and works best for them. Explain what is and
isn't recyclable.
4. Talk about your environmentally-friendly cleaning process and educate your clients on why it is
better.
All criteria have been met as of the following date:
Signature of authorized Green Business Program Coordinator:
_____________
Printed Name:
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