The Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division (RRWM) of Santa Barbara County Public Works recently achieved “Innovator” status through the Green Business Program (GBP) of Santa Barbara County.

The recognition is reserved for businesses and organizations that meet or exceed the highest level of certification within the GBP, the county said. Businesses must uphold the following standards by completing various tasks: 
 
1. Implement practices that support the community and promote social equity.
2. Significantly lower the business’s and/or community’s environmental footprint.
3. Promote the Green Business Program to encourage other businesses to lower their carbon and waste footprint.
 
RRWM has implemented most of these standards for many years. 
 
Specifically, RRWM met the standards listed above by:

• Supporting renewable energy infrastructure by selecting the 100% renewable energy option from the energy provider 
• Having a mission statement that supports the community and promotes social equity 
• Providing healthcare for all full-time employees
• Offering employees a retirement plan
• Implementing a robust incentive program for employees who use alternative transportation 
• Creating a 5-year Sustainability Action Plan that outlines long-term sustainability goals, resources needed, and individuals responsible and incorporating goals to achieve net zero energy, zero waste certification, and net zero water usage.
• Recruiting other businesses and county offices to enroll in the Green Business Program and being a business-to-business mentor working regularly to help them reach certification 
• Making a request to at least three businesses or offices asking them to become a certified Green Business 
• Offering electronic waste and hazardous waste disposal options for office supplies 
• Providing low-waste options like reusable coffee pods 
• Implementing various other standards and practices 
 
Learn more about RRWM efforts at www.LessIsMore.org. 
 
The California Green Business Network (CGBN) works with businesses to support sustainable initiatives and practices. The CGBN collaborates with cities and counties across the state to form local programs.

The Santa Barbara program, led by Kori Nielsen, is supported by several municipal organizations across the county, including RRWM.

Local businesses can apply to become certified at www.greenbusinessca.org/get-certified.