Businesses listed with The Green Spot are required to meet a portion of the following criteria to qualify for a listing in
ENERGY – RENEWABLES & EFFICIENCY
- Business is powered by a renewable energy option from power provider, i.e. Blue Sky/Environmentally Preferred Power or business is powered by a renewable energy source such as solar, wind, geo-thermal or micro-hydro (required minimum).
- During operating hours, thermostats are set to 68˚ for heating in the winter and 78˚ for cooling in the summer. During closed hours, 60˚ for heating in the winter and 80˚ for cooling in the summer.
- Solar water heater system or “on demand” hot water heater used
- CFL or other high efficiency bulbs are used in all applicable fixtures
- Motion/occupancy sensors or timers are in use
- Appliances/computers meet Energy Star standards
- Have installed or are using high efficiency heating/cooling systems
- Lights, computers and appliances are turned off at end of the day
WATER CONSERVATION
- Low flow aerators attached to all faucets
- Ultra low flow toilets, faucets, hoses or water displacement devices used
- Uses native or drought tolerant plants (amend with compost) in landscaping
- Uses drip irrigation where appropriate and audits entire irrigation system in the spring
- Do not need irrigation (no landscape to water)
- Uses compost to top dress lawn and waters only during the evening or early morning
- Does not have a lawn
TRANSPORTATION
- Offers incentives to employees for alternatives to driving alone, i.e. biking, walking carpooling, telecommuting
- During business hours, uses an alternative to driving for deliveries, such as print jobs, food pick-ups, and other needs
- Purchases carbon offsets when traveling for business
- Business vehicles are highly efficient or powered by alternative, i.e. non-fossil fuel, hybrid technology
3rd PARTY CERTIFICATION
- Completed a third party certification process for environmental and/or social criteria, i.e. Fair Trade, Organic, EcoBiz, LEED, Earth Advantage, Green America, Green Seal
WASTE REDUCTION
- Has a recycling program in place for paper, bottles, cans, aluminum, and glass, plastic and cardboard
- Orders in bulk to reduce packaging and uses/offer refillable containers
- Packaging is reused to its fullest extent before it is recycled
- Items purchased are reusable, recyclable and/or durable
- Double sides all office paper when printing is necessary
- Uses recycled content paper including office paper, paper towels and toilet paper
- Participates in a compost program for food waste
- Events hosted follow zero waste guidelines, avoiding disposable items
- Donates items that can’t be reused to thrift stores, salvage yards, food banks, homeless shelters or used equipment stores
- Offers discounts to consumers for bringing their own bags, cups
TOXICS
- Avoids the use of toxic chemicals, synthetic herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals that may harm the environment or health of living things
- Non-toxic/biodegradable cleaning products/services used
- Low or no VOC paints, finishes, adhesives and other building and maintenance products have been used in the building
- Recycles used fluorescent light bulbs, computers and other electronic equipment, rechargeable batteries and oil
- Disposes of biological and hazardous waste at an approved facility
COMMUNITY
- Educates all current staff and new employees with regards to eco-friendly practices
- Educates all customers with regards to eco-friendly options for their purchase
- Markets business’ green efforts by word of mouth, in print or online
- Supports local community organizations/causes
- Participates in COEC’s Sustainable Business Program
- Utilizes goods and services from businesses listed with The Green Spot
- Offers employee benefits such as subsidizing medical insurance premiums and/ or providing vouchers to offset medical expenses and providing retirement benefits, such as 401(k) options, etc.
- Offers discounts to other green businesses
