News & Events
Discovered in Berkeley
The City of Berkeley’s #DiscoveredinBerkeley campaign highlights unique and exemplary local businesses. In celebration of Earth Day, the latest Discovered in Berkeley article in Berkeleyside highlights how the new normal can be more sustainable—and all that Berkeley businesses are doing to support environmental preservation. Learn more about the City of Berkeley Office of Economic Development’s support for local businesses and shop at certified green businesses in CA.
Langan & EBMUD win Acterra Awards
Alameda County's Green Businesses were recognized at the 2019 Acterra Awards, with Langan, a Certified Green Business since 2006, receiving the Acterra Award for Sustainability in recognition of their company-wide sustainability program, and EBMUD, a Green Business Partner with several certified facilities, receiving the Environmental Project award for their Resource Recovery 2 Project, which uses anaerobic digestion to process high-strength wastewater in order to generate biogas and surplus renewable electricity.
Since 1990, Acterra has been celebrating sustainable business practices in the San Francisco Bay Area through the Business Environmental Awards Program. Green Businesses that have won an Acterra Award in the past include Gaumenkitzel Restaurant, Beneficial State Bank, Siegel & Strain Architects, and Bishop O'Dowd High School.
Green Business wins StopWaste Award
StopWaste acknowledged the recipients of the 2019 StopWaste Business Efficiency Awards, given for outstanding achievements in waste reduction. Among the awardees was Semifreddi's, a local bakery and Certified Green Business since 2012. Many of their ingredients are sourced locally and delivered in reusable transport packaging to reduce waste. Extra food is donated, sent to chicken feed, or composted as a last resort.
Life Chiropractic College West Wins Sustainability Award
Life Chiropractic College West, a leader in chiropractic education and a Certified Green Business since 2014, was awarded an Environmental Sustainability Award by the City of Hayward in recognition of its commitment to green business practices. Life West was one of six winners chosen by a committee of citizens from different parts of the community that evaluated various schools and businesses.
Dr. Kerri Duggins, who spearheaded the college's recertification efforts, recognized the Alameda County Green Business Program's contribution to Life West’s success. “It’s an incredible opportunity for businesses to have a framework, have deadlines, and support to actually achieve green business certification, and it made all the difference for us; it was extremely helpful,” Dr. Duggins said.
Green Businesses Recognized for Water Conservation
EBMUD recognized its WaterSmart businesses at a recent ceremony. These businesses are not only Certified Green Businesses, but they are also making great strides in conserving water. Winners included Head Royce School, Berkeley Design Center, Nia Learning Center, Draga Designs, the Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies, Automate Scientific, Accent on Languages, Beneficial State Bank & Foundation, Coe Studios, and Temple Sinai.
The Alameda County Green Business Program was also recognized as an inaugural WaterSmart Partner at the event. We're grateful for EBMUD's efforts to conserve water as well as for its support of the Green Business Program and our certified businesses.
City of Berkeley Recognizes Green Businesses
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin recognized the City's Green Businesses at a special reception at Gaumenkitzel, a Certified Green Business since 2011.
The networking reception with the Mayor, City staff, and Berkeley’s Green Business leaders was followed by a Berkeley City Council meeting where Mayor Arreguin acknowledged Berkeley’s Green Businesses with a proclamation for their commitment to their community and sustainable business practices.