How Do I Get Certified?

Step 1

Register Your Business Online

Follow the "Let's Get Started" link at the bottom of this page and provide us with contact information and some details about your business. This will generate a checklist of Green Business Program measures. Don't worry about completing the checklist, just review it to get a better sense of what's needed for certification. Once you have registered, we'll reach out to you to learn more about your business and schedule a visit.

Step 2

Schedule a Site Visit

Our Green Business Coordinator will contact you to learn more about your business, explain the certification process, and schedule a preliminary site visit. During this visit, we'll go over the checklist items together, learn more about your facilities and business practices, and see where you stand regarding program measures. After that, we'll give you a concise list of actions you'll need to take to become certified. We'll also put you in touch with potential rebates and free technical assistance to make certification as easy as possible for you.

Step 3

Complete Action Items

Work through the list of actions provided by the Coordinator. This may include things like replacing old bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, switching to non-toxic cleaning products, or purchasing recycled-content paper products. We usually have a solution for any challenge that arises, so just let us know how we can help. Your Coordinator will book a series of quick check-ins to verify that you have completed all the necessary measures. 

Step 4

Achieve Certification!

Once we've verified that all the measures have been completed, you'll be recognized as Santa Cruz County's newest Certified Green Business! You'll receive a framed Certificate of Completion, window decals featuring the program's logo, a digital version of the Green Business logo for your website, and other promotional materials. You'll also receive a listing in the statewide Green Business Directory. We promote Certified Green Businesses at community events, networking mixers, and Board of Supervisor meetings. We will notify you of opportunities to connect with the public, like-minded business owners, and local officials. Congratulations on becoming a certified Green Business!