April 25, 2024 - GreenBiz Cupertino ProgramCITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Date: April 25, 2024
Memorandum
April 23, 2024
To: City Council
From: Ursula Syrova, Environmental Programs and Sustainability Manager
Re: GreenBiz Cupertino Program
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Subject
GreenBiz Cupertino Program
Discussion
At the April 3, 2024, City Council meeting, Councilmember Moore requested
information on the current status of the GreenBiz Cupertino Program.
Cupertino’s Sustainability Division continues to offer local support to guide businesses
wishing to get certified by connecting them with Santa Clara County staff. The County
operates a supportive regional sub-program as part of the larger California Green
Business Network. Green Business Certification involves working through a checklist of
actions to conserve water and energy, promote alternative transportation for
commuting, prevent pollution, use non-toxic cleaners, avoid waste, recycle materials,
and divert waste properly. Certified businesses can often realize cost savings as a result
of their actions and are recognized and promoted by the Green Business network and
local jurisdiction websites. The City’s Earth and Arbor Day Festival on April 20, 2024,
will include a booth to promote the Green Business Certification opportunity hosted by
the County.
Prior to COVID-19, Cupertino’s GreenBiz Program would provide technical assistance
to prepare them for the County’s certification inspections. This included several in-
person visits, custom user-friendly checklists, free small equipment such as low-flow
toilet flappers, and additional recognition marketing and special recognition by City
Council. During the shelter-in-place time, the Sustainability Division offered support
over video calls, but the value of the assistance was impacted because of the inability to
meet in-person and economic hardship that many businesses were facing. The County’s
program and the Cupertino GreenBiz program focus shifted to re-certifying businesses
instead of adding additional businesses. Pre-covid, the estimated amount spent per year
was $5000 on marketing and supplies. Starting in the 2024 FY, the budget was reduced
to $0.
Cupertino has 53 businesses currently active as certified Green Businesses, and those can
be found on interactive maps at both websites cited below. All of Cupertino’s municipal
buildings are certified and appear as separate “businesses” on the maps. The City’s last
recertification was in June 2022. Businesses must recertify every three years.
Cupertino’s Green Business web page
Map of Cupertino Green Businesses
California Green Business Network - Santa Clara County
Green Business Areas of Focus
Green Businesses implement practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water, and
garbage bills and receive free technical assistance to help make lasting changes.
From greenbusinessca.org/why-get-certified/
Next Steps
Due to the lack of funding and elimination of the Sustainability Manager position, staff
plan to coordinate with County staff to continue to promote Green Business Certification
to Cupertino businesses as staffing capacity and opportunities allow.
Sustainability Impact
Actions that are part of the Green Business checklist support the City’s greenhouse gas
reduction goals through energy and water conservation, reducing waste, and reducing
vehicle miles traveled.
Fiscal Impact
No Fiscal Impact.
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Prepared by: Ursula Syrova, Environmental Programs and Sustainability Manager
Reviewed by: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Matt Morley, Assistant City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachments: None