The City of San Diego Green Business Network

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5 min to read

San Diego, USA

About the city. San Diego is a Smart City that leads the way in sustainable practices and goals.

Goal

The main goal of the project is to attract small and medium-sized businesses to adopt green practices.

Implementation period. The program was launched in 2012.

Fact

70% of companies surveyed said the promotion is the most valuable resource offered by San Diego’s Green Business Network.

Solutions

The San Diego Green Business Network (SDRGBN) is a free program that San Diego businesses can take part in to save energy, money and other resources. At the same time, to increase awareness. The project provides free energy and water assessments, which include resources businesses can tap to help finance recommended upgrades. Moreover, companies get the right to participate in various workshops, events and community recognition programs. SDRGBN members commit to reducing energy use and reducing emissions.

Within the framework of the project, three programs are available: Energy Reduction, Water Reduction, Zero Waste.

What does the company get from participating in the project in addition to the economic benefits?

Networking events
Regular e-news updates featuring sustainability information and events countywide
Attendance at speakers’ forums on greening your business
SDRGBN educational materials and marketing toolkit
Community recognition for environmental leadership

If a company has a City of San Diego business tax certificate, it is eligible for free membership.

Team

The City of San Diego, City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Beginning in 2021, the SDRGBN is transitioning from a local government-managed program to a program managed by the San Diego Green Building Council.

Partners: City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, San Diego Gas & Electric, Climate Collaborative of San Diego, The Center for Sustainable Energy, The San Diego Green Building Council.

Timeline

Nowadays more than 220 companies participate in the program, both in the commercial sector and in the non-profit sector. Over 90% improved their sustainability score: