Your business may be greener than you think!
Is your business taking steps to reduce energy and water consumption, produce less waste, and provide opportunities for employees and customers to make sustainable choices? Then you may be eligible for the City of Alexandria's Green Business Recognition Program!
To participate, decide which tier is reflective of your business' sustainability efforts. Then, fill out the checklist for that tier to indicate which actions your business is CURRENTLY implementing:
The City will accept applications on a rolling basis. To be recognized in time for holiday promotions, please submit your application by November 15, 2023.
For more information:
Please visit the program website for guidance on completing the actions as well as more information about the program and what recognition could mean for you and your business. The Resource Guide (PDF) is also available on the program website.
You can also contact the City Sustainability Coordinator, Samantha Heitsch: Samantha.Heitsch@alexandriava.gov.
NOTE FOR FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION:
There is not an option to save the form and return later. The form may reset if you click out of the tab.
We suggest preparing your answers ahead of time so that you can fill out and submit the form in one sitting. To help with this, there is a PDF copy of the application on the program website.
You must complete all seven actions (and eight and nine, if applicable) under Tier 1 to earn this level of recognition.
Use LED bulbs in at least 75% of all light fixtures (indoor and outdoor).
When the heating or cooling system is on, all windows and doors (including rollup doors) within the air conditioned or heated space are kept closed.
Use doors on 80% of all low-temperature or refrigerated cases.
Review your energy bills for the past 12 months (or longest period available) and establish an energy reduction goal of 10% compared to your current average annual usage.
(1-2 sentence description of your target usage and general approach(es) for how you plan to reach it. See Resource Guide for tips on how to reduce energy usage.)
Review your water bills for the past 12 months (or longest period available) and establish a water reduction goal of 10% compared to your current average annual usage.
(1-2 sentence description of your target usage and general approach(es) for how you plan to reach it. See Resource Guide for tips on how to reduce water usage.)
Create a waste reduction goal and share the goal and plan for achieving it with employees.
(1-2 sentence description of your goal and general plan for achieving it. See Resource Guide for tips on how to reduce waste.)
Implement and train employees in an ‘ask first’ policy, where disposable items – including shopping bags, paper straws, stirrers, cup lids, cutlery, and condiments – are distributed upon request only. As an example, rather than providing these items to every customer, some businesses have set up a station for customers to grab cutlery, with signage about the business’ waste reduction efforts.
(1-2 sentence description of what your ‘ask first’ policy entails. See Resource Guide for tips on 'ask first' policies.)
If you do not own the business' property or building: Commit to discussing a green lease with your landlord.
If applicable: Use reusable food ware for onsite dining, including dinnerware, drinkware, silverware, and containers.
You must meet the requirements for Tier 1 (completing the Tier 1 checklist) and complete the seven (or eight, if applicable) required actions under Tier 2 to earn this level of recognition.
Have an energy use intensity (EUI) at or below the national median for your building type, as measured by ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. See the Resource Guide for building type definitions.
Water-using appliances are WaterSense labeled OR if you are not currently using WaterSense labeled appliances, then develop a procurement plan to opt for these when it is time to replace current appliances.
If applicable: For non-restroom sinks, install low-flow spray nozzles.
Submit a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP) form to the City that meets more than the minimum standard (diverting more than two materials that you generate).
Do not use or provide single-use plastic bags.
Do not use or provide polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam) products.
Use paperless billing for all vendors (as available).
Establish a procurement policy that maintains sustainable standards, with all four (4) of the below requirements:
You must meet the requirements for Tiers 1 and 2, complete the seven required actions under Tier 3, and complete ten additional actions (choosing from the provided list and/or providing your own, subject to approval) to earn this level of recognition.
Achieve an energy use intensity (EUI) 10% below median within your applicable property category:
a. Bar, pub, lounge: 117.6
b. Coffee shop, café, bakery: 243.3
c. Retail store: 46.3
d. Restaurant, cafeteria: 293
In the box below, please enter your building type and calculated EUI:
Implement a system for composting organic waste.
a. For smaller amounts (e.g., employee food scraps), provide a compost bin in the break room/eating area, include signage and training on what can be composted, and designate staff member(s) to drop off compost at farmers market or other designated sites on a regular basis, or utilize a contractor for regular pickups.
b. For larger amounts (e.g., food service), set up a contract with an organics waste hauler, develop a system for collecting organic waste, and train employees on the system.
Please describe the system you use:
If applicable: Use compostable “to go" food containers, mugs, cups, plates, and cutlery.
Install accessible bike racks or provide bike storage for employees.
Establish an emergency response plan with employees for climate events such as storms (rain, snow, ice), flooding, extreme heat, and extreme cold.
Please describe your emergency response plan:
Provide a hydration station or water tap for refilling water bottles—both for employees as well as the public. In particular, make sure this is available to all members of the public (not just customers) during high heat days.
Post information in the business identifying the nearest seasonal warming and cooling options and centers. See the Resource Guide for a list of these centers.
Please use the space below to provide any additional explanation or information for any of your answers, if desired:
If you are implementing other sustainability measures that were not included above, please let us know here:
To the best of my knowledge, the information provided in this application is accurate. We are taking steps to conduct business in a sustainable manner, including reducing our energy and water consumption, producing less waste, and providing opportunities for our employees and customers to make sustainable choices.