Small Business of the Year
Recognizes California small businesses that demonstrate exceptional climate change management practices and climate change communication.
Bowman Design Group Signal Hill, CA
Bowman Design Group is a small exhibition design firm. Key climate friendly actions that Bowman is being recognized for include conducting a greenhouse gas inventory through membership in the Climate Registry; writing and following a company-wide sustainability plan; reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 65% (2006-2008); and demonstrating corresponding cost-savings, e.g. 30% reduction in electricity costs annually.
Diamond D General Engineering Woodland, CA
Diamond D General Engineering, Inc. has built a reputation for innovative solutions to challenging problems and projects. Key climate friendly actions that Diamond D is being recognized for include going paperless for all project documents; implementing recycling policies on all applicable job sites; and purchasing and renting more energy efficient equipment (i.e. Tier 1, 2 and 3). Together, these actions reduced Diamond D’s greenhouse gas emissions by 350 tons per year.
Numi Organic Tea Oakland, CA
From its inception, Numi Organic Tea committed to operating a sustainable business through ethical sourcing, ecological packaging and core values that support the health of people and the planet. Key climate friendly actions that Numi is being recognized for include their commitment to sustainable packaging; ongoing waste reduction efforts; and partnership with Environmental Defense to develop an “eco-audit” printed on all cardboard tea boxes. Together, these actions reduced Numi’s greenhouse gas emissions by 235 tons per year.
Rent A Green Box Costa Mesa, CA
Rent a Green Box is changing the way America packs and moves by using the first comprehensive zero waste packing and moving system in America made from 100% recycled post-consumer trash. Key climate friendly actions that Rent A Green Box is being recognized for include a company fleet comprised of 100% bio-fueled trucks that minimize miles traveled; innovative strategies to promote green employee practices; and impressive communication strategies including over four million RSS feeds and blog readers, appearances on 47 TV shows and 2,000 print articles. Efforts in 2008 resulted in a reduction of the office’s carbon footprint by 160 tons.
Spirit Graphics & Printing Inc. Chula Vista, CA
The award-winning green essentials environmental printing program developed by Spirit Graphics not only helps them take better care of the earth, but affords their clients the opportunity to do the same. Key climate friendly actions that Spirit Graphics is being recognized for include relocating their facility closer to employees’ homes; recycling 100% of their aluminum press plates and 90% of their paper waste; and clearly marketing their green philosophy on their electronic and print materials. By relocating their facility alone, Spirit Graphics reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 tons per year.
Small Business Excellence
Recognizes California small businesses that have taken proactive steps to reduce their impact on our climate and communicate this information to their employees and customers.
Arya Cleaners Chula Vista, CA
Sustainable award-winning dry cleaner with numerous green internal practices, staff education and training, and customer services that benefit the community.
Blue Oak Energy Davis, CA
Renewable energy provider with a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of practices including product choice, renewable energy use, and contributing to community outreach.
BlueStar Refreshment Services San Jose, CA
Office refreshment services company that has made great strides to reduce their environmental impact through recycling, re-use, and energy efficient cooling technology.
CenterStone Communities Santa Ana, CA
Real estate development company committed to designing homes that are more efficient and gentler on the environment.
El Primero Boutique B&B Hotel Chula Vista, CA
Award-winning hotel that instituted a policy for wide-ranging internal green initiatives and practices.
Hesperian Cleaners Inc. San Lorenzo, CA
Dry cleaner that converted to a wet cleaning system and educates others on same technology.
Lafitte Cork and Capsule Napa, CA
Production facility that went solar, adopted energy efficiency and sustainability practices for office operations and promotes environmentally-friendly purchasing practices.
Meridian Pacific, Inc. Sacramento, CA
Campaign management firm that employs policies, practices and management decisions to address climate change and environmental responsibility.
Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego, CA
Provides sight-seeing tours in vehicles powered by alternative fuels ( financed by on-bill
financing), completed a complete lighting retro fit of their facility and promotes green employee practices.
Premier Auto Tops and Interiors Santa Clara, CA
Upholstery company that reduced its environmental impact through increased insulation, energy efficiency, recycling and product re-use.
Puroast Low Acid Coffee Woodland, CA
Energy efficient coffee roaster that uses renewable walnut shells as the roasting fuel.
Resource Solutions Group Half Moon Bay, CA
Consulting firm that adopted a suite of sustainability practices for office operations and promotes environmentally-friendly practices to customers.
San Diego Office Interiors San Diego, CA
Full-service firm that designs and builds commercial office interiors committed to sustainable design and construction practices and conducts outreach to customers.
Savory & Sweet Catering Sunnyvale, CA
Catering firm that implemented energy efficiency practices as well as recycling and transportation policies to reduce their climate impact.
The Living Christmas Company Redondo Beach, CA
Rents and delivers living trees to keep the holiday green and environmental.
Waldeck's Office Supplies for a Small Planet San Francisco, CA
“Green” office supply firm that adopted sustainability practices for office operations and product delivery, and communicates information about climate change.
Organization of the Year
Recognizes California organizations that demonstrate exceptional climate change management practices and climate change communication.
Ecology Action Santa Cruz, CA
Ecology Action is a nonprofit environmental consultancy delivering cutting edge educational services, technical assistance and program implementation to assist individuals, businesses and governments to maximize environmental quality and community well-being. Key climate friendly actions that Ecology Action is being recognized for include drafting an internal Climate Action Plan with recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and for their internal waste reduction, energy efficiency and employee education programs. Efforts in 2008 resulted in a reduction of the office’s carbon footprint by 12.5 tons.
High Tech High Chula Vista Chula Vista, CA
High Tech High is the newest high school in the High Tech High cadre of public charter schools. Key climate friendly actions that High Tech High is being recognized for include the installation of a 101 kilowatt photovoltaic system that provides renewable energy to the building and offsets 64% of the building’s energy use; providing “efficient fuel vehicle parking spaces” and encouraging carpooling among teens; implementing practices to qualify for LEED GOLD school certification; and providing community tours of the school to highlight environmental features.
Irwindale Chamber of Commerce Irwindale, CA
The Irwindale Chamber of Commerce helps build relationships and provide services that support businesses and chamber members. Key climate-friendly actions that the Irwindale Chamber is being recognized for include significant reduction and reuse of paper since January 2008 (including increased use of scanning/email/phone instead of paper communication and additional paper reuses); installed water cooler to reduce plastic water bottle use; and purchased EnergyStar office appliances.
Organization Excellence
Recognizes California organizations that have taken proactive steps to reduce their impact on our climate and communicate this information to their employees and customers.
Cool the Earth Greenbrae, CA
Organization whose mission is to educate children and families about climate change and motivate them to take simple, measurable actions to reduce carbon emissions at home.
Public Policy Institute of California San Francisco, CA
Organization built their business to be LEED/Energy Star, adopted sustainability business practices for office operations, and promotes alternative transportation.
Sustainable Silicon Valley San Jose, CA
Award-winning organization committed to basic environmentally sustainable business practices for themselves and their members.
Congratulations all 2009 winners! Thank you for taking action to keep California cool. Next year's competition will begin in August 2010.
 > |
Click the image above to download a PDF of the 2009 Awards Ceremony Program.
