Small Business Award Program

The CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards recognize California small businesses that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, promote climate friendly practices and integrate the tools on CoolCalifornia.org into their business operations.

The 4th CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards program will be based upon actions taken by businesses during calendar years 2012/2013. The application period will be announced soon. To receive notification of the application period, sign up for our newsletter (form in the left sidebar).

Award Categories

There are two award categories:
• CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award: Awarded to California small businesses that took significant actions to reduce their environmental impacts. Winners will have demonstrated measurable reductions of their greenhouse gas emissions and documented the costs and benefits of their actions (energy savings and/or cost savings; investments in clean/renewable energy; major process/operational improvements; environmentally preferable product purchasing; purchases electric/hybrid vehicles) by using tools such as the CoolCalifornia carbon calculator.

• CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award: Awarded to California small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts. Climate Leaders will have described the specific actions taken to achieve the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (changed lighting; implemented recycling programs; purchased environmentally preferable products; increased weatherization; educated employees, customers, or the public) but may not be able to quantify the majority of their GHG reductions or cost savings.