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San Diego
Green Business
Network

Green Business Network LogoSan Diego
Green Business Network

5 Steps to Being a Green Business

Wondering how to increase the sustainability of your business, but not sure where to start? Here are the 5 steps to take towards making your business environment-friendly.

Step 1:
Evaluate

Step 1 - Evaluate

Get a free energy, water and waste efficiency assessment. There's no catch! We’ll connect you with free, professional assessments to help you reduce your energy, water and waste and start saving money for your business.You'll have the information you need to move forward with makin g upgrades when you're ready, but there's no requirement to do so.

*The Green Business Network does not provide contractor referrals.


Available Programs

Energy Reduction


Business Energy Solutions

Water Reduction


Commercial Landscape Survey
Water-Wise Business Survey

Zero Waste


Business Recycling Information
Commercial Food Waste Recycling

Step 2:
Identify

Step 2 - Identify

Through the energy, water and waste assessment process, you will learn where improvements can be made. These improvements may include:
  • Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), insulation, lighting and window, and door upgrades
  • Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances
  • Installing drought-tolerant landscaping and upgrading irrigation systems
  • Installing renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal)
  • Implementing a green-waste disposal system

After the Evaluation

You'll receive:

  • A prioritized list of recommendations
  • Estimated costs and timeframes for implementing the recommendations
  • A list of resources to help fund or cover the full cost of the upgrades and initiatives
  • A list of contractors who are licensed to perform the work
  • Follow-up to capture your unique story to share on our social media channels

Step 3:
Apply & Save

Step 3 - Apply & Save

After the initial evaluation, you’ll receive a list of resources to help fund or cover the full cost of the upgrades and initiatives. Some incentive programs and rebates are time or resource limited, so applying for these incentives early is important.

Some funding examples include:

Pace Financing


Loans for water and energy efficiency projects that are paid back through your City property tax bill

SDG&E On-Bill Financing


Zero percent financing that allows you to pay for your energy upgrade costs through your electricity bill by using your energy savings

SDG&E Rebates & Incentives


Utility rebates and incentives for energy efficiency projects

Small Business


SDG&E On-Bill and Off-Bill Equipment Lease and On-Bill Repayment Loan financing options for energy efficiency initiatives

Step 4:
Implement

Step 4 - Implement

After evaluating potential upgrades and sourcing funding to help cover costs,choose from a list of trusted, licensed contractors to perform the upgrade work.

Some examples of contractors include:

SDG&E Vetted Contractors

Energy-efficiency contractors, electricians, manufacturers and eq uipment dealers who have met SDG&E’s eligibility criteria and are familiar with SDG&E’s rebate and incentive programs

Step 5:
Monitor & Maximize

Step 5 - Monitor & Maximuze

To get the most out of your upgrades, use a management tool to monitor, control and optimize your energy and water use and waste generation.

Compare your savings to the baseline that was determined during the initial evaluation and tout your success to yourcustomers and to your Green Business Network community on socia l media using #ItStartsWithOne!


Energy management tool examples:

SDG&E Recommended Energy Tools

Energy use monitoring and analytics


REPEAT

When you've got your energy and water use and waste generation down as low as you can go, you’re ready to REPEAT, this time with the mission to get to Zero Waste. Start with a new assessment of where you are and look at renewable energy, water capture and zero waste initiatives to take you to the next level.