SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board is accepting applications now through Nov. 2 for its sixth CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program, which recognizes small businesses that integrate environmental stewardship and sustainability into their business practices. California small businesses eligible to compete for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award are those that demonstrate climate leadership by reducing energy use, conserving water and minimizing their greenhouse gas emissions.

“Small businesses across the state have consistently demonstrated that making smart climate-friendly choices is good for the environment and for their bottom line,” ARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said. “Now in its sixth year, the CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards provides an opportunity to recognize the leadership and innovation of businesses and organizations that are taking actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Small businesses that meet the requirements can apply online for an award between August 24, 2015, and November 2, 2015. Winners will be recognized by ARB at a public ceremony in Sacramento in February 2016, and will be profiled on the CoolCalifornia.org website and in a statewide press release.

Awards will be given to small businesses in two categories:

• CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award: Awarded to small businesses that have taken significant actions in 2014-2015 to reduce their climate impacts, demonstrated measurable greenhouse gas reductions and documented benefits from the actions they have taken (e.g., cost savings, return on investment, etc.) by using tools such as the CoolCalifornia small business carbon calculator.
• CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award: Awarded to small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts and can describe in detail the specific actions taken in 2014-2015 to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Last year ARB recognized 16 small businesses that took a variety of actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. These included installing light emitting diode (LED) lights, wind turbines, solar panels and energy efficient equipment; purchasing or using hybrid, electric, or biofuel vehicles; composting food waste and plant material; using recycled/reused/repurposed products; digitizing all paperwork and patient records; and starting or enhancing recycling and water conservation programs.

For information on past winners, click here. 

The CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards has video available with more information on the program: