What is the Green Business Program

The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County (GBPSBC) is part of the California Green Business Program, a network of local programs operated by counties and cities throughout California. The GBPSBC provides resources, assistance and evaluations to businesses that want to operate more sustainably in order to conserve resources, generate savings, and gain certification and recognition. The GBPSBC works with businesses in the cities of Goleta, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Maria and Guadalupe, as well as the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County to operate in an environmentally-responsible manner, and recognize them for their efforts. 

The City of Goleta - Green Business Certified

Since incorporation in 2002, the City of Goleta demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. Over the past several years the City has strived to further its sustainability goals through various projects and partnerships. In November 2017 the City of Goleta was award the Certified 3-STAR Community Rating and in November 2018 received a Silver LEED City Certification. In December 2017, the City of Goleta committed to moving the city’s municipal facilities and community-wide electricity supply to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and by July 2019 the City Council unanimously adopted the Strategic Energy Plan. Goleta was certified as a Green Business of Santa Barbara County in 2016 and re-certified in 2019 and 2023.

How to Become a Green Business

1. Contact the green business administrator Kori Nielsen via email at knielsen@environmentalin.com or via phone at 805-729-3472 to get help with the process
2. Pay a Fee based on the sector and size of your business
3. You will be assessed through an onsite evaluation to verify practices reported on the checklist and to offer further suggestions and guidance if needed
4. Receive your certification once all requirements have been met 

For more information on how to become a green business click here

SCE Resources for Building Improvements 

Qualified small businesses can receive reduced-cost energy-saving products and installation from SCE. Check out the resources for improving HVAC efficiency and/or retro-commissioning existing buildings.  

Green Seal 

With thousands of certified products, services and spaces from the world’s leading companies, the Green Seal certification mark is a universal symbol that a product or service meets the highest benchmark of health and environmental leadership.