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ARB to recognize green business efforts, climate leadership. 


Release #:10-62
Date:12/12/2010

ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990
CONTACT:

Stanley Young
916-322-1309
syoung@arb.ca.gov



Gennet Paauwe
916-322-1061
gpaauwe@arb.ca.gov

CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards nominations now being
accepted

ARB to recognize green business efforts, climate leadership

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board is accepting
nominations through January 24 for its CoolCalifornia Small
Business Awards that will recognize small businesses from across
the state that demonstrate climate leadership.

The awards will recognize California small businesses with fewer
than 100 employees that reduced their greenhouse gas emissions,
promoted climate-friendly practices and integrated the use of
CoolCalifornia.org into their business operations in 2010.

“There are many small California businesses that are taking
innovative and creative steps to green their operations and raise
their bottom line,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.  “The
CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards offer them an opportunity to
help other businesses learn how simple steps can cut their carbon
footprint and save them money.”

Businesses that incorporate climate actions into their operations
improve their bottom line and can serve as ambassadors for other
small businesses looking to take these steps.

Awards will be given to California small businesses in two
categories:

    * CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award:  Awarded
to those that took significant actions to reduce their climate
impacts and can demonstrate measurable results. This includes
achieving measurable and documented greenhouse gas emission
reductions; energy savings and/or cost savings; investment in
clean/renewable energy; purchased environmentally preferable
products; purchased electric/hybrid vehicles; and, educated
employees, customers and the general public.
    * CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award:  Awarded to those that
were proactive in reducing their climate impacts.   This may
include: changed lighting, implemented recycling programs,
purchased environmentally preferable products and increased
weatherization.

California small businesses that meet the requirements as defined
by the California Department of General Services can apply for an
award online from December 6, 2010, through January 24, 2011, at
http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-award-program.
 

The ARB will recognize winners in May at a public ceremony in
Sacramento and will feature their profiles on the
CoolCalifornia.org website.

Last year ARB recognized 21 small businesses that took a variety
of actions to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 For a list of the 2009 Small Business Award Winners, see
www.coolcalifornia.org

Previous winners gained recognition for installing compact
fluorescent lights or solar panels; supporting carpooling and
telecommuting; developing business-specific climate action plans;
and, incentivizing climate-friendly behavior with employee award
programs.

The award program was created to help small businesses
participate in the implementation of AB 32, California's Global
Warming Solutions Act of 2006, and the AB 32 Scoping Plan adopted
by the ARB in December 2008. AB 32 was signed into law by
Governor Schwarzenegger in September 2006 and calls on California
to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
ARB is currently seeking sponsors for the CoolCalifornia Small
Business Awards.  Please contact Mary Farr at mfarr@arb.ca.gov or
(916) 445-8290 for sponsorship opportunities.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

Office of Communications 1001 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814. Ph:
(916) 322-2990