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As temperatures rise across the County, we're here with your seasonal Green Business news, including summer energy efficiency tips, new incentives for small businesses, Plastic Free July resources, and more.
In this Newsletter:
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 A new Green Business Certified decal on the window to the registration desk at Marin Suites in Corte Madera, CA.
Marin Suites Hotel, Presidio Graduate School's Scott Hall, & Bungalow 44 join the Marin Green Business Program!
We are thrilled to have completed certification of three new Marin businesses this Spring! Over the Spring semester, Presidio Graduate School students conducted an in-depth exploration of operations at Scott Hall on the University of Redlands' campus, and they wrapped up their certification with a waste audit and "Lunch & Learn" session with Marin Sanitary Service. Meanwhile, Mill Valley restaurant Bungalow 44 finalized their certification after adding a new permanent outdoor dining space, just in time for the summer. Lastly, you can see a newly applied decal at the Marin Suites Hotel check-in, our newest Certified Green lodging option and the only solar powered hotel in Marin County!
 Presidio Graduate Students wrap up their Green Business Certification with a waste audit and learning session from Marin Sanitary Service.
Find out more about these businesses and others who have made a commitment to sustainability at the California Green Business Network's Green Business Directory. |
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Food & Floral Businesses: BayREN Wants Your Feedback!
BayREN is a coalition of local governments from all nine Bay Area counties working together to help residents and small businesses save energy and water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the BayREN programs is the BayREN Refrigerant Replacement Program (BRRR), which helps small businesses like yours improve their commercial refrigeration systems.
BayREN is funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a state agency that oversees programs offering energy and environmental benefits. The CPUC has asked BayREN to develop a plan to improve the BRRR program for the years 2028 to 2031.
We want to make sure this program works for our Food & Floral businesses. That’s why we’re asking for your feedback. Your input will help shape the future of BRRR—so we can better support small businesses like yours in saving energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in your community.
If you run a business in the food/floral sector, please consider taking our short survey! This survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
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New Incentives for Energy Efficiency
There are a number of newly launched programs available to help small business owners make their buildings more energy efficient and comfortable at little to no cost. As a renter or owner, these upgrades can lower your bills and make your space more comfortable for everyone.
Examples of energy efficiency upgrades include:
- Refrigeration upgrades and repairs
- LED lamps and fixtures
- Smart thermostats
- Occupancy sensors
- Room air purifiers
Reach out so we can help you determine your eligibility and find the best program for your business needs.
Food Service Technology Center Resources
Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) offers a range of energy efficiency resources to California food service businesses, including free in-person and online webinars, commercial equipment instant rebate support, induction stove loaning, and much more.
Enroll in their upcoming class Deep Dive into Commercial Induction Cooking on August 20th,10-11:30AM to understand what type of induction equipment is best suited for your menu choices and kitchen operations, and how to take advantage of utility programs & rebates to lower overhead costs.
 Food businesses, did you know you can borrow a portable commercial-grade induction cooktop at no cost to use in your kitchen? Induction is fast, efficient, safe, easy to clean, and can help lower kitchen temperatures! Learn more and reserve a two-week commercial loan at the link below.
Affordable Energy Financing with GoGreen Business
A Los Angeles pizzeria gets an energy efficient heat lamp. A Fresno brewery installs heat process recovery equipment to recapture energy that would otherwise be wasted. And a health food store in the Sierra foothills gets new kilowatt-sipping LED lighting. All these businesses invested in energy upgrades with attractive financing from the State of California’s GoGreen Business program.
On July 1, the Go Low promotion returns to GoGreen Business with reduced interest rates -- as low as 0% -- making it easier than ever to go green in your energy usage and your wallet, too.
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Learn more about these programs and others by contacting your Green Business Coordinator:
Sarah Thacher (415) 473-2797, Sarah.Thacher@MarinCounty.gov
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It is officially summer, which can often bring peak energy costs to small businesses. Here are some of the Marin Green Business energy efficiency reminders for keeping expenses down and spirits high through the heat.
Check in with a Seasonal Energy Audit
Summer is a great time to conduct a mini-energy audit in your business and identify opportunities for summer savings. Take a closer look at your utility bill and explore available tools on your online account to monitor & compare this season's energy use. Walk through your facility to identify easy no and low cost opportunities to save energy. Are all plugged devices necessary? Are there gaps in doors or windows that can be sealed with weather stripping? Has a seasonal HVAC system tune-up been completed? Your Green Business checklist can help guide your energy tour and we're available to support this effort. Inviting your team to join will encourage everyone to keep an eye out for energy losses. Your business may be eligible for a free professional energy assessment -- contact us to find out more!
Optimize Energy Settings with Smart Devices
Air conditioning can be critical for health and comfort inside a business, and there are many ways to ensure efficient use. Check the controls on your AC unit or use a smart thermostat to prevent unnecessary energy usage during off-hours and holidays. Be sure to make adjustments for your summer business schedule. You can save additional energy by unplugging devices not in use after the business day ends and during vacations. Smart plugs or power strips can simplify this step with set schedules. MCE’s Small Business Energy Advantage program provides free assessments to identify energy saving devices & upgrades that can lower your monthly bills, including smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and LED lighting.
Get Started on a Green Business Certification
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We are here to help identify opportunities to save energy, water, and other resources through the seasons, while leading the way for a greener economy in Marin County. This program is free for Marin County businesses, and our staff will support you through the process and connect you with all the resources you'll need to get certified.
Take action on your certification or recertification by contacting us today!
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Plastic Free July is an initiative that began in Australia in 2011 as an effort to help people reduce the amount of plastic they encounter on a day-to-day basis. It has now grown into the Plastic Free Foundation, a global non-profit. Plastic Free July is a challenge and an opportunity to figure out how we can each take steps to reduce plastic in our lives. We appreciate our Marin Green Businesses, who commit to reducing single-use plastics every month of the year!
This is a great opportunity to engage staff & customers in conversation about the steps you've taken to reduce plastic waste. Visit PlasticFreeJuly.org for ideas & resources for businesses, or use our Plastic Free July Toolkit.
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 TAM is working on a study aimed at reducing car trips while boosting alternative travel options throughout Marin County. The goal is to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, enhance street safety, and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, fewer car trips mean a cleaner, quieter, and safer environment for everyone.
We invite you to share your experiences and challenges related to travel throughout the region. By participating in our Public Survey - How Do You Travel?, you will help us identify key areas for improvement and contribute to the development of effective strategies aimed at reducing car trips and enhancing travel options.
Your participation in this study, funded by a Caltrans Sustainable Communities grant, will help us identify key areas for improvement and contribute to the development of effective strategies aimed at reducing car trips while paving the way for a better travel experience in Marin County. Learn more on the project webpage and take the survey.
Marin Green Businesses are required to support sustainable commuting options for their employees. We encourage you to take the survey and share it with your employees to ensure your voices are heard!
⛅️Empowering Small Businesses to Prepare in Blue Skies and Recover from Gray Skies
Join California Office of the Small Business Advocate for a free webinar from their Outsmart Disaster: Preparedness for Small Businesses program. Whether it's a power outage, wildfire, or cyberattack, unexpected disruptions can throw even the best-run businesses off track. It’s easy to put off planning when things are going well—but blue skies are the best time to prepare. This webinar walks you through the six essential steps to building a more resilient business. You’ll learn how to assess risks, strengthen operations, safeguard finances, and create a plan that keeps you focused when it matters most.
📅Date: Wednesday, July 23 | 4 PM – 5 PM
🔗Register: bit.ly/OD-101
📅También disponible en español:
Miércoles, 30 de julio | 4 PM – 5 PM
🔗Registro: bit.ly/OD-Espanol
Thank you for receiving updates from the Marin Green Business Program.
We hope these resources help you stay informed, reduce environmental impact, and continue leading the way in sustainable business practices.
Please share this newsletter with anyone you think would be interested in keeping up with green business practices!
Contact us at (415) 473-2797 or sarah.thacher@marincounty.gov
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