Below are frequently asked questions about Keep the Sierra Green and the application process. Please click on a question to view the affiliated answer.
General
A multi-jurisdictional program that encourages businesses to implement actions to protect, preserves, and improve the environment above and beyond what is required by law.
It’s FREE! There is NO fee to apply to become a recognized Green Business.
- Voluntary Participation: The program is designed to increase community awareness of regional business leaders focused on sustainable practices.
- Better Image: Your community image is enhanced through Green Business recognition.
- Save Money: Saving energy, water, raw materials and sending less trash to the landfill saves you money.
- Positive Workplace: Your employees will enjoy a sustainable workplace and will have one more reason to take pride in working for you. Developing a positive, proactive relationship with local compliance inspectors can help you avoid liability, fines and other sanctions.
- Free Advertising: The program promotes your business to the public and other businesses for free.
- Annual Awards Luncheon: Outstanding green businesses will receive additional recognition and an award.
Businesses who submit a green business survey and meet the minimum requirements will receive:
- A Certificate of Recognition
- A window sticker designating program participation
- KSG logo for use in business promotions
- Recognition on the partnering websites.
- Media coverage (websites, press release, radio, etc.)
- An invitation to the Awards Luncheon
Each year exemplary businesses will be selected for additional recognition at an Annual Awards Luncheon. Up to three businesses from each participating jurisdiction will be selected for this honor. The award winners will receive:
- Framed Award Certificate
- Two free tickets to Awards Luncheon
- Free one year bronze membership ($145 value) in Sierra Green Building Association (SIGBA)
- Recognition on partner websites
- Specially designed KSG Award Winner logo for business use
- A special window sticker designating awardee status
- Profile of business in regional Chamber publications
- Additional media coverage (websites, press release, radio, etc.)
All businesses located within the jurisdictions below are eligible to apply:
- Town of Truckee, CA
- Eastern Placer County, CA (at Lake Tahoe)
- Nevada County, CA (including the cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City)
- Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV
Go to “Apply” on the top navigation or click on the “Apply Now” button on the right. You must complete both of the 2 steps in the application process:
- Complete the form on the apply page with your organization’s information. Hit SUBMIT. When done,
- Download and complete the application (a PDF form).
Review and complete the on-line application. If you meet all the minimum qualifications then submit the application. Please be sure to complete both steps.
If you don’t quite meet the requirements then this list of things will provide you with the necessary steps to further green your business and bring you closer to becoming a Keep the Sierra Green Business Partner.
Participating jurisdictions have verified that the businesses are meeting the criteria they have selected on the application.
To be recognized as a Green Business you must make sure your businesses achieves all the minimum qualifications listed on the application. In addition your business must:
- Be in compliance with all environmental laws and regulations;
- Implement resource conservation and pollution prevention measures;
- Pledge to continue these efforts;
- Encourage employee participation in the program; and
- Inform your customers and other businesses about your environmental efforts.
There is no fee associated with this program. The Keep the Sierra Green business partner program is FREE!
They were modeled after the Bay Area Green Business Program. Since our communities are smaller, the application was modified to meet our local needs and ordinances.
Application Specific
Media outreach will be updated on a yearly basis and where appropriate, the business would be eligible for additional recognition.
The main headquarters must be located within the Keep the Sierra Green (KSG) region; participating communities are specified in the application. Additional business sites that are located within the region must also comply with KSG practices.
Keep the Sierra Green representatives shall conduct site visits to ensure that the goals are being implemented. Once the goals are implemented then the business shall receive the annual sticker to place on their window. If a business does not follow through then they would not be a business partner for that year. If a business changed their goals, and implementation is verified then they would be eligible to continue being a KSG partner.
Does it need to have all separate facilities (e.g., bathroom shared or not shared with house)? If a detached office is separate from living quarters, then the office must meet the KSG requirements. If some of the rooms are also used in the adjacent living quarters by the office (e.g., kitchen) then the practices in these rooms must also meet the conditions of the application.
To be considered a low flush toilet it must say 1.6 gallons or lower. Typically the information is stamped on the toilet. Toilets manufactured post 1994 are all low flush toilets.
Some manufactures stamp the size of the bulb but others do not. Read the fine print on the bulb to see if it says T-8 or measure the bulb. The diameter of a T-8 bulb will be 1” in diameter whereas a T-12 bulb is 1 ½” in diameter.
Yes. Call your waste hauler to reduce and increase your pick up according to your season. Double check your bill to make sure it reflects the changes in the level of service.