Kirkland, WA Green Business Program

Type: Program

Status: In Effect

Source File: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/Community/Kirkland_Green/Green_Business_Program.htm

Description:

A new incentive program has been created in partnership between the City of Kirkland, Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Puget Sound Energy to recognize Kirkland businesses for their environmentally-friendly practices.

To recognize your achievements, you will receive a Kirkland Green Business core program decal, in the form of a window cling and an electronic format that can be used on your letterhead and marketing materials. Supplemental window cling decals will also be provided upon qualification for each of the following categories:

GREEN BUILDING

Green building is a collection of certified building design, construction, and operation practices that create energy-efficient, healthier, and environmentally sustainable new and existing buildings. The established standard benchmarks for Green Building are the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties Built Green certification. Whether your business is involved in renovating an existing space or constructing a new building, the LEED and Built Green certification programs have something to offer you. As stated by the United States Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings:

• are built as designed and perform as expected
• have lower operating costs and increased asset value
• are healthy and comfortable for their occupants
• reduce waste sent to landfills
• conserve energy and water
• reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities
• demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility

WASTE REDUCTION/RECYCLING

Waste reduction and recycling not only saves your business money in disposal costs, but they are good for the environment. Recycling lessens garbage, conserves resources, reduces pollution and saves water. Waste reduction is even better than recycling, since we can reduce waste in the first place. See if your business qualifies for the Green Business recycling and waste reduction category.

Recycling saves money! For example, if your business currently has an 8 yard garbage container picked up once a week and no recycling, the cost for garbage is about $260 per month. Since recycling is no additional fee, recycling materials cuts costs. A typical business should be able to easily recycle half of their materials. To cut your garbage container to a 4 yard and add a 4 yard recycling- the total cost per month is approximately $160.00. This saves $100 per month, a savings of $1,200 per year.

WATER CONSERVATION

Participation in the water conservation category is likely to result in an overall decrease in your business’ water bill over time or a stable bill as rates increase over time. You can also lower your energy bills by reducing the amount of water heated or cooled. But the benefits of participation go beyond monetary rewards: water conservation on the part of residents and businesses in our communities ensures a clean, safe, and reliable water supply for everyone.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency is an integral part of the success of any business. Enhancements to energy systems and implementing sound energy management practices can improve comfort and productivity, as well as save energy and money.

Puget Sound Energy provides customized incentives, standardized rebates, and technical assistance for various cost-effective projects and new equipment purchases that save energy.

TRANSPORTATION/COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION

Commute trip reduction programs in King County result in about 20,000 less vehicles on the road each day. By participating in the Commute Trip Reduction category, your business will play a key role in reducing pollution, climate change, energy consumption, and traffic congestion.

POLLUTION PREVENTION

Pollution prevention is any practice which reduces the amount of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from entering the waste stream or otherwise released to the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal; and reduces the hazards to public health and environmental impacts associated with the release of such substances. We refer to these practices as best management practices or BMPs.

Just as you may install a camera system to prevent theft or conduct an interview before hiring a new employee, best management practices are simple, yet effective actions that your business can take to prevent pollution in our community.