This document provides an overview of developing a green business. It discusses how green business is focused on sustainability, reducing environmental impacts, and social responsibility. Going green can provide economic, environmental, and social benefits through increased profits, reduced costs, innovation, and attracting customers and employees who prefer sustainable businesses. The county program pledges to help businesses create an eco-assessment and eco-plan to make their operations more environmentally friendly and profitable over 12 months, after which businesses that complete the process will receive public recognition.

1. Developing a Green BusinessMaking Profits & Making Senseprogram sponsored by:

2. Planning for Sustainability“The climate is not the only thing that is getting hotter – so is green business” -- Gil Friend, author of The Truth About Green BusinessOverview:FocusGreen Business ClarificationGreen Business OpportunityTriple Bottom LinePledge to being a Green BusinessEcoAssessment

3. FocusGreen business is not a new trendThe only difference is the scale is changing: Now large and small businesses are talking aboutEnvironmental impactsSustainabilitySocial ResponsibilityThere is an increase in the lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS)All impact markets, operations & profits

4. Green Business ClarificationBeing “Green” means a commitment to very desirable outcomes:Sustainability: the ability to keep operating over the long haul and to continue to meet the future needs of your customersReducing negative impacts on the environment, natural resources, your customers and your employees, that are related to your operation and products

5. Green Business Clarification Reducing potential liability by reducing or eliminating such things as toxic emissions, depletion of non-renewable resources, critical design flaws, dependency on unfriendly and/or distant suppliersPromotion of innovation and a competitive edgeDefinition and engagement of new marketsFacilitation of employee recruiting, engagement productivity and retention

6. Green Business OpportunityGreen aspirations are not limited to companies that are environmentally sensitiveCustomer prefer dealing with a green business and many will pay a premiumMany government agencies give preference to companies that have green policies and practices

7. Green Business OpportunityGood Markets: The Green market is large and growing rapidlyLOHAS consumer market is estimated at $209 billion$50 billion green building industryEco-tourism estimated at $24 billionOver $8 billion in cleantech venture investment

8. Triple Bottom LineThere are rewards beyond profitsGood business encompasses the following:Economic Benefits (profits)Environmental Benefits (planet)Social Benefits (people)Businesses can be Green & ProfitableProfit is the by-product not the sole purpose of a businessIncreased profitability is a measure of how successful a business is at providing great value and in meeting the needs of its customers

9. Green Business PledgeMake a PledgeTo undertake an EcoPlan for your business or business planTo make an implement a plan to “green” your business/initial business planTo share how plan implementation went over a 12-month period.

10. EcoAssessmentAt no charge, Fresno Count Staff will:Tour your facility (or evaluate your business plan)Use the data gathered to prepare an EcoPlanHighlighting how well your business appears to be using its resourcesSuggesting way your company could become more “green” and ultimately more profitable

11. Recognition Businesses that have made a good faith effort to complete their pledged and which have submitted the year-end reports will: Be publically recognized by the Fresno County Board of SupervisorsBe acknowledged in the Fresno County’s Recycling Directory (distributed in both versions of the Yellow Pages (Valley Yellow Pages and AT&T Yellow Pages))Receive a trophy/plaque recognitionBe considered for a CalRecycle WRAP Award