SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board is accepting applications now through Nov. 7 for its seventh CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program. The program recognizes small businesses that integrate environmental stewardship and sustainability into their business practices.

Businesses eligible to compete for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award are small businesses in California that demonstrate climate leadership by reducing energy use, conserving water, recycling/reusing materials, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Small businesses across the state have consistently demonstrated that making smart climate-friendly choices is good for the environment and for their bottom line," ARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said. "Now in its seventh year, the CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program provides an opportunity to recognize the leadership and innovation of small businesses that are taking actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions."

Small businesses that meet the requirements to compete for an award can apply online (click here to access the application) between Sept. 6 and Nov. 7, 2016. Winners not only will be recognized by ARB at a public ceremony in Sacramento in February 2017, they also will be profiled on both the CoolCalifornia.org website and in a statewide press release.

Awards will be given to small businesses in two categories:

• CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award: Awarded to small businesses that have taken significant actions to reduce their climate impacts, demonstrated measurable greenhouse gas reductions and documented benefits from the actions they have taken (e.g., cost savings, return on investment, etc.) by using tools such as the CoolCalifornia small business carbon calculator.
• CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award: Awarded to small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts and can describe in detail the specific actions taken to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Last year ARB recognized 19 small businesses that took a variety of actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. These included installing light emitting diode (LED) lights, wind turbines, solar panels and energy efficient equipment; purchasing or using hybrid, electric, or biofuel vehicles; composting food waste and plant material; using recycled/reused/repurposed products; digitizing paperwork and reports; and starting or enhancing recycling and water conservation programs.

Find last year's winners here: http://www.coolcalifornia.org/2015-award-winners

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