SACRAMENTO - Today the Air Resources Board announced the winners of the fifth CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards, recognizing small businesses that demonstrate leadership and make notable, voluntary achievements toward reducing their carbon footprint.

“These small business leaders come from all over California, and whether they are running a plumbing company or a bagel shop, they are demonstrating that the connection between climate-friendly business practices and a healthy bottom line is both real and positive,” ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols said.

The 16 award winners were selected from competitive applicants, representing a variety of business sectors from across the state. These businesses took a number of different actions to save money and improve their business operations while reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. Some of the steps they took included installing LED lights, solar panels and energy-efficient equipment; eliminating toxic chemicals and solvents; using eco-friendly, recycled/reused/repurposed products; composting food scraps and plant material; installing aerators on faucets and low-flow toilets; and starting or enhancing recycling and water conservation programs.
Four businesses received the Business of the Year award for demonstrating exceptional climate change management practices and emission reductions, while documenting their cost savings, return on investment and benefits received from taking specific actions. Twelve businesses were acknowledged as Climate Leaders for taking proactive steps to reduce their impact on our climate and communicating this information to their employees and customers.

The winners come from 15 cities across California and represent a variety of business types, from manufacturing, dry cleaning, baking and bowling to floral design, dental health and veterinary services.

2014 CoolCalifornia Small Business Award Winners

Businesses of the Year:

• Capitola Veterinary Hospital, Capitola
• Ohana Pet Hospital, Ventura
• Precision Labs Calibration, Palmdale
• SRT Consultants, San Francisco

Climate Leaders:

• Allterra Solar, Santa Cruz
• Aperia Technologies Inc., Burlingame
• Capitol Bowl, West Sacramento
• Daisy Rose Floral Design, Sonoma
• Geo. H. Wilson Inc., Santa Cruz
• Lake Merritt Dental, Oakland
• Laura Lawson, DDS, Albany
• Manhattan Bread & Bagel, Manhattan Beach
• Metro Lighting, Berkeley
• Plaza Cleaners, Thousand Oaks
• Studio City Orthodontist, Studio City
• Way To Be Designs, Hayward

The award winners were scored by two-person teams comprised of staff from public agencies and private businesses.  ARB staff and leadership further reviewed scores, conducted site visits and performed environmental reviews to select the 2014 winners.

Awards will be presented to the winning businesses at a ceremony from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2015, at the Cal-EPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

CoolCalifornia.org is an online resource providing all Californians with the information and tools they need to take climate action. The website features money-saving actions, climate calculators, case studies and links to financial incentives to help individuals, small businesses, local government and youth gain the knowledge needed to take simple steps for a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.coolcalifornia.org.