SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board is accepting applications through February 29 for its CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards to recognize small businesses from across the state that demonstrate sustainable business practices and climate leadership.

The awards recognize California small businesses that reduced their greenhouse gas emissions and integrated the use of a variety of tools that support sustainable practices on CoolCalifornia.org into their business operations in 2011.

“Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy and many of them are taking action now to be more sustainable. This award will highlight the best in the state as ambassadors of success,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Our goal is to demonstrate that the choice to reduce their carbon footprint and choose clean energy solutions is good for the environment, the economy and their bottom line.”

Awards will be given to California small businesses in two categories:

• CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award:  Awarded to California small businesses that took significant actions to reduce their environmental impacts. Winners will have demonstrated measurable reductions of their greenhouse gas emissions and documented the costs and benefits of the actions.
• CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award:  Awarded to California small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts.   Climate Leaders will have described the specific actions taken to achieve the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
• California small businesses that meet the requirements can apply for an award online from January 3, 2012, through February 29, 2012, at http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-award-program.  

The ARB will recognize winners at a public ceremony in Sacramento this spring and will feature their profiles on the CoolCalifornia.org website.

Last year ARB recognized 23 small businesses that took a variety of actions to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  For a list of the 2010 Small Business Award Winners, see http://www.coolcalifornia.org/small-business

Previous winners gained recognition for installing compact fluorescent lights or solar panels; supporting carpooling and telecommuting; developing business-specific climate action plans; and, incentivizing climate-friendly behavior with employee award programs.

The award program was created to recognize how small businesses can benefit from participating in the state’s climate plan adopted by the ARB in December 2008.

ARB is currently seeking sponsors for the CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards.  If you wish to be a sponsor and be recognized at the award ceremony, please contact Mary Farr at mfarr@arb.ca.gov or (916) 445-8290 for sponsorship opportunities.