At the City of Monterey City Council Meeting on February 3, 2009, 18 local businesses were honored as part of the Green Business Certification process. The City of Monterey works with local businesses to comply with environmental regulations and efforts to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and minimize waste. This unique program verifies that businesses meet higher standards of environmental performance. There are four areas of performance that are targeted within each business: Waste Reduction, Pollution Prevention, Water Conservation and Energy Conservation. Various government agencies and utilities work in partnership to help local businesses comply with environmental regulations and take actions to lessen their environmental impact.

Over the past year The Green Business Program in Monterey County has welcomed 23 newly certified Green Businesses to the program, 18 being within the City of Monterey. Those certified in Monterey in 2008 include:

Abrego Copy & Print, Alexiana's The Spa, Café Fina, EMC Planning Group, Hayward Lumber - General Office, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Old Fisherman's Grotto, Palace Office Supply, Plato's Closet, Princess Monterey Whale Watching, Randy's Whale Watching & Fishing, Redshift Internet, Roberts Auto Repair, The Portola Hotel & Spa, Trucksis Enterprises Inc., & Venus Salon.

The Monterey Bay Green Business Program is an opportunity to recognize those businesses that have chosen more sustainable practices in their everyday operations within our community.

Congratulations to all newly certified businesses and thank you for your commitment to sustainable business practices!

Click here for a listing of certified businesses in Monterey.