Going Green-What Does it Mean?

When businesses talk about “Sustainability” they are not only thinking about environmental impacts, but the economics of sustainability! The programs that we have developed address the mandates set forth in both Assembly Bills 341 and AB1826 by working directly with community, businesses and area utilities to further develop and promote a comprehensive approach to sustainability. 

Participants in this program are recognized by the City as achieving the highest level sustainability and are widely publicized as part of the City's Go Green Program. 

The City of Montebello “Go Green”, has designed a sustainable business program that will allow Montebello businesses to proudly display their commitment to helping the City Go Green. Designed to comply with AB341 and AB1826, we have developed a “Go Green Business Certification Program” designed to promote a business’s compliance with sustainable programs that are considered to be “Green” in application, and sustainable in practice. The program has been designed to exceed State mandated legislative enactments and increase the City’s ability reduce waste and increase recycling. 

The “Go Green Business Program” encompasses four levels, each level is designed to enlist a variation of environmental programs to reduce the impacts on the environment and once approved by the City, will be accompanied by a window decal for display. Go Green compliance levels and criteria are referenced below:

• “Go Green” – Emerald Level (Highest Level of Achievement) – In order to achieve this level, a business must truly be a “Green” company or have implemented a plan to achieve maximum results for going green. To reach this level a business strives towards total integration of sustainability. Each of the areas identified must be addressed or have programs that addresses Reuse, Reduction, Recycling, with respect to waste diversion, recycling, gas, water, electric, food waste diversion or recovery, and organics. To accomplish this, a business must truly “Re-Think” their internal processes and implement programs that truly enhance their sustainability to the City.

• “Go Green” – Diamond Level (Elevated Level of Achievement) - At this level, the businesses that are serious about sustainability, and going green are identified. This level requires at least six sustainable or program reduction areas to be identified and implemented. At this level a complete team effort must be demonstrated between the business, its employees, and the nonexclusive franchised hauler servicing the business. High levels of sustainability, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling should be accomplished. Documented educational training for employees and customers that has been verified by the City, or its representative, may be substituted for one program area.

• “Go Green” – Gold Level (High Level of Achievement) - This level of achievement is designated for those businesses that go the extra distance to achieve sustainability. In general, these businesses must implement at least four to five of the eight areas referenced above and have measured results verified by the City. At this level, at least two of the program implemented must be implemented by the business and have the ability for measurable results. To qualify for this level, a business may substitute one of the program implementation criteria for a program that results in at least at 75-percent reduction in their baseline waste generation. 

• “Go Green” – Silver Level (Basic Level of Achievement) – To achieve the basic level of achievement, a business should implement at least four of the eight areas referenced above. In some cased, a business may qualify if less than four areas are implemented provided at that the business is striving to recycle at least 65% of its regular and customary waste.

• “Go Green” – Bronze Level (Entry Level of Achievement) – As part of this entry level, a business must be implementing a basic level of sustainability that included at least two of the eight of the areas referenced above. Whether, implementation is by individual design or by participation in a haulers City approved program, sustainable implementation is a must. Regular reporting is required and must be verified at least annually. 

Please click on the link below to access application forms or to find out how to request assistance on “Going Green”