MEETING DATE: 6/26/2018
DEPARTMENT: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: John Guertin
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Scott Lines
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 142
SUBJECT:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY - J. GUERTIN
Approve contract with Ecology Action to provide “Green Business Program” outreach for San Benito County using Integrated Waste Management Program (IWMP) funds in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 142
AGENDA SECTION:
CONSENT AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The Board approved the Regional Agency’s participation in the Green Business Program in 2011 to help businesses conserve energy/water/resources and reduce operating costs with free on-site assessments for businesses. Though this program has been dormant in recent years, new grant funding is available to provide outreach services via participation in a Regional Green Business Program through Ecology Action.
Participating businesses see cost savings in energy, water, and garbage bills, and businesses who get Green Business certified receive recognition and placement in the Monterey Bay Area Green Business newsletter, the CA Green Business Network (CAGBN) (https://greenbusinessca.org/) and the statewide Shop Green mobile app.
The Resource Management Agency will be working with Ecology Action, a regional non-profit, to provide “Green Business Program” outreach services for San Benito County. Ecology Action has over 45 years of experience in implementing effective programs that benefit businesses, communities and the environment. Ecology Action has supported the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) for over 10 years and coordinates key aspects of the local Monterey Bay Green Business Program for the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties. CAGBN leads the state and nation in working with small to medium sized businesses to create a vibrant green economy.
The County will use IWMP budgeted funds ($20,000.00), and grant revenue to be received from PG&E ($5,000.00), to match State grant funds ($20,000.00) that will be received by Ecology Action. Ecology Action will provide staff resources, outreach materials, grant reporting and documentation for San Benito County.
BUDGETED:
Yes