Get certified as a green business or support one—take meaningful action for Earth Month while helping the planet and local economy.
Berkeley businesses and residents can help create a more sustainable community by becoming a green business or supporting a certified business.
Certification is available to businesses across many sectors, from salons and restaurants to architecture firms and bike shops.
Through the Green Business Program, businesses get practical tips to reduce energy and water use, switch to less-toxic products, and divert waste from the landfill. Once certified, your business gets tools to showcase your certification and a spot in the statewide directory.
Residents can help by choosing to dine, shop, or get services at certified green businesses.
Whether you're getting certified as a green business or backing local certified businesses, your actions can help Berkeley lower emissions, reduce waste, and build a more resilient local economy.
Register your business to get green certified
Get Green Business Certified with support from the City of Berkeley and the California Green Business Network. To begin the process, register online and you will receive a checklist of improvements to complete at your own pace.
When your upgrades are complete, schedule a site visit for verification. A Green Business Coordinator will reach out to help you begin the custom measure checklist for your business and will answer any questions you may have along the way.
Certified businesses such as Three Stone Hearth, Victory Point Cafe, and Rad Power Bikes are making sustainability changes like sourcing local ingredients, using low-toxicity products, and educating the next generation.
The City of Berkeley’s Office of Economic Development can connect you with coordinators for additional support with reducing your environmental impact. Once certified, businesses may be featured through the #DiscoveredinBerkeley campaign or recognized at community events.
Sustainability steps your business can take today
Even if you’re not ready to get certified, all Berkeley businesses can take action today to move toward more sustainable practices.
- Switch to renewable electricity: Ensure your electricity is 100% renewable through Ava Community Energy (the default for Berkeley businesses).
- Reduce landfill: Sort waste correctly to divert recyclable and compostable materials from the landfill. Print posters and put them up near bins for guidance. Reduce your usage of single-use foodware and bags.
- Upgrade your building and reduce energy use: Lower your energy bill with support from energy-efficiency incentives and loan programs. Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
These small changes add up and can lead to bigger impacts.
Supporting green businesses in Berkeley
Across Berkeley, 79 Green Certified businesses have taken steps to conserve resources and cut waste. From neighborhood cafes to hair salons, Berkeley businesses are making sustainability part of how they work.
When you dine at Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, refill at Fillgood, or book a haircut at Blade & Arrow, your purchases support companies that prioritize sustainability.
Community members can help shape a more sustainable Berkeley by supporting local green businesses:
- Shop at Green Certified businesses listed in the Green Business Directory
- Follow and share local success stories at DiscoveredinBerkeley.com
- Encourage a Berkeley business to register for Green Business Certification
Other ways to go green with the City
Take action for a cleaner, healthier Berkeley. On April 26, attend educational events like the Berkeley Bay Festival or GO GREEN! Mobility Fair. You can also plant trees or clean the shoreline as a Parks and Recreation volunteer, or adopt a local traffic circle or storm drain.
When traveling around the city, consider public transit, shared mobility options, or carpooling with friends.
Make your business more sustainable with free support, shop at Berkeley-certified green businesses, or take local action by joining City events or volunteering.
Links
- Register to become a green business
- Find a green certified business in Berkeley
- Green Business Certification (City of Berkeley)
- Sustainable actions for any business
- Office of Economic Development (City of Berkeley)
- City Events Calendar
- Volunteer with the City of Berkeley
Media Contact
