*Notice for Applicants*
Book Virtual Office Hours here: Office Hours Bookings
Background
The Green Business Recognition Program provides recognition to Alexandria businesses that are taking actions to ensure their business practices align with the sustainability goals of the City and consumers. Businesses can apply to one of three tiers of recognition: Bronze, Silver, or Gold Eco-City Business.
Businesses that earn recognition will receive marketing materials and support, including physical and digital decals to show your participation, inclusion in City communications on green businesses, and guidance from the Office of Climate Action on taking sustainability efforts to the next level.
The Office of Climate Action is looking forward to working with businesses on sustainability. This type of collaborative action is crucial to achieving the Environmental Action Plan 2040 goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 80 to 100% by 2050. Together, we can make Alexandria a greener place to live, work, and visit!
Participating Businesses
Congratulations to the Eco-City Businesses who have earned recognition as part of the program. Thanks for making eco-friendly choices, and keep up the good work!
Gold: Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Ave)
Silver: Magpie Reclamations (202 E Custis Ave)
Eco-City Business: Ten Thousand Villages (915 King St)
Program Eligibility
If your business is taking steps to reduce waste, use energy-efficient lighting and appliances, save water, and provide eco-friendly options to customers, you may be eligible for the Green Business Recognition Program! For more information on specific program requirements, see the “How to Apply” section below.
The program is currently available for retail and restaurants (including cafes and coffee shops). Other sectors—such as hotels and hospitality, service providers, and office spaces—will be included in future rounds of the program.
If you decide that the current application is not the best fit for your business type, but you are interested in applying in the future, we encourage you to fill out this 5-minute form to let us know. The form asks for your type of business and any input or suggestions you may have for what sustainability actions to include in future applications.
How your Business can Benefit
Recognized businesses receive many benefits by participating in the program, including:
- A window cling to display your recognition at your business and a digital version for your website
- Inclusion in a list of sustainable businesses on the program website —which can elevate your presence with event coordinators and consumers who have demonstrated an interest in greener vendors
- Support from the Office of Climate Action for achieving the next recognition tier
- Resources on the benefits of integrating sustainability into your business, and information on the available incentives to help take these actions
- Money saved by achieving greater water and energy efficiency
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
For your recognition to be included in holiday promotions, please submit your application by November 15, 2023.
- Click here to fill out and submit the application (online form): Program Application
- Click here for the Resource Guide: Resource Guide
The Green Business Recognition Program team is offering 20-minute ‘office hours’ appointments for applicants. We’re happy to answer your questions and help make sure you’re confident in applying. To schedule an appointment, please use this link: Office Hours Bookings
Step 1: Determine Tier
First, decide which tier is reflective of your business' sustainability efforts. A brief description of each tier is below. You can also review a copy of the application here to see the required actions for each tier.
- Tier 1, Bronze: Accessible, low-cost sustainability actions.
- You must complete all seven actions (eight and nine, if applicable) under Tier 1 to earn this level of recognition.
- Tier 2, Silver: Strong, demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices.
- You must meet the requirements for Tier 1 (completing the Tier 1 checklist) and complete the seven (or eight, if applicable) required actions under Tier 2 to earn this level of recognition.
- Tier 3, Gold: Going ‘above and beyond’ in your commitment to sustainability.
- You must meet the requirements for Tiers 1 and 2 (filling out the checklists for both tiers), complete the six (or seven, if applicable) required actions under Tier 3, and complete ten additional actions (choosing from the provided list and/or providing your own, subject to approval) to earn this level of recognition.
Step 2: Gather Information and Fill Out Application
*Note that you cannot save your application to complete later; it must be completed in one sitting. If you wish to review the full application ahead of time, you can access a PDF copy here
Once you have decided which tier you’ll apply for, gather your electric and water bills. For Tiers 2 and 3, you should also create an account in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. The Resource Guide has guidance on how to do this.
When you are ready, complete and submit the online application. We recommend having the Resource Guide handy while you fill out the application, as it includes further details and helpful information on the required actions.
The City will also be hosting support events and office hours to help potential participants complete the application. Information about these resources will be posted at the top of this page.
Step 3: Site Visit
Once the Office of Climate Action reviews your application and determines that your business is eligible for recognition, the program coordinator will reach out to schedule an on-site visit to verify the sustainability actions you included in your application.
Step 4: Receive Recognition
The Office of Climate Action will contact you to notify you of your recognition and provide you with your recognition materials and information on other benefits.
Certifications can be renewed every two years. For those applying in October-December 2023, your certification will be valid through the end of 2025, at which point you are welcome to re-certify.
Thank you for participating in Alexandria’s Green Business Recognition Program and for doing your part to make Alexandria a greener place to live, work, and visit!
Contact us
Email Samantha Heitsch, City Sustainability Coordinator: Samantha.Heitsch@AlexandriaVA.gov
If you would like to receive eNews updates about the program, please subscribe to Alexandria eNews and select the Green Business Recognition Program topic.
To schedule a 20-minute "office hours" call, please sign up here: