The Sunnyvale Sun
News
Sunnyvale businesses lauded for green efforts
By Stephen Baxter
Santa Clara County officials have been poking around some Sunnyvale businesses to make them more environmentally friendly and on April 13, their changes started to pay off.
Sunnyvale city officials commended businesses such as Pine Cone Lumber Co., Sports Basement and Labcyte Inc. for earning county certification in its Green Business program, which helps firms conserve energy and become more efficient.
"It took quite awhile, and they make you jump through quite a few hoops ... but overall it's worthwhile," said Craig Cilker, assistant manager at Pine Cone Lumber. The 48-year-old business at 895 E. Evelyn Ave. has about 55 employees, a 7-acre lumberyard and a 15,000-square-foot hardware store. Cilker said inspectors recommended changes from low-flow toilets to landscaping.
Typically, the county's Integrated Waste Management Division will work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to conduct several inspections. They propose changes, and when the business completes them, it's given a Green Business certificate.
Pine Cone Lumber began the program in 2005, but the duration of the inspection process depends on a business' size.
Simple changes in offices, such as turning off computers at night and printing double-sided documents, save energy and resources.
"A lot of times that will translate into cost savings," said Zachary DeVine, a spokesman for the Integrated Waste Management Division.
Sunnyvale Ford completed the Green Business program in 2005 and sent a representative to a Green Business Conference on March 16.
The dealership was founded in 1966 and has about 105 employees on 5 acres. It offers one hybrid model, the Ford Escape, and has sold more of them than any other dealer in the nation.
County officials said the car dealer made great strides in conserving energy. Because the dealer also repairs cars, it already recycled used oil, antifreeze and other waste. The county instead focused on waste in its office.
"Our checklist had more to do with conserving waste and some energy," said Larry Meola, service manager at Sunnyvale Ford.
The city of Sunnyvale has also participated in the Green Business program.
Companies interested in the county's Green Business program can call 408.282.3180 or visit www.reducewaste.org.
Earth to Sunnyvale
The city of Sunnyvale recognized these companies and organizations on April 3 for their certification in Santa Clara County's Green Business program. They met standards for pollution prevention, waste reduction, recycling, buying recycled products and energy and water conservation.
For Other Living Things
Labcyte Inc.
Pine Cone Lumber Co.
Power Print Digital Fabric Construction
Sports Basement
Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
Sunnyvale City Hall, Annex and South Annex
Sunnyvale Public Library
