This is an overview of the Fresno County Program

1. Developing a Green Business Making Profits & Making Sense program sponsored by:

2. Planning for Sustainability “The climate is not the only thing that is getting hotter – so is green business” -- Gil Friend, author of The Truth About Green Business Overview: Focus Green Business Clarification Green Business Opportunity Triple Bottom Line Pledge to being a Green Business EcoAssessment

3. Focus Green business is not a new trend The only difference is the scale is changing: Now large and small businesses are talking about Environmental impacts Sustainability Social Responsibility There is an increase in the lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS) All impact markets, operations & profits

4. Green Business Clarification Being “Green” means a commitment to very desirable outcomes: Sustainability: the ability to keep operating over the long haul and to continue to meet the future needs of your customers Reducing negative impacts on the environment, natural resources, your customers and your employees, that are related to your operation and products

5. Green Business Clarification Reducing potential liability by reducing or eliminating such things as toxic emissions, depletion of non-renewable resources, critical design flaws, dependency on unfriendly and/or distant suppliers Promotion of innovation and a competitive edge Definition and engagement of new markets Facilitation of employee recruiting, engagement productivity and retention

6. Green Business Opportunity Green aspirations are not limited to companies that are environmentally sensitive Customer prefer dealing with a green business and many will pay a premium Many government agencies give preference to companies that have green policies and practices

7. Green Business Opportunity Good Markets: The Green market is large and growing rapidly LOHAS consumer market is estimated at $209 billion $50 billion green building industry Eco-tourism estimated at $24 billion Over $8 billion in cleantech venture investment

8. Triple Bottom Line There are rewards beyond profits Good business encompasses the following: Economic Benefits (profits) Environmental Benefits (planet) Social Benefits (people) Businesses can be Green & Profitable Profit is the by-product not the sole purpose of a business Increased profitability is a measure of how successful a business is at providing great value and in meeting the needs of its customers

9. Green Business Pledge Make a Pledge To undertake an EcoPlan for your business or business plan To make an implement a plan to “green” your business/initial business plan To share how plan implementation went over a 12-month period.

10. EcoAssessment At no charge, Fresno Count Staff will: Tour your facility (or evaluate your business plan) Use the data gathered to prepare an EcoPlan Highlighting how well your business appears to be using its resources Suggesting way your company could become more “green” and ultimately more profitable

11. Recognition Businesses that have made a good faith effort to complete their pledged and which have submitted the year-end reports will: Be publically recognized by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors Be acknowledged in the Fresno County’s Recycling Directory (distributed in both versions of the Yellow Pages (Valley Yellow Pages and AT&T Yellow Pages)) Receive a trophy/plaque recognition Be considered for a CalRecycle WRAP Award