Green Award
What is a green business standard?
Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment Certification attests that companies operate according to these general standards:
-
They operate a “values-based” enterprise according to principles of environmental sustainability
-
They are environmentally responsible in the way they run their operations and facilities and how they source raw materials, manufacture products, and market them;
All companies seeking RACE certification must meet the sustainability standards and also meet or exceed all required standards in their industry
​
The award is based on a point system, with more points meaning a higher level of award and publicity.
​
Bronze- 55% to 69% of points earned
Silver- 70% to 84%
Gold- 85% to 100%
(points received divided by total points available = % earned)
​
Category: Food Industries, OWN building (107 points available)
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and repair
-
3-Use Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Purchase auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
2-Analyze water bills monthly to see where there is room for improvement
-
2-Serve water only on request
-
2-Provide information about water-saving efforts
-
2-Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2-Buildings should be well-insulated and maintained
-
3-Buy Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks. Replace after 10 years use
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
3-Install equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3-Install LED exit signs
-
2-Install programmable thermostats
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Eliminate plastic straws; provide paper or reusable straws if requested
-
2-Display napkin holder covers promoting reduction of plastic consumption
-
(will be posted on the website)
-
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
3-Provide reusable items
-
Metal silverware
-
Ceramic mugs/reusable cups
-
Washable, non-disposable plates
-
-
3-For deliveries only: put plastic silverware in only when asked to
-
2-Phase-out styrofoam use
-
3-Promote free tap water to reduce single-use plastic water bottle usage
-
2-Use napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
Promote using reusable bags instead of single-use bags
-
2-Do not offer single-use paper bags unless asked for
-
1-Offer bags made from recycled materials
-
-
1-Encourage customers to bring their own containers/reusable cups
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
-
2-Swap out parchment paper with silicone baking mats for food preparation
-
3-Rinse and decontaminate items before recycling
-
3-Compost all compostable waste
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
-
2-Landscaping is done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
1- Avoid planting, remove, or control plants identified on www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg
-
1- Install and maintain vegetated buffers, pervious surfaces, and other devices (separators, infiltration, etc.) to control water runoff, prevent erosion, and minimize pollution
-
2- Have septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids
Category: Food Industry, RENT building (97 points available)
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and notify landlord for repair
-
2-Encourage the use of Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Encourage the purchasing of auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
2-Analyze water bills monthly to see where there is room for improvement
-
3-Serve water only on request
-
2-Provide information about water-saving efforts
-
2-Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2-Encourage the purchasing of Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
Commercial ovens
-
Boilers
-
Commercial Stoves
-
Exit signs
-
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks.
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
2-Encourage the installation of equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3-Encourage installation of LED exit signs
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Eliminate plastic straws; provide paper or reusable straws if requested
-
2-Display napkin holder covers promoting reduction of plastic consumption
-
(will be posted on the website)
-
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
3-Provide reusable items
-
Metal silverware
-
Ceramic mugs/reusable cups
-
Washable, non-disposable plates
-
-
3-For deliveries only: put plastic silverware in only when asked to
-
2-Phase-out styrofoam use
-
3-Promote free tap water to reduce single-use plastic water bottle usage
-
2-Use napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
Promote using reusable bags instead of single-use bags
-
2-Do not offer single-use paper bags unless asked for
-
1-Offer bags made from recycled materials
-
-
1-Encourage customers to bring their own containers/reusable cups
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
-
2-Swap out parchment paper with silicone baking mats for food preparation
-
3-Rinse and decontaminate items before recycling
-
3-Compost all compostable waste
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
2- Have the septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids
Category: Retail (non-food), OWN building (72 points available)
General Sustainability Standards
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and repair
-
3-Use Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Purchase auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2-Buildings should be well-insulated and maintained
-
3-Buy Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
Boilers
-
Exit signs
-
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks. Replace after 10 years use
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
3-Install equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3-Install LED exit signs
-
2-Install programmable thermostats
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
2-Use paper towels and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
Promote using reusable bags instead of single-use bags
-
1-Offer bags made from recycled materials
-
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
-
2-Landscaping is done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
1- Avoid planting, remove, or control plants identified on www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg
-
1- Install and maintain vegetated buffers, pervious surfaces, and other devices (separators, infiltration, etc.) to control water runoff, prevent erosion, and minimize pollution
-
2- Have the septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids
Category: Retail (non-food), RENT building (61 points available)
General Sustainability Standards
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and notify landlord for repair
-
2-Encourage the use Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Encourage the purchasing of auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2-Encourage the purchase of buying Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
Boilers
-
Exit signs
-
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
2-Encourage the installation of equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3- Encourage the installation of LED exit signs
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
2-Use paper towels and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
Promote using reusable bags instead of single-use bags
-
1-Offer bags made from recycled materials
-
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
2- Have the septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids
Category: Professional Services, OWN building (85 points available)
General Sustainability Standards
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and repair
-
3-Use Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Purchase auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
2-Analyze water bills monthly to see where there is room for improvement
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2-Buildings should be well-insulated and maintained
-
3-Buy Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
Boilers
-
Exit signs
-
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks. Replace after 10 years use
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
3-Install equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3-Install LED exit signs
-
2-Install programmable thermostats
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
3-Promote bringing in personal, reusable utensils
-
3-Do not offer single-use, plastic bottled water
-
2-Use napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
-
3-Rinse and decontaminate items before recycling
-
3-Compost all compostable waste
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
-
2-Landscaping is done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
​
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
1- Avoid planting, remove, or control plants identified on www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg
-
1- Install and maintain vegetated buffers, pervious surfaces, and other devices (separators, infiltration, etc.) to control water runoff, prevent erosion, and minimize pollution
-
2- Have the septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids
Category: Professional Services, RENT building (74 points available)
General Sustainability Standards
Water:
-
1-Check for water leaks and notify landlord for repair
-
2-Encourage the use of Energy Star approved appliances
-
2-Encourage the purchasing of auto shut-off fixtures when buying new appliances
-
3-Post signs encouraging water conservation in bathrooms
-
2-Analyze water bills monthly to see where there is room for improvement
-
3-Install low flow aerators on faucets
Energy Conservation
-
2- Encourage the purchasing of Energy Star approved products when replacing old equipment
-
Boilers
-
Exit signs
-
-
2-Inspect HVAC systems every six months for energy-wasting leaks
-
3-Turn off appliances and lights when not in use
-
Reduce electricity consumption from lighting and electronics
-
2- Encourage the installation of equipment with automatic shut-offs, sensors, or timers where possible or when replacing old equipment
-
3-Encourage the installation LED exit signs
-
2-Purchase EPEAT certified electronics
-
Including LED monitors
-
-
2-Use smart power strips wherever possible
-
2-Turn off monitors automatically when not in use or business is closed
-
2-Use laptops instead of desktops when possible
-
2-Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8, T-5 tubes or LED tubes
-
2-Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs or CFLs
-
Waste Reduction
Plastic Use/Waste:
-
3-Provide recycling bins
-
Post signs on what can and can’t be recycled (using language and graphics)
-
(will be posted on website)
-
-
3-Promote bringing in personal, reusable utensils
-
3-Do not offer single-use, plastic bottle water
-
2-Use napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper made from recycled materials
-
3-Recycle all accepted plastics, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard
-
1-Buy soap in bulk and use soap dispensers
-
3-Rinse and decontaminate items before recycling
-
3-Compost all compostable waste
Products & Consumption
-
1-Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials
-
2-Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double-sided printing as the default, and more
-
2-Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
-
3-The majority of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges
​
Landscaping
-
3- Notify the grounds maintenance crew to eliminate or reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers
-
2- Notify grounds maintenance crew not to blow or rake vegetation into wetlands or watercourses
-
2- Have the septic tank pumped by a licensed septic professional every 2-3 years
-
1- Be sure that company dumpster and recycling containers have closed lids