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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

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