In compliance with this ordinance, the Department of Public Health, the Department of the Environment and the Public Utilities Commission are authorized to form a joint program to develop and implement a City-wide Green Business program to encourage and recognize businesses that: conserve the use of natural resources, such as electricity, water and fuel; reduce, reuse, recycle and compost materials; reduce the use and generation of hazardous materials and hazardous waste; and take affirmative steps to prevent pollution. The City departments shall use the Association of Bay Area Government's Bay Area Green Business Program as a model and baseline for San Francisco's Green Business program and may use more stringent standards and criteria. In developing and implementing the program, the departments shall target various business sectors operating in the City and may consult with: relevant federal, State, and regional agencies, such as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and Bay Area Air Quality Management District; City departments that issue permits and enforce regulatory programs, including the Department of Building Inspection, the Fire Department and the Port of San Francisco; governmental land owners; and other interested entities such as the Association of Bay Area Governments and San Francisco's Small Business Commission. Only operations in the City which are in compliance with all City contracts, City-issued permits and laws; and are in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations are eligible to participate in the program. A Green Business recognition will be valid for up to one year from issuance and may be extended for up to two additional years based on self-certification of continuing qualification by the business. At the end of the qualification period, the business must reapply. A Green Business recognition automatically terminates upon a change in ownership or if the business ceases operation at that location. In coordination with and on behalf of the participating departments, the decision of the Director of the Department of the Environment on whether a business qualifies as a Green Business shall be final.
(Added by Ord. 21-06, File No. 051818, App. 2/3/2006)