Small Business Saturday

Get In On The #ShopSmall #ShopGreen Movement
 
In anticipation of Small Business Saturday, we've developed marketing materials to encourage your community to #ShopSmall and #ShopGreen with you. As consumers move towards socially and environmentally conscious shopping, we want to make sure they know their local businesses have the same values. These marketing materials will bring attention to certified Green Businesses that help make their communities vibrant and more sustainable. We've partnered with Energy Upgrade California on these and are placing a special emphasis on energy efficiency.

We encourage businesses to share these on social media channels with hashtags #ShopSmall and #GreenBusiness to show your small/Green Business pride! Want to customize your own Instagram or Facebook ad? Share-ready and editable files are included in the download below.

• First step: Like California Green Business Network on Facebook and share our most recent video post about Small Business Saturday/Green Businesses!
• Second step: Download the graphics HERE.

Fall Energy Saving Tips

Easy Changes to Reduce Your Impact
As we settle into fall and winter approaches, here are some simple ways to save energy (and money!) at your business and home.

1. Check Your Thermostat 
In cooler months, set temperatures between 65 and 68 during business hours and 60 when unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat and consider a "smart" one next time you upgrade.

2. Swap Those HVAC Filters
Changing HVAC filters once a month increases functionality and lowers costs. Dirt in air filters, ducts, coils, and other HVAC parts causes the system to work harder to heat a building or sometimes even system failure.

3. Keep Heat In
Close all doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping. It is also a good time to locate any leaks and seal them with weather stripping and caulking. Consider installing an automatic door closer if you don't have one already and see the savings pile up!

4. Lower Hot Water Temperature
Lower your dishwasher and washing machine hot water temperature to the lowest allowed by local health code. Heating up water in the fall and winter is that much more expensive due to the cold.

Check-out Energy Upgrade California for more great tips: www.energyupgradeca.org
Have a favorite fall energy-saver? Share info@greenbusinessca.org

CA Fugitive Methane Emissions Study

1. Free On-site Leak Detection Tests: Companies/organizations can receive free on-site leak tests to detect any methane leaks or incomplete combustion at their California facilities. The testing does not impact normal business operations, and all data collected will remain confidential.
2. Online Survey: Companies/organizations are invited to complete a brief online survey about building characteristics (size, age, gas appliances, etc.) and natural gas usage. Providing this data helps orient the on-site testing, and is critical to developing the statewide emissions estimates.