What is Count Me Green?
Businesses get an application form and environmental checklist from the Douglas County Recycling office. The checklist is a detailed list of ways businesses can decrease their impact on the environment. Each item has value points. Businesses must find 30 points from the list to qualify. They can be strategies that the business is currently using, or that the business is willing to commit to implementing. There are eight categories to choose points from. Five points must come from pre-selected categories and the remaining points can come from any category.
The business completes the forms and submits them for review. If successful, the business is given certification and will receive promotional logos and materials for the business to use. In addition, certified businesses are listed on the County website and are featured periodically in advertisements that recognize them as Douglas County Green Businesses and encourages residents to patronize them.
There are eight categories that businesses can choose from in the certification process. They are:
· Communication and Education
· Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
· Energy Efficiency
· Water Conservation
· Air Quality
· Wildlife and Landscape Management
· Transportation
· Purchasing
The certification is valid for three years. At the end of the period businesses review their checklist and complete an update on their progress. The business is encouraged to add points each year, but it is not mandatory. The report is reviewed and certification is renewed if appropriate.
