Monday, April 29, 2013

Certification process ensures companies ‘walk the talk’

By Kevin James Shay Staff Writer 

Seven Montgomery County landscaping businesses have been certified as environmentally friendly through an expansion of the county’s green certification program to that sector.

The certification process, which involves meeting requirements that are verified through onsite visits, provides credibility in advertising that you are an environmentally friendly business, said Toni Bailey, owner of Rockville landscape design business Gracefully Green.

“Having the word ‘green’ in your name does not really prove you are a green business,” Bailey said. “With this certification process, our customers can be confident that we walk the talk.”

Bailey was among the seven business owners recognized by county officials Monday at the Garrett Park home of Caroline Turner, who received a rainscapes rebate from the county to defray some costs of a substantial yard renovation by Silver Spring landscape design business Backyard Bounty.

The rainscapes program offers $2,500 rebates to residents and $10,000 rebates to businesses for eligible projects that reduce stormwater pollution.

Edamarie Mattei, who started Backyard Bounty about five years ago after being an English teacher, said she first went to New England to get her company certified under the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Organic Land Care program.

“I’m glad to see there is something like that here,” she said.

The front-yard rain garden that Backyard Bounty installed at Turner’s home captures and filters stormwater that would otherwise rush down from the sloped backyard into the street and storm drains. In many homes and businesses, such water carries chemical fertilizers and other pollutants into storm drains, which eventually end up in streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

The rain garden includes native plants and mulch that soak up water surrounded by a natural-looking, permeable driveway that uses gravel to absorb water.

“The idea is to reduce stormwater runoff as much as possible,” said Mattei, whose company has worked on the Turner house for about a year.

Backyard Bounty does not use pesticides or fertilizers, relying on native plants in more than half of the yard, which is about one-third of an acre. The native plants attract natural pollinators, Mattei said. There is a small area of “eco lawn,” which is drought tolerant and requires mowing only about once a month, she said.

The green certification program formed about three years ago by the county, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery College, which has a landscape technology program. Green landscaping practices not only help the county meet stringent stormwater management requirements, but improve water quality and reduce pollutants, said County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), who attended the ceremony Monday.

“Going green is not only good for businesses, but good for the environment and good for education,” Leggett said.

The county certifies about 50 businesses and organizations, including the Montgomery chamber, as green.

“Having a healthy economy depends on having healthy ecology,” said Barbara Ashe, executive vice president of the chamber.

Other certified landscape businesses are The Abundant Backyard in Silver Spring; A.I.R. Lawn Care in Rockville; The Brickman Group in Clarksburg; Green Scene Landscaping in Silver Spring; and Kit Gage — Gardener’s Advisers in Silver Spring.

The county fee to become a certified landscape business is $100 for small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees and $250 for large businesses. Recertification is required every three years.

The county is promoting the program through advertisements, such as on Ride On buses, and its website.

“The Green Landscape Business Certification Program is another tool Montgomery County is using that engages every resident and business in promoting environmental quality -- one yard and one property at a time,” said Leggett. “Using green landscaping practices not only helps the County achieve our stormwater management requirements, which are among the most stringent in the country, but also helps improve air quality, reduce the use of chemicals in the environment, decrease use of gas and oil, and enhance water quality. Adopting just a few green landscaping practices allows individuals to truly make a difference as environmental stewards.”

Landscape businesses, such as garden centers, or those offering design, installation or maintenance services are eligible for the program. To be certified, a landscape business must meet requirements from a checklist of over 130 actions in four broad areas:

♦ Air quality, energy efficiency, waste management and procurement;

♦ Integrated pest management and plants;

♦ Water and soil; and

♦ Organizational commitment and office operations.

DEP staff visits an applicant’s office and two to three of its worksites to confirm they are meeting sustainable practice guidelines.

“The new landscape certification program leverages two of the Department’s most effective initiatives, the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program and the Green Business Certification Program, and enables us to engage the business community, academia and our homeowners to help us all achieve our shared goal of having clean water in all of our County streams” said DEP Director Bob Hoyt.

The GLBCP application was developed by staff from DEP and Montgomery College’s Landscape Technology Program, with input and testing by landscape business representatives. Although certain checklist actions are required within each category, the certification process is very flexible, allowing businesses to choose from a broad range of actions. Or, businesses can develop their own innovative actions that are consistent with the program’s principles.

All of the Rainscapes rebate-eligible actions qualify under the landscape certification guidelines. The County’s Rainscapes program offers $2,500 rebates to residents and $10,000 rebates to businesses for eligible projects that reduce stormwater pollution.

“I am delighted that landscapers can now receive Montgomery County Green Business Certification,” said Gigi Godwin, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. “The expansion of the program will allow more business leaders to adapt to the green economy and build their supply chain in a sustainable way. The Chamber is thrilled to partner with DEP and Montgomery College on a program like this that makes an impact.”

Three years ago, DEP, MCCC and Montgomery College established the Green Business Certification program, which now has certified 50 businesses. The partners also recently established the Green Business Forum, a quarterly discussion focusing on the benefits and opportunities associated with greening business operations.

Landscape businesses seeking to enhance their understanding of sustainable practices can take classes at Montgomery College through its Landscape Technology Program.

“We are pleased to offer landscape professionals the opportunity to learn from courses that enhance their understanding of sustainable best practices,” said Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, president of Montgomery College. “Montgomery College believes in training businesses to thrive and lead during the transition to a new green economy.”

The seven certified landscape businesses are:

♦ The Abundant Backyard, Silver Spring, helps homeowners and community groups protect watersheds and increase pollination of our local food chain -- one garden at a time. Providing educational resources, a network of sustainable local suppliers and design skills to clients, The Abundant Backyard provides gardeners with easy-to-obtain plants and the knowledge to develop successful and abundant sustainable gardens. Since its inception in 2011, the company has used only eco-friendly practices as it educates clients on options to grow and maintain their yards in cost-effective, eco-friendly ways. 

♦ A.I.R. Lawn Care, Rockville, is an eco-friendly lawn care company that uses electric-powered equipment that is charged with solar panels mounted on a truck and trailer. The company’s mission to improve and renew the air through business, education and service is reflected in its acronym, A.I.R., which stands for Atmosphere, Improvement and Renewal. It is meeting this goal by providing clean, quiet and quality mowing as well as organic fertilization services. Its ideal customer is an environmentally conscious homeowner who is concerned about their kids’ and/or pets’ health, the long lasting health of their lawn or making a small contribution to the earth.

♦ Backyard Bounty, Silver Spring, is dedicated to improving the environment by re-imagining the American garden. It believes that gardens should be good for people and good for the earth. Its gardens eschew the use of dangerous pesticides and fertilizers; reduce the amount of polluted water residential properties send to the Chesapeake Bay; limit fossil fuel use by creating space for clients to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit onsite; eliminate invasive plants where possible; and use plants that increase the diversity of flora and fauna. 

♦ The Brickman Group, Ltd., Clarksburg, as a long standing steward of the environment, has become increasingly focused on reducing emissions, water use and nutrient application. The company’s account and senior managers have hybrid vehicles; it recycles and composts 100 percent of its green waste; it uses low-emission grounds maintenance alternatives, such as propane and electric equipment; and offers site assessment services to help property owners reduce their environmental impact, resulting in improved water quality, air quality, and soil and vegetation health.

♦ Gracefully Green, LLC, Rockville, offers landscape consulting and design services, specializing in sustainability. It recognizes the functionality and beauty of landscapes and strives to achieve these qualities in harmony with nature and the needs of the people. Its specialty is conducting a site assessment, or landscape audit, to guide property owners in selecting sustainability best practices that make the most sense for their landscapes and achieve better water and soils management, better biodiversity, better ecology and better gardens. 

♦ Green Scene Landscaping, Inc., Silver Spring, since its inception, has focused on the environmental impact of its operations. Internally, the company stresses reducing the use of paper, energy and water. It also has a comprehensive recycling program and always purchases “green products,” including 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Green Scene also encourages sound environmental practices when designing and caring for its customers’ properties. This includes minimizing areas that need mowing; reducing water use; developing responsible pest management and chemical application strategies; and designing effective water runoff management systems.

♦ Kit Gage – Gardener’s Advisers, Silver Spring, specializes in environmental education with a particular emphasis on reducing stormwater pollution through techniques that promote water infiltration into yards. The company also recommends ways to reduce water use, pesticides, fertilizers and turf and promotes the use of native perennials, shrubs and trees.
The cost to become a certified landscape business is $100 for small businesses with fewer than 25 full time staff and $250 for large businesses. Recertification is required every three years.

The event was held at a private residence that received a Rainscapes rebate to defray part of the cost of its landscaping project, which was installed by one of the newly certified businesses, Backyard Bounty. The project includes:

· A front yard rain garden that captures and filters stormwater, reducing runoff into storm drains;

· Conservation landscaping in the back yard that attracts pollinators and also manages stormwater;

· A small grassy area of “Eco Lawn,” which is deeply rooted, drought tolerant and requires only once-a-month mowing, saving water and resources;

· A permeable driveway that allows stormwater to percolate and recharge ground water and stabilize stream flow;

· No use of pesticides or fertilizers; and

· Use of native plants in over half the yard.

Beginning April 29, Montgomery County will promote the program using ads on 25 Ride On buses. The ad reads: “Make Sure the Grass is Greener on Your Side of the Fence. Use a Montgomery County Certified Green Landscape Business,” and features a photo of conservation landscaping.

To view the Landscape Business Certification application and other information about the program, go to: http://mcgreenbiz.org/.

Or, learn more about the Rainscapes Rewards Rebate Program on DEP’s website.

The Green Business Certification Program helps County businesses by providing them with a “greenprint” for introducing sustainability into their day-to-day operations and supply chain decisions. Organizations that embrace green practices enhance environmental quality while promoting economic development.

“Montgomery County is doing its part to spark the transition to a sustainable and green future through the Green Business Certification Program,” said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Businesses are doing their part by pursuing the Green Business Certification -- and I thank these leaders for their vision. They recognize that from an economic standpoint, environmental stewardship and innovation are becoming key drivers of financial success. I hope their example will inspire many other organizations in the County to become certified green businesses.”

To be a certified green business, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation of energy and water, carbon footprint reduction, waste reduction and recycling and environmentally responsible purchasing.

“We embrace sustainable business practices because they provide our members a competitive advantage,” said Gigi Godwin, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. “Moreover, companies recognize that aligning values, such as environmental stewardship, with business operations helps to reduce risk and attract and retain the best and the brightest. We are delighted to be a partner in the Green Business Certification Program.”

Montgomery College provides on-going courses to assist businesses in “going green” so they can get certified. While not required for certification, many businesses have found the courses to be extremely helpful in getting started.

“We understand that businesses are investing significant time in going green,” said Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College. “Green Business Certification can also open up new business opportunities. The College helps to empower businesses by providing them with a clear path forward so that businesses taking our courses can pursue certification with confidence.”

Certified green businesses are recognized for their environmental stewardship, are listed in the County’s online Green Business Directory and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce website, have use of the program logo, benefit from various MCCC outreach efforts, and may be profiled on the County’s cable television programming. Previous programs have highlighted the efforts of Marriott International, Honest Tea, MCCC, Hallman Orthodontics, Reznick Group and Clean Currents.

Businesses and organizations can benefit from the Green Business Certification Program regardless of their size, sector or where they are in their sustainability journey. The reasons organizations have given for becoming certified include enhancing their marketing opportunities, distinguishing themselves from competitors, cutting waste, saving money or responding to employee and consumer demands. For certified green business profiles and testimonials, please see below.

For more information about the Green Business Certification Program, go to the website. For information about Montgomery College’s Green Business Certification Crash Course, as well as other sustainability courses, go to “Green Training Programs” in their Schedule of Noncredit Classes.

Montgomery County’s Green Business Certification Program was recently featured in 270inc. Business Magazine, providing insight and tips on how to become certifiably green.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery College partnered to create a green business certification program that would be effective and ensure that any business (small or large) could get involved. 

Creating a certification program was not a task taken lightly, and the team was able to develop a process that ensures if a business is to become certified that they are able to demonstrate an overall commitment to environmental stewardship, energy and water conservation, carbon footprint and waste reduction as well as recycling.

Doug Weisburger, a senior planning specialist for the program, explains how the certification sets a business apart from others in the market and sends an important message not only to other businesses but to their customers as well. He also explains the importance of the program itself and the many discussions and department staff that dedicated time and effort to creating a certification that also serves as a 'blueprint or ‘green print,’ if you will, for businesses to produce sustainability.' The program takes into account variables depending on the size of each business, narrowing down a checklist that works for a wide range of businesses and what goes to great lengths in defining what makes up a 'green' one.

Certification means going green and going green translates to several benefits for each business: from financial savings to boosting employee morale. The article cites local business owners who agree and have seen the rewards themselves. The certification itself only helps to solidify these efforts further, as Illaya Hopkins points out as she reflected on how many people say they are going green but the program brings credibility to those words. 

Click to download Businesses Gone Certifiably Green, and read the article in its entirety.

June 10, 2010 - By Matt Bush

RideOn buses in Montgomery County, Maryland are already "painted" green. Now, they will start imploring businesses to "go" green.

The county runs a green business certification program. 20 firms have already been certified by revising their businesses practices, such as purchasing, record keeping, and power usage. County leaders would like to see that number increase, so advertisements will soon start covering the sides of RideOn buses, asking businesses to "go green."

Doing so makes good business sense says Gigi Godwin, the president of the county chamber of commerce, since many businesses in the county do work with either the federal government or government contractors.

"Large employers, and large companies, are greening their supply chains. They are changing how they do business. And a big part of that is going to be how they procure their goods and services," says Godwin.

The 20 businesses that have received the certification range in size from the Marriott hotel chain to PEPCO's customer service center to an orthodontist's office.

To view the original article and listen to the radio spot, click here.

At the dinner, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will receive the MCCC Partner of the Year Award, which will be accepted by DEP Director Robert G. Hoyt. DEP is receiving the award for the Green Business Certification Program, which prepares businesses to succeed in the new, green economy. The award is given to “an organization that works in partnership with MCCC to propel the Chamber’s mission forward.”   

For the complete press release, click here.

Recycling and energy reduction are two of the criteria. Water conservation and carbon footprint reduction are the others.

The new certification program will put Montgomery County at the forefront of environmental protection, according to county executive Isiah Leggett. Classes are offered at Montgomery College to show businesses how to make the changes needed to achieve the certification.

To listen to the entire spots, click here and here.