EcoRing Green Business Certifications

EcoRing recognizes that improving a business’s environmental record is a journey, not a destination. New understanding and new technologies make “green” a moving target. We also recognize the financial constraints that limit what is possible for businesses to do and how fast.

Therefore, EcoRing bases its Green Business Certification on a principle of continuing improvement. EcoRing will certify a business that commits to greening one aspect of its operations from each of three categories each year on an ongoing basis.  EcoRing will schedule an interview and develop with the business a Plan of Action specifying each measure to be taken that year. In successive years EcoRing will schedule an audit to confirm that the specified measures were completed and set new goals for the next year.

In addition to the primary EcoRing Green Business Certification, there are four other Certifications available:  Bicycle-friendly, Watercraft-friendly, Electric Car-friendly and Equestrian-friendly.

GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

Energy Conservation

Electricity:

  1. Install LED lighting wherever possible
  2. Install solar panels
  3. Change to Sonoma Green Power

Water Heating:

  1. Install tank blanket
  2. Install on-demand water heater
  3. Install solar water heating

Space Heating:

  1. Install weather stripping
  2. Install insulation
  3. Install double-pained windows
  4. Install EPA-approved wood stove (where permissible)

Transportation:

  1. Provide van service for guests
  2. Provide complementary bicycles to guests
  3. Convert to electric service vehicles
  4. Use rakes not leaf blowers
  5. Use electric trimmers and lawn mowers

Water Conservation

  1. Install low-flush toilets
  2. Install low-flow shower heads
  3. Check for and fix leaks
  4. Install rain water catchment
  5. Use drought resistant landscaping
  6. Install swales to concentrate rainwater on plants
  7. Use permeable surfaces for paths and parking areas
  8. Meter water use
  9. Install moister sensing irrigation shutoffs

Recycling, Waste Reduction and Toxics Reduction

  1. Provide recycling receptacles
  2. Contract with a trash hauler that sorts trash
  3. Avoid plastic items where possible
  4. Use recycled materials for construction
  5. Use washable utensils and dinnerware
  6. Use recycled and recyclable products
  7. Use nontoxic cleaning and garden supplies

Biodiversity

  1. Humane pest control
  2. Bird boxes
  3. Bat boxes
  4. Wildlife friendly fencing
  5. Riparian habitat enhancement
BICYCLE-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION

To qualify for EcoRing Bicycle Friendly Certification lodging must provide the following services:

  1. Safe overnight bicycle storage
  2. Loan tools for minor bicycle repairs
  3. Inner tubes, tires for sale
  4. Location to do minor repairs
  5. Bicycle rental or complimentary use
  6. Maps provided by the Sonoma Bicycle Coalition, Marin Bicycle Coalition or EcoRing
  7. Notices of EcoRing Bicycle Rides
WATERCRAFT-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION

To qualify for EcoRing Watercraft Friendly Certification lodging must provide the following services:

  1. Safe overnight watercraft storage or mooring
  2. Watercraft rental or complimentary use
  3. Maps showing haul outs and put ins
  4. Notices of EcoRing kayak and canoe tours
ELECTRIC VEHICLE-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION

To qualify for EcoRing Electric Car Friendly Certification lodging must provide the following services:

  1. Parking with an electric car charging station
  2. Adaptors for most electric cars
  3. A list of electric cars that can be charged at your station
  4. A list of additional nearby charging stations