Green Awards Program

From 1994 to 2007 the Green Awards Program recognized voluntary activities by companies and organizations in Santa Barbara County that result in cleaner air or water, less waste, less traffic, conservation of energy and natural resources, or reduced use of hazardous materials. The Green Award honored those organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment or innovation above and beyond their primary mission, and provided the inspiration for the Green Business Program.

Green Award Recipients 1994-2007

2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001
2000	1999	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994

2007 Green Award Recipients

Front row (left to right): Alberto Arroyo, John Brand, Hans Brand, Scott Fulton – B&H Flowers, Inc. (Carpinteria); Chandra & Wes Hagen, Oliver the Greyhound – Clos Pepe Vineyards (Lompoc) Back row (left to right): Rebecca Sandoval, Mark Funkhouser, Michael Armenta – Chumash Casino Resort; Ryan Schauland, UCSB Campus Design & Facilities; Ron Schaefer, Valle Verde Retirement Community (Santa Barbara); Perrin Pellegrin, UCSB Campus Design & Facilities

B & H Flowers, Incorporated, Carpinteria
www.bandhflowers.com/

B & H Flowers, Incorporated, a fifth generation family operation located in Carpinteria, has set a standard for sustainable agriculture in the operation of its cut flower greenhouse business.

& H is the first flower grower in Santa Barbara County to be VeriFlora Certified as a Sustainable Grown greenhouse operation. VeriFlora recognizes businesses that produce cut flowers and potted plants in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and meet the highest standards for freshness and quality.
& H collects all of its rainwater and irrigation water in a percolating pond and holding tanks to recycle the water through a completely self-contained system, resulting in no runoff. B & H inspects plants and water valves daily to minimize wasted water, and has installed high-efficiency water pumps.
The business makes extensive use of beneficial insects, uses soft or organic products in the rare instance treatment is needed, and is increasing the use of certified organic fertilizers. B & H has an extensive recycling program and minimizes waste.

University of California, Santa Barbara, Design and Facilities
http://facilities.ucsb.edu/

The University of California, Santa Barbara, Campus Design and Facilities Department (UCSB), which is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining all classrooms and non-residential buildings on campus, has assumed a prominent role in the University’s efforts to address climate change.

The Department is ensuring that new and renovated buildings achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. In addition to greening new construction, UCSB is one of just three universities in the United States to commit to having 25 buildings achieve LEED Existing Building certification over the next five years to promote green operations across campus.
On an average day, 1/3 of faculty and staff and 2/3 of students do not drive alone to work or class. The University accomplishes this by: allowing employees to telecommute and work on alternative work schedules; offering incentives for commuters who do not drive, such as preferential parking, discounted bus passes, discounted FlexCar vehicle use, and affordable vanpools; providing a shuttle service; and offering shower facilities for those who walk or bike, and bicycle parking.
UCSB uses Green Seal certified cleaning products, unbleached and/or chlorine free paper products, and low-emission building materials, carpeting, and furniture and reducing or eliminating the use of solvents. In one case, the University was successful in convincing a manufacturer to make a “green” product for polishing tile floors; the product is now offered to other firms. UCSB also uses drought tolerant landscaping and pest resistant plants, and uses less toxic pesticides whenever possible.
To conserve energy, UCSB has installed modern T8 fluorescent lighting, motion sensors and high-efficiency heating ventilation and air conditioning. New buildings are designed to beat California’s energy code by at least 20%.
UCSB recycles everything possible, including construction and demolition debris, carpeting, and green waste. To conserve water, it uses waterless urinals, is gradually installing dual flush low flow toilets, and has water efficient faucets and showerheads. It will continue to expand water efficient practices to all future LEED buildings. Also, the campus uses mulch for non-turf areas, reclaimed water for most areas, drip irrigation systems, and drought tolerant landscaping.

Valle Verde Retirement Community, Santa Barbara
www.valleverdesb.com/

Valle Verde, a retirement community with over 380 seniors in Santa Barbara, has invested heavily in renewable energy for its campus that includes senior cottages, a Health Center, a memory support center, and Assisted Living.

Valle Verde has installed photovoltaic panels to generate approximately 36,000 kilowatts of energy. A solar water system heats the swimming pool, and individual solar water heating units on all new or remodeled apartments provide hot water for residents including their Assisted Living building.
Valle Verde uses energy-efficient office equipment, and ceiling fans for cooling, natural and task lighting, and has installed energy efficient windows. The heating system has been converted from electricity to natural gas, improving efficiency from 45% to 95%.
Water-efficient faucets and showerheads have been installed, reclaimed water is used for the drip irrigation system, and drought tolerant plants and mulch are used for the landscaping. In addition, an updated irrigation system controls campus watering based on weather conditions and climates for specific zones on the 66-acre property.
There is a comprehensive program for recycling paper, cardboard, glass containers, plastics, pallets, toner cartridges, electronics, paints, solvents, cleaners, batteries, fluorescent lights, and vehicular fluids.
Valle Verde also recycles construction and demolition debris for 15 to 20 apartments that are renovated each year. For each renovated home, fluorescent lighting, insulated non-lever windows, tankless water heaters, and low VOC paint are used.
Electric carts are used by employees throughout the campus, and a shuttle bus service is offered to residents and employees for trips downtown. Monthly cash incentives will also be offered to employees that use alternative transportation, and part-time telecommuting is also available to administrative staff.

Chumash Casino and Resort, Santa Ynez
www.chumashcasino.com/

The Chumash Casino and Resort, located in Santa Ynez, is an environmental leader among California casinos and other businesses.

To reduce traffic, the Casino requires employees from Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Buellton, approximately 1,300 of 1,645 employees, to take the free Chumash shuttle bus to work, and customers are offered free access to buses.
The Casino conserves water by treating and reusing waste water in toilets and outdoor irrigation, and using native, low-water plants for landscaping (well established trees and shrubs on the casino property require watering only four times per year). To protect against stormwater runoff, the on-site creek is patrolled daily, and all parking structure runoff is gathered and treated.
In the past several months, the Casino has reduced its waste stream by about 9,000 pounds of waste per month by using paperless records and donating furniture and wardrobe items to a local thrift store, and through recycling of carpet, pallets, green waste, and composting food scraps.
The company uses only non-toxic cleaning products. The Casino also uses a large percentage of locally-grown produce, and glass and ceramic dishware and utensils in place of paper or plastic.
The company has retrofit the HVAC system with economizers, which slow motors in the air units when not in use, shut off sections of the facility not needing cooling, allow outside air into the facility as needed, and automatically adjust for highest efficiency. The Casino also replaced a large majority of light fixtures in the hotel to accommodate the compact fluorescents. As a result, the Casino is only five points away from achieving LEED certification for its buildings and its goal of becoming the first LEED-certified casino in California.

Clos Pepe Vineyards, Lompoc
www.clospepe.com

Clos Pepe Vineyards, located in the Santa Rita Hills between Lompoc and Buellton, is a leader in sustainable farming.

Clos Pepe does not use any insecticides or herbicides and no restricted materials. Sheep control weeds in the vineyards; owls and raptors (encouraged by strategically placed boxes and perches) catch rodents; beneficial insects are released to reduce pests.
For these and other practices, Clos Pepe scores over 90 percent on the Central Coast Vineyard Team’s sustainability index every year.
The business uses a drip irrigation system that doesn’t produce any runoff, conserving water.
Clos Pepe plants legumes and clover to preserve or improve soil structure and nutrient content, eliminate erosion, reduce dust, and provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Clos Pepe uses mulch in its vineyards, donates used electronics to its workers for reuse, and makes picket fences from its wine barrels and pallets.
Clos Pepe is also a foster facility for off-track greyhounds and encourages Santa Barbara to offer a home to these gentle, calm and loving ex-racers. Clos Pepe believes sustainability goes further than how crops are grown. Full time workers are given full medical, dental and vision insurance, Holiday bonuses and paid vacation. Clos Pepe believes environmental concerns are only meaningful when human beings are treated with dignity and respect.

2006 Green Award Recipients

From left to right: Back row: Chris Weber and Drew Clarke, Four Seasons Resort “The Biltmore”; Dennis Daniels, Marian Medical Center Middle row: Diane Kildun, Four Seasons Resort “The Biltmore”; Jill Frandsen, Van Atta Associates; Kathy Nolan, NWA, Inc.- Landscape Architecture & Construction; Susan Van Atta; Leland Walmsley, NWA; Guillermo Gonzalez, Van Atta Associates. Front row: Sandy Hanes, The Family School; Stacey Isaac, Jeanine Brandi, and Karen McConaghy, Van Atta Associates.

The Four Seasons Resort “The Biltmore” Santa Barbara
www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/

The Four Seasons Resort achieved ISO 140001 certification in 2005. This certification reflects a rigorous and comprehensive commitment by a business to minimize harmful effects on the environment, and achieve continual improvement of environmental performance. Highlights of the Four Seasons’ environmental actions include:

Reduction of energy use through use of variable speed drives on pump and fan motors, and replacement of energy-intensive lighting with LED lighting, compact fluorescents, and electronic-ballast fluorescents. The Resort tracks its energy consumption weekly by posting a report on its Intranet. Incentives for employees to use alternate transportation, including: subsidy of half the cost of monthly MTD passes; preferential parking and gas card raffle prizes for employee carpools; and bike shop gift certificates for employees who ride bicycles to work.  Reduction of air pollution through replacement of gas powered sweepers with electric sweepers. Quarterly training sessions to educate employees about the Resort’s environmental practices and environmental topics are highlighted in its newsletters. To increase recycling, placed recycle bins in guest corridor closets, instituted a recycling program for the pool kitchen and donated pool towels to a homeless shelter for reuse. To reduce paper waste, Four Seasons has created an intranet and email communication system and has contacted their vendors to request reduced packaging materials.
Guests are also notified of the Resort’s environmental policy and environmental options and vehicle engines be turned off when guests are waiting for a valet.

The Family School, Los Olivos

The Family School in Los Olivos serves students from preschool through fifth grade. The school has been committed to environmental education and responsibility since its beginnings 31 years ago. This commitment is reflected in multiple projects on the school’s campus, including:

Each graduating fifth grade class creates a gift to the school, and these have included; an outdoor group meeting area with a solar panel water feature, hummingbird and butterfly plants, shaded cob chess bench, and ceramic murals made of recycled tile; and organic garden which reused such materials as ladders, headboards, and aluminum cans; a small orchard with a compost biome, strawbale chair, and garden shed; and an outdoor patio with recycled tile pavers, table tops, and log benches. Leftovers from the lunch tables are composted, using a worm bin. The school is replacing chemical cleaners with natural formulas. The school recycles everything accepted by the county waste facilities. During daily chore time, students empty recycling containers which collect used paper and other materials in each classroom. Each child has a reusable cup to reduce paper waste.
Family School students make a presentation annually to student teachers on ways to incorporate environmental education into the classroom. The school has presented Earth Day workshops to the community on recycling and sustainability.

Marian Medical Center, Santa Maria
www.marianmedicalcenter.org

Marian Medical Center has implemented several new programs to earn its second Green Award (after winning in 1999), including: a green waste recycling program that has diverted more than 207,960 pounds of green waste; a program that has reduced use of toxic material by eliminating mercury containing equipment; and a disposal program for expired medicines to prevent them from going into the wastewater stream. Many new programs are generated through the Partners for the Environment Committee, which meets monthly to coordinate, encourage and enhance environmentally friendly practices throughout the organization. Other highlights of Marian’s new environmental programs include the following:

A recycling program for plastics (such as shrink/bubble wrap, blue sterile wrap, and bags) has diverted 15,600 pounds of plastic waste. Energy conservation steps, including upgraded lighting and installation of motion sensors in appropriate areas. To conserve water, Marian has installed sensors at all faucets and has implemented a new mopping system.  Instituted a recycling program for confidential documents. Has mandated “green” landscaping practices using a minimal amount of chemicals and fertilizers.
Assisted in establishing an approved tree-planting list highlighting non-allergenic trees for the Tree of Life program in Santa Maria.

Van Atta Associates, Inc., Santa Barbara
www.va-la.com

Van Atta Associates (VAA) is a Landscape Architecture firm that practices sustainable landscape architecture for its clients and has made a superior commitment to sustainability in its own business. Van Atta’s model ‘green’ building in Santa Barbara incorporates water and energy conservation features, use of permeable and planted parking surfaces, a biofiltered pond, planting of native drought-tolerant plants, and use of sustainably harvested wood, bamboo flooring and cabinets. The building uses natural lighting, natural ventilation and energy star appliances resulting in 50% less energy use than a conventional office space. Other highlights of VAA’s environmental practices include the following:

Van Atta Associates diverts 75% of normal office waste by recycling paper, plastic and glass. Uses 100% post consumer recycled paper in Identity program including all business cards and stationary. Donates used equipment and furniture. Encourages the use of alternative transportation by providing a shared company vehicle, bicycle parking, and a shower for employees.
VAA employees contribute time and resources to local environmental organizations and events, such as the Parade of Green Buildings, Earth Day, the Sustainability Project, and many others.

NWA Inc. - Landscape Architecture & Construction, Carpinteria
www.nwalandscape.com

NWA Inc. - Landscape Architecture & Construction is a landscape architecture firm that incorporates environmental practices in all aspects of its business—including the use of biodiesel-powered vehicles by the principals, and a demonstration garden featuring shallow basins for ground water recharge, gray water drip irrigation, organic gardening practices, recycled concrete, permeable surfaces, drought-tolerant plants, and an alternative lawn. Other highlights include:

NWA recycles plastic containers, glass bottles, and aluminum; oversized prints, cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, and composts office food scraps, cardboard and shredded paper. Black plastic plant containers are reused or returned to the nurseries. To reduce energy use, NWA’s offices uses natural lighting from its skylights and fluorescent lighting. To reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, several employees telecommute or walk to work. NWA’s landscape work incorporates organic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, native plants, watershed restoration and conservation design. At job sites, garden trimmings are used as mulch for weed suppression and moisture retention, cardboard and mulch are used for weed reduction, corn gluten is used as a pre-emergent, and companion planting is used for pest control and water conservation.
NWA’s community membership includes the Green Building Alliance and the City of Carpinteria Tree Board.

2005 Green Award Recipients

Top left to lower right: Kathleen Boomer, Goleta Union School District; David Lourie, Lise Goddard, Ben Munger, Midland School (Los Olivos); Karin Perissinotto, Santa Barbara Contrators Association; Melissa Cohen, Isla Vista Food Cooperative; Gary Grenus & Chef Joel Koch, SpiritLand Bistro (Santa Barbara).

Goleta Union School District, Goleta - www.goleta.k12.ca.us

The Goleta Union School District brings green policies to innovative transportation, waste management, energy use, and landscaping programs. The District now runs its bus fleet on compressed natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel, a cleaner diesel fuel. The District’s voluntary installation of particulate matter traps and replacement of higher polluting school buses will reduce approximately 6 tons of the ozone precursor oxides of nitrogen and over 1,000 pounds of diesel particulate matter, a toxic air contaminant, over the lifetime of the buses. They are also implementing a creative, comprehensive recycling program throughout the school system, and have recycled more than 80 percent of waste through this program. Two schools within the District are using reclaimed water for landscape purposes, and all classrooms now use energy-efficient lighting, and energy-conserving gas heaters. The District uses integrated pest management on school grounds, and the District Board recently voted to make it the first pesticide-free school district in the county.

Isla Vista Food Cooperative, Isla Vista - www.islavistafood.coop

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are top priorities in the day-to-day operations of the Isla Vista Food Cooperative. The Coop has established an eight-bin recycling program open to customers, incorporating composting, cardboard reuse, and recycling of other materials, and has reduced its waste stream from six cubic yards per week to one. Inside the store, cardboard boxes are re-used for customer grocery carryout, and reusable containers are available for purchase to encourage customers to buy from bulk offerings, which range from flours and grains to household and personal care products. Produce is purchased from local organic growers whenever possible. Fair trade products, promoting long term sustainability and equitable labor policies, are sold throughout the store. Administrative operations are almost entirely electronic to reduce the use of paper products. Environmentally responsible policies influence business decisions whenever appropriate.

Midland School, Los Olivos - www.midland-school.org

Midland School, a college preparatory boarding school near Figueroa Mountain, values environmental stewardship in its mission statement. Students helped install off-grid and grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems that were featured this summer in Solar Today. In 2005-06, faculty and students will build a Compressed Earth Block faculty house, the first of its kind permitted in California. The house plans, which earned the highest commendation possible by Santa Barbara’s Innovative Building Review Program (IBRP) feature local materials, passive solar heating and cooling, solar thermal and PV panels, and rainwater catchment. Midland students track personal water use and work to decrease campus consumption. Through campus recycling programs, organic gardening, native oak restoration, and a philosophy of “needs not wants,” Midland students are active stewards of their local environment, and ethic that is shared with the local community through free community workshops.

Santa Barbara Contractors Association Education Foundation,
Santa Barbara - www.builtgreensb.org

The Santa Barbara Contractors Association Education Foundation has developed a model program for California with the Built Green Santa Barbara program. To date, no other industry-sponsored, voluntary green building program has been developed in California. Built Green Santa Barbara has over forty member companies, including contractors, builders, developers, architects, material suppliers, financial institutions, and local government agencies. The program promotes resource-efficient development, design and construction that incorporate energy and water conservation, reduction and management of construction waste, and environmentally-sensitive site planning. The program offers detailed information, materials, and a checklist rating system to help participants. The checklist serves as a guide in making hundreds of decisions that are part of the building process. The Association predicts more than 100 projects will be certified through Built Green Santa Barbara in 2005. In addition to promoting green practices to contractors, the Association itself operates on green policies. Future plans include an online plan room to reduce the use of paper, and cut down on travel needed to review plans.

Spiritland Bistro, Santa Barbara - www.gjspiritland.com

SpiritLand Bistro creates high quality organic meals, while minimizing environmental impact. Organic ingredients, including flour, rice, chicken, dairy, produce, wine, and triple-certified coffee are used whenever possible, supporting pesticide-free farms, while producing wholesome, healthy dishes. Products that are grown within the watershed are preferred; this local purchasing promotes sustainability in our area by increasing economic support for local suppliers, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and supplying fresher ingredients to the customer. Chefs take home compostable materials for their gardens, and biodegradable “to-go” containers are used in place of styrofoam containers. The Bistro uses a swamp cooler instead of traditional air conditioning equipment, conserving energy, and water-conserving pre-rinse spray nozzles are used for dish washing. SpiritLand provides the Santa Barbara area with an environmentally sustainable alternative restaurant choice, offering vegan and vegetarian, as well as Audubon-recommended seafood, organic free range chicken, and raw-live food specialties.

2004 Green Award Recipients

Front row, from left: Kanaloa Seafood's Randee & Donald Disraeli and Giovanni Vogliotti; Monte Vista School's Judy Sims and Judy Stettler.

Back row, from left: Great White Dental Lab's Jeff Gough and Jim Spallino; UCSB Housing and Residential Services' Willie Brown and Mark Rousseau.

Housing & Residential Services, University of California, Santa Barbara
Mark Rousseau, Energy and Environmental Manager – 893-3092

UCSB’s Housing & Residential Services’ (H&RS) commitment to the environment, both on campus and in our community, is extraordinary. Their list of programs includes efforts as varied as recycling in residence halls and reducing storm water runoff through the use of bioswales. Their comprehensive recycling program diverts hundreds of tons of material from the landfill annually. Materials that are recycled include mixed paper and cardboard, batteries, oil, furniture, cooking oil and more. Their MOVE-OUT program collects clothing, books, kitchen goods, unused food, etc. from residence halls and apartments for donation to the Isla Vista GIVE sale and other local and regional charities. H&RS composts vegetable waste from dining commons and landscape green waste. Renewable energy programs in five residence halls reduce natural gas usage by 30 – 40% annually. Water conservation measures include a new system to recycle water along the food tray cleaning area, reducing water use over 30%. Clean-air efforts include an impressive alternative transportation program and installation of low-emitting boiler burners.

Great White Dental Lab, Santa Maria
Jim Spallino, President – 922-9692

Great White Dental Lab in Santa Maria makes teeth that are fired in electric powered porcelain furnaces. They are a leader in making the business case for solar power. They recently installed a net metering solar photovoltaic system that supplies more than 100% of Great White Dental’s power needs and sends excess power to the grid. On weekends, when the manufacturing facility is not operating, the solar array provides enough power for 264 homes. The system is installed on an elevated carport structure that serves as a covered carport for employee cars.

The reduced power demand benefits air quality and supports energy independence. In addition to its dedication to reducing energy use, Great White Dental Lab is committed to recycling and buying recycled- content office products. They minimize their use of hazardous materials, and subsequent hazardous waste, by using warm water and Simple Green in their industrial cleaning process whenever possible. They conserve water by using a “dry trimming” process as much as possible versus “wet trimming” that requires water.

Monte Vista School – Hope School District, Santa Barbara
Judy Stettler, Principal 687-5333

Monte Vista School, an elementary school in the Hope School District, works to educate both its students and the public about taking care of our community’s environment. School children and teachers cultivate a native plant nature trail with four habitat areas that are open to the public. The trail features drought-tolerant landscaping and includes signs and environmental education opportunities. Monte Vista sets an example for all schools with its comprehensive school-wide co-mingled recycling program. To run this program they work with the Community Environmental Council, MarBorg Industries and student volunteers from UCSB. They hold a weekly farmer’s market with organic produce from the school garden. On the district level, Hope School District has a nutrition committee working to bring locally grown organic produce into school lunch programs. The school custodial staff follows the Green School requirements, using less-toxic cleaning and ground maintenance supplies. Monte Vista students also participate in Bike to School day, and are encouraged to walk, bike or carpool to school.

Kanaloa Seafood, Santa Barbara
Donald Disraeli, 966-5159

Kanaloa Seafood in Santa Barbara recently became the first seafood processor and distributor in North America and Europe to become ISO 14001 certified. ISO 14001 standards, voluntary environmental standards recognized around the world, require a business to set environmental objectives and develop an environmental management plan to achieve the goals. ISO 14001 also requires a certified business focus on pollution prevention, and continuous improvement. Kanaloa Seafood has reduced water use by more than 30% through employee training, changes in operating procedures, monthly water leak inspections, and installation of water-saving devices in restrooms. They have developed a new packing material system that is 100% recyclable and made of recycled-content material – this stands out in an industry where current packing practices use packing material that is not recyclable. Kanaloa separates wastes to allow for increased recycling and makes waste fish available for use as bait by local fisherman. They also work with their vendors and customers to promote sustainable fisheries.

2003 Green Award Recipients

Lft to right: Valorie Cole, Discoveries Learning Center; Ellen Strickland, livingreen; Michael Holliday and Steven Clark, DesignARC; Susie Cardone, IntriPlex Technologies.

DesignARC - www.designarc.net

DesignARC, a local architectural firm, has a number of programs that provide exceptional environmental benefits. The company’s offices are located in a "recycled" space within an old lemon-packing building in the industrial area of Santa Barbara. Recycling of glass, paper, plastic, and waste plot paper has reduced DesignARC’s trash by approximately 20-30 percent. The firm has also saved energy by installing stage lighting systems, and switching off unnecessary lights during office hours to reduce cooling loads and lighting costs. DesignARC has specified non-toxic cleaning products for use by its cleaning contractor. The company provides bicycle parking and encourages carpooling. Principals of the firm regularly volunteer their time to teach sustainable architectural design principles to local elementary school children. DesignARC has also donated time to develop project literature to educate the general public about sustainable and green building practices.

Discoveries Learning Centers

Discoveries Learning Center in Santa Barbara has a superior environmental ethic, demonstrated through multiple efforts. The preschool has a "trashless lunch" policy, which educates both parents and children about the importance of minimizing waste. The policy directs parents to send lunches in reusable plastic containers. Instructors teach the children about reducing, reusing and recycling trash to help them understand the importance of the lunch policy. The Center has a worm bin, and composts organic wastes, and has a policy of purchasing Energy Star® appliances. Creative activities incorporate recycled materials from Art from Scrap, and scrap paper is either used for children’s art, made into notepads for the instructors, or fed to the worms. School field trips have involved the use of MTD buses to introduce the children to public transportation, and to teach the importance of using alternatives to driving alone. These activities not only instill in the children a sense of responsibility for the environment from an early age, but also provide a message that they can share with their parents.

Intri-Plex Technologies

Intri-Plex Technologies, a precision metal stamping and post processing company, is an outstanding example of a business that has worked to make the entire process of producing its product more environmentally safe. In just one year the firm has successfully reduced its use of solvents/chemicals from 1350 pounds down to almost zero. Intri-Plex has the potential to use a lot of hazardous chemicals. Instead, the firm took a closer look at its equipment and systems and was able to pioneer new processes that increase part performance while protecting the environment. Existing equipment was changed to be more efficient, manufacturing specifications were improved, and water-soluble oils were selected to reduce the requirement for toxic cleaning chemicals. Intri-Plex also implemented a recycling program for paper, cardboard, and toner cartridges. The company took the initiative to host a Transportation Fair to educate its 133 employees on how to use alternative means of transportation for the daily commute. In addition, Intri-Plex employees formed a “Fun Committee” to work on conservation efforts and quality of life issues. These activities demonstrate a business with a corporate culture that is environmentally aware and cares about the health of its employees.

livingreen

Livingreen is a local building and finish materials supplier specializing in environmentally healthy products. They conduct daily business operations with an eye on environmental protection, using safe cleaning products, recycling cardboard, plastic, paper waste, and building salvage. Products are sold in the store because they are non-toxic, energy-efficient, made from recycled content, packaged with environmentally sustainable materials, and delivered efficiently to reduce vehicle emissions and traffic demands. The company also plants drought tolerant plants around its storefront, encourages biking to work by employees, and turns off the lights when they aren’t in use. The company participates in Earth Day events, the annual Parade of Green Buildings, the Green Building Alliance, adult education and community event presentations. The firm has also published articles in Casa Santa Barbara on new and exciting green products, green practices and healthy solutions.

2002 Green Award Recipients

Left to right: Troy Kight, Hayward Truss; Teresa Alarcio, Certance (formerly Seagate RSS LLC); Ron Lafrican and Elizabeth Link, Cottage Health System; Ken Radtkey, Blackbird Architects; Marshall Chrostowski and Jenny Benjamin, Pacifica Graduate Institute

Blackbird Architects

Blackbird Architects in Santa Barbara has a number of on-going programs that provide exceptional environmental benefits. Their recycling programs divert 75% of office waste from the landfill. They encourage alternative transportation through shared office vehicles, including scooters and bikes, and have bike storage facilities and showers on site. Their office space uses 50% less energy than a conventional office building due to use of ventilation and natural lighting. They have landscaped the area surrounding their office using native, drought-tolerant species to conserve water. Also, permeable and planted parking surfaces are used to prevent runoff of storm water. Employees spend many volunteer hours educating other architects, contractors and the public on green building practices: they lecture on sustainability topics at colleges and universities; they work on the Sustainability Project’s Green Building Guidelines and Parade of Green Buildings; and they participate in other efforts, including the Innovative Building Review Program, and the Community Environmental Council’s Creekwatcher Program.

Cottage Health System

Cottage Health System (CHS), the parent organization of the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, has developed a well-rounded effort to protect the environment. The Cottage Hospital Employee Suggestion System (CHESS) encourages employees to submit suggestions for improving operations in ways that will save natural resources and money, and suggestions have led to more efficient use of natural gas and water. CHS also offers a comprehensive “Employee Commuter Program” that offers: a prize drawing for employees who use alternative means of transport at least eight times per month; half-price bus passes; match-lists for carpooling; emergency rides home; and a pre-tax flexible spending program for expenses on buses and vanpools. CHS employees participate in a Recycling Task Force, which has developed the REACH program (Recycling Encouraged at Cottage Hospital). Recycling containers have been placed throughout the facility, and nutrition workers recycle materials left on cafeteria trays by patrons. The Children’s Center at CHS uses the facility-wide recycling program to educate the children about the importance of recycling.

Hayward Truss

Hayward Truss recently built a 50,000-square-foot component manufacturing facility in Santa Maria that has achieved the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The facility is a model of water and energy conservation, and incorporates recycled materials and sustainable products. Stored rainwater is used for landscape irrigation. Waterless urinals and low flow faucets provide additional water savings. Natural lighting and building additions, such as window awnings and roof overhangs, reduce thermal heating and thus energy demands. The photovoltaic panels on the roof provide more than enough electricity to power the building; surplus energy is sold back to the local utility. The parking lot is paved with permeable pavers that allow rainwater to filter down through the soil and replenish the groundwater basin. Operations within the plant are also environmentally friendly. Computer technology is used to ensure precise cuts and optimize wood use, sustainable timber can be used in the manufacturing of the SolarTruss, and a recycling program ensures that all wood waste is recycled into mulch or compost. In addition, the facility has a heating system that uses heat exchangers that warm outside intake air with exhaust hot air to reduce the use of natural gas.

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Pacifica Graduate Institute is a small graduate school for psychology and mythological studies in Carpinteria that has incorporated natural resource protection into its daily operations. The grounds of the campus are landscaped with native and Mediterranean drought tolerant plants, maintained with drip and minispray systems to save water. In addition, trimmings and prunings from the landscape are composted and reapplied to the landscape and integrated pest management strategies are utilized to reduce the need for hazardous chemicals. The facility has an active program for the recycling of paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic among other materials and purchases recycled-content materials where possible. Energy conservation practices are encouraged throughout the campus. Staff can have flexible schedules and telecommute to reduce traffic demands in the area. In addition, Pacifica has developed a unique educational format, which utilizes 3-day learning sessions held once a month and coursework that can be completed at home.

Seagate RSS LLC

Seagate RSS LLC is a multi-national company with a facility in Santa Maria. Seagate researches and develops digital information storage technology. Seagate has an outstanding product stewardship philosophy - they have gone beyond thinking of their products in terms of "cradle to grave" to "cradle to cradle" which has resulted in a large scale move toward a green manufacturing environment. In Santa Maria, they have reduced the on-site usage and storage of hazardous chemicals by 67% from January 2001 to April 2002. In addition, Seagate RSS LLC is finalizing the implementation of a “return to vendor” program for all chemicals samples received for trial use. They have replaced solvents with water based cleaners and use less toxic alternatives wherever possible. Seagate purchases recycled content materials and has an established solid waste reduction and recycling plan for such materials as paper, cardboard, scrap metal, computers and their associated components, spent production materials, hazardous materials, and wood. An internal “Presidential Award” program encourages employees to make suggestions for ways to reduce impact on the environment. Seagate also participates in a Pacific Gas & Electric Company program to reduce energy use from lighting.

2001 Green Award Recipients

Ever-Bloom

Ever-Bloom Nursery is the first nursery in the state applying ISO 14001 standards for superior environmental policies and practices. Through this voluntary program, similar to the renowned ISO 9000 quality management system, all environmental aspects of the facility and operations are controlled and documented in a framework that receives continuous review. The nursery recycles greenwaste, cardboard and scrap metal and uses a closed-loop hydroponics water system, which saves 50,000 gallons of water per day. Ever-Bloom has also built a "biofilter" pond to capture accidental run-off and storm-water runoff. In addition, the nursery actively looks for opportunities to use biological controls such as predacious insects, and to replace hazardous pesticides with naturally occurring products.

MarBorg Industries

MarBorg Industries, a locally owned and operated waste hauling firm, provides a number of programs that help keep recyclable and hazardous materials out of local landfills. The company has a free electronics recycling program that collects unwanted fax machines, computers, scanners, and other electronic devices for reuse and recycling. Usable computers are given to the Computers for Families organization for local distribution. In the first month alone, this program recycled over 25,000 pounds of material -- and over 75 high quality computers have been donated locally. In addition, reuse and recycling of computers keeps the heavy metals inside these systems from contaminating our soils and groundwater. MarBorg Industries also operates a construction and demolition waste recycling program. This program processes over 300 tons of material per day, six days a week and recycles extensive amounts of wood, concrete, asphalt, and metal.

Pacific Scientific EKD

Pacific Scientific EKD, located in Carpinteria, manufactures high reliability custom electrical generating equipment for aerospace and specialty markets. The company has implemented programs covering a range of environmental areas, including air pollution prevention, hazardous waste reduction, recycling and alternative transportation. Using water-based cleaners, Pacific Scientific successfully eliminated the use of trichloroethane and carbon black, and reduced hexavalent chromium and isocyonate emissions to the air. In addition, the company has a comprehensive facility-wide recycling program. Employees at Pacific Scientific carpool and have staggered shift times and four-day work weeks, which help reduce traffic and air pollution. Pacific Scientific EKD has also adopted a comprehensive environmental planning process to continually reduce the firm’s impact on the environment.

Santa Barbara French Festival

The Santa Barbara French Festival has shown leadership in incorporating environmental awareness into public events in Santa Barbara. The Festival has developed a recycling program that is estimated to divert nearly 60% of the waste generated at the festival from the landfill. Large recycling dumpsters are placed in strategic locations for use by vendors, and smaller containers are placed throughout the park for use by festival attendees. Vendors are required to recycle all cardboard and glass, and are encouraged to use low- impact, lightweight materials for the items that cannot be recycled. The Festival also promotes alternate modes of transportation to event attendees. Steve Hoegerman, the French Festival Organizer, has worked with the City of Santa Barbara to educate other festival directors about this great program. Due in part to his efforts, the City has recently made recycling a requirement for all festivals held in Santa Barbara.

Thompson-Naylor Architects - www.thompsonnaylor.com

The firm of Thompson-Naylor Architects has instituted a number of environmentally friendly practices. In its office, the firm takes advantage of available natural light to reduce lighting needs, uses fluorescent lights in desk lamps, and looks for superior energy efficiency when purchasing office equipment. Employees run an extensive office recycling program, and give non-recyclable blueprint paper to local pre-schools for art paper. Employees are also encouraged to bike to work, and bicycle parking is available. In addition to these internal efforts, the firm actively promotes sustainable building practices to other professionals and the public through the firm’s participation in the Green Building Alliance, Parade of Green Buildings, and The Sustainability Project. Thompson-Naylor also encourages clients to choose sustainable products and designs for their projects, and directs clients to other green consultants and contractors.

2000 Green Award Recipients

Bianchi Motor Company Inc.

Bianchi Motor Company is an autobody repair shop located in Santa Barbara. Jack Bianchi, the owner, has developed a recycling system that reduces their waste by approximately 86%. All metals, cardboard, plastic containers, catalogs and paper are recycled. Hazardous wastes like oil and paint are sent to a hazardous waste facility where they are recycled. Paint and like products are distilled on site. The byproduct is used for cleaning purposes. In addition, Jack found a local company that will take plastic laundry bags, plastic car cover bags and hangers for recycling. Southern California Edison conducted an energy audit of the facility at Jack's request and, as a result, they are installing energy efficient lighting. As part of presentations to local ROP students, Jack incorporates information on how to recycle and why recycling is important for our community.

Kilovac Corporation

Kilovac Corporation, a division of CII Technologies, is a Carpinteria electronics manufacturer that recently became the first company in Santa Barbara County to receive ISO 14000 certification for its voluntary environmental management system. Under this program, every environmental aspect of the facility and operations are controlled and documented in a framework that receives continuous management review. Kilovac’s environmental management system has resulted in, among other things:

50% reduction in hazardous waste generated annually
An 85% reduction in hazardous waste costs per unit produced
A 15% reduction of water usage, or 1,439,252 gallons per year
Multiple recycling programs and use of biodegradable packing materials
An Electric vehicle charging station available free to the public

Lotusland

Lotusland is a local public garden that follows principles of sustainability in the cultural care and maintenance of the garden. To protect their collection, staff uses integrated pest management practices that include using organic fertilizers, cultivating plants that attract beneficial insects and parasites, and trapping vertebrate pests. These efforts reduce the possibility of exposure to toxic chemicals when working in or touring the garden, and help protect local groundwater, creeks and the ocean from these chemicals. The garden promotes the use of sustainable practices through training workshops, lectures, and tours for school children. Other sustainable practices include composting of post-harvest waste and the use of mulch and drip irrigation throughout the garden to conserve water. In addition, office staff recycles all paper, metal, plastics, and glass, and electric vehicles are used to transport staff and visitors through the grounds.

Santa Barbara Montessori School

Santa Barbara Montessori School is a non-profit educational facility in Santa Barbara. The school has have been practicing and teaching earth-friendly principles for 25 years, and has appointed a committee of parents and teachers to evaluate, monitor, and promote environmental awareness within the facility. The school’s environmental program incorporates recycling, reducing, reusing, and composting. As a result, the school is 90% trash free. The school uses only long-lasting, natural, reusable or recycled classroom materials, promotes a traffic and pollution reduction plan, purchases only recycled-content office supplies, uses energy efficient lighting, and produces all promotional material on 100% recycled-content paper. Students are required to pack lunches with only recyclable or reusable materials. In addition, students run an organic garden, which composts all green waste.

Allen Associates

Allen Associates is a general contractor in Santa Barbara that actively promotes sustainable building practices. The company recycles approximately 75% of waste at new construction sites, and 90% of waste at deconstruction sites. Recycled waste includes drywall, carpet, wood, metals, and concrete. Items from deconstruction projects such as track lighting and cabinets are often incorporated into other construction projects. The company searches for ways to reduce the amount of construction material needed, and uses materials that are non-toxic and have recycled content. Solar panels and natural heating and cooling systems are designed into projects to reduce energy consumption. Allen Associates also actively educates other contractors about sustainable building practices through associations, workshops and national conferences.

Environmental Education Award recipient:

Special recognition goes to the following company for outstanding contributions to the environment in Santa Barbara County.

Rick Spettel’s Landscapes

Rick Spettel is a landscape contractor from Santa Ynez who works to create sustainable habitats. He emphasizes the use of drought-tolerant, native plants, and also works on ecological restoration projects. Rick does not use pesticides, fertilizers or irrigation in his projects. He conserves water and landfill space by using mulch from recycled plant debris. Countless hours of Rick's time are spent creating living classrooms on the perimeter of several local school campuses. Students are able to learn about sustainable gardening practices and observe the inter-relationships between the plants, soil, fungi and insects. Rick believes that his work can offer local solutions to the larger problems of drought, chemical pollution and environmental degradation.

1999 Green Award Recipients

Marian Medical Center

Two years ago, Marian Medical Center, a Santa Maria healthcare facility with more than 1000 employees, formed a Partners for the Environment Committee with employees, volunteers, and community leaders. The committee meets monthly to develop environmental strategies for the facility and to review innovative ideas for waste reduction and conservation submitted by employees and volunteers. Individuals with the best ideas are rewarded with a free meal and entry in a monthly drawing for $50. The work of the committee has paid off: the Center reduced the amount of waste sent to the landfill in 1998 by about 14 percent.

The Center has achieved its waste reduction by implementing recycling programs for office paper, and plastic waste from dialysis. Other waste reduction steps include photocopying double-sided copies, using the backsides of old documents for drafts, and re-sterilizing unused equipment from surgery packs. Recently, the Center opened a Franciscan store offering used items for reuse. Every year, the Center recognizes three employees with "Extraordinary Service Awards," which include a $500 award and a plaque. This year for the first time the Center added a new "Franciscan Award" with the same reward for an employee who makes an extraordinary effort in the environmental area.

The Center's goals for the next few years are to continue to reduce waste, to eliminate mercury from the hospital environment by changing out equipment to mercury-free equipment, and to encourage the implementation of all the suggestions the committee receives from employees and volunteers.

"The Green Award is something to celebrate as a great honor for us as an organization. But I see it as recognizing us for trying, for making an effort. We still have a lot to do. We're still taking baby steps, working at it. As Saint Francis said once to his followers who had just achieved something, 'You've done nothing. Now, let's begin.' That's the saying for us. We want to continue to work at preserving and protecting Mother Earth." -- Sister Janet Corcoran, Vice President, Mission Services, Marian Medical Center

Non-toxic Landscaping

Bill Palmisano, a local landscape designer and the owner of Non-Toxic Landscaping in Santa Barbara, uses methods of fertilization, pest control, and weed control that are chemical-free. He has carved out a niche of customers that care about sustainable and low-impact landscaping and has uniquely applied his ecological gardening techniques to meet their demands.

He is the garden manager at the Organic Healthy Lunch Garden at Open Alternative School, where students learn about sustainable and healthful gardening techniques and healthful eating habits. He also works in the garden at Monte Vista School.

He recycles garden waste materials as well as the aluminum, plastic, and paper that is generated in his home, at work, and at the Isla Vista Coop.

"The Green Award program is a great way to keep these values in people's minds, to keep reminding businesses and people that there's a way to do things that isn't harmful to our environment. I know it will really help me to get my message out." -- Bill Palmisano, Non-Toxic Landscaping

Sanford Winery

Richard and Thekla Sanford are committed to implementing long-term environmental solutions as owners of the Sanford Winery. Organic farming practices, including the release of beneficial insects for pest control, have been in place for more than 20 years, and eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides. All organic waste is composted on-site and grape pomace from pressing is used as mulch.

Conservation efforts also include the preservation of 100 acres of old-growth oak woodlands, the placement of owl boxes on the property, participation in the Peregrine Falcon Release Program, and erosion-control measures. The Sanfords are building a new winery with adobe bricks and recycled timber from a deconstructed sawmill. The wastewater from the new winery will be processed and used for irrigation.

The winery also has a commingled recycling program, purchases recycled-content products for use in the facility, prints promotional materials on 100% recycled-content paper or 100% organic cotton clothing, and uses biodegradable cleaning products.

"There is no magic to organic farming; it takes inventive action, discipline, and patience. We are happy to share our success and methods used in organic farming with anyone who has that interest. We are proud to be recipients of the Green Award to be recognized for what now has become a lifestyle in our business and farming practices." – J. Richard Sanford, Sanford Winery

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center - www.sbhicace.com

The Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center, a local hardware/building supply company, has an ongoing commitment to reduce its impacts on the environment. The business purchases recycled-content office supplies and recycles cardboard, aluminum, metals in plumbing equipment, and office paper. Last year the Center recycled 50 tons of cardboard. In addition, the Center donates older plants and inventory to the zoo and other organizations, and repairs old office equipment for reuse. Sensitive documents are shredded and used as packing material.

The Center provides incentives to employees by using money saved or earned from recycling efforts to buy items for the breakroom. Employees are encouraged to carpool or ride their bikes to work to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

"We found that recycling cardboard makes a lot of sense from an economic standpoint, in addition to the environmental benefits. That's true about a lot of the environmental choices we've made—they end up saving us money too." -- Michael Owens, Operations Manager, Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center

Hatch and Parent

The Santa Barbara area law offices of Hatch and Parent made environmental goals a priority when the firm began building a new building downtown. The company specified environmentally friendly paints, draperies and carpets, energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning, and low-flow faucets. Hatch and Parent is committed to purchasing recycled-content products, and to recycling cans, bottles, office paper, cardboard, and toner cartridges.

Tim Buynak, the firm's Managing Partner, bikes to work every day. The firm promotes alternative transportation by providing bus passes, bike storage, lockers, and showers, and allowing telecommuting.

"Environmental policies are good business. If you're sensitive to environmental issues, you're going to have healthy, happy and productive people working for you. And while some of the things we're doing, like recycling, or buying recycled-content products, don't necessarily benefit us directly, we all feel we're doing something good for the planet, and that brings a certain family spirit to the office." --Tim Buynak, Managing Partner, Hatch and Parent

Environmental Education Award recipient:

Special recognition goes to the following company for contributions to the environment in Santa Barbara County.

A Print Shop

Greg and Dawn Brown do extensive outreach to educate others about the products and processes they use in operating their print business in Lompoc. The Browns regularly give classes tours of the shop with presentations explaining the printing process, and have a special relationship with Clarence Ruth Elementary School in Lompoc.

Before opening A Print Shop, the Browns did extensive research into environmentally sound printing practices. They use only soy-based (oil-free) inks in their printing process, and encourage customers to select tree-free paper made from the kenaf plant, produced without acids or chlorine. They also promote recycled-content papers, use recycled paper in their advertising and include messages that educate the public about the benefits of these materials. All waste produced at A Print Shop is either donated to schools or other organizations for reuse or is recycled.

Greg and Dawn are also dedicated organic gardeners. They have participated in local cleanup efforts, and Make-a-Difference Day, and they helped plan an Earth Day celebration for local schoolchildren.

"My wife and I feel very strongly about educating the younger generation. We know that sometimes a kid will make a classroom visit to our shop and then go home and talk to his or her parents about recycling. Education is just so important to us." –Greg Brown, co-owner, A Print Shop

1998 Green Award Recipients

Architectural Millwork a small custom woodworking business in downtown Santa Barbara. The Mathews family, Tom, Joe, and Glenice, have been involved in waste reduction efforts since 1994, when they started sending wood shavings to local stables for use in horse stalls and corrals. They also give scrap wood to local charities, hobbyists and schools, and give scrap wood to a nearby business neighbor to grind and resell as mulch.

Architectural Millwork reduces its need for virgin lumber by using wood veneers, engineered wood, and computer software that outlines precise cutting specifications. Employees at Architectural Millwork help reduce traffic and air pollution by carpooling or riding their bikes to work.

"It became expensive for us to haul our wood waste to the dump. As the company grew we needed to think of other ways to dispose of it. We are now recycling the vast majority of the wood waste we have. And we save money too."
-- Tom Mathews, co-owner, Architectural Millwork.

KEYT - TV is a local Santa Barbara television station that has demonstrated a strong commitment to recycling. KEYT has worked hard to identify ways to recycle plastic videotape, and was successful in recycling 1,727 pounds of plastic in 1997 alone. The company also purchases office products made of recycled materials, and reuses many items including boxes and packing materials.

KEYT also donates used news scripts and paper to day care programs for use in the children’s art projects. In addition, employees recycle all aluminum, office paper, and toner cartridges from copy machines. Hazardous materials are properly managed. Employees at KEYT are encouraged to use alternative forms of transportation through an incentive program that awards prizes and free lunches to participants.

"We’re honored to be a part of the Green Awards this year. We know how important it is to leave our children a healthy planet, and we’re grateful to be recognized for our efforts in this area."
-- Byron Elton, General Manager, KEYT-TV

Skate One Corporation is a Goleta-based manufacturer of skateboards and skateboard wheels. Waste from its manufacturing process is reused or recycled. Wood scraps are composted and used for fertilizer, excess glue is returned to the manufacturer, and steel drums, aluminum, cardboard and paper are recycled. Scrap urethane is used as packing material (instead of plastic bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts) or is donated to Art from Scrap or the Summer Solstice Workshop. Employees are allowed a flexible schedule if they commute by bus. Skate One is a Corporate Advocate of the Surfrider Foundation.

The company has gone above and beyond governmental regulations by converting its deck printing operation from an oil-based lacquer to a totally lead free, water-based paint and sublimation printing process and by cleaning silk screens without using thinner. With the help of an Air Pollution Control District Inspector, Skate One has also completely changed its parts cleaning system, resulting in a large reduction in organic solvent usage and air emissions.

"We’re working on replacing polluting processes, and we’re trying to recycle our waste products. And we’re going to keep working on these things. It’s great to have an awards program that recognizes businesses like us for trying to make changes—even if we can’t make all the changes we’d like to yet."
-- J. Abraham Powell, General Manager, Urethane Casting, Skate One Corporation.

Truth Aquatics, Inc. operates four large island excursion/diving/fishing boats out of Sea Landing, in the Santa Barbara harbor. Over the past two years, Truth Aquatics has participated in two Air Pollution Control District Innovative Technology Group programs, and has repowered all of its vessels with low-emission main and auxiliary diesel engines. This effort reduced the air emissions from the boats by approximately 70%. The boats have also been equipped with high purification oil filters that substantially extend the life of engine oil and reduce the need for oil.

The company has also switched from disposable paper and styrofoam products to reusable plastic containers producing a 70% reduction in trash. Truth Aquatics provides free fishing and day excursion trips to local non-profit agencies. Guests are taken on tours of the engine rooms and told how the repowered engines provide an example of how to minimize our impacts on the environment in real life.

"I have two kids and feel very strongly about the need to look ahead to the future of our planet. And I’m very pleased we’ve been able to make a contribution. This is an entire crew effort, from bottom to top. All 25 employees contributed—some just by washing more dishes. And it’s true we have more dishes to wash—but we also have less trash to dispose of."
-- Glen Fritzler, owner, Truth Aquatics, Inc.

Investec Real Estate Companies is a local residential and commercial investment, construction and development, and property management organization. The company incorporates sustainable building techniques in development projects, and encourages other builders to do the same. All of Investec’s projects that are subject to County permitting have earned the Innovative Building Review Committee’s Green Stamp by greatly surpassing Title 24’s energy regulations.

Investec has also formed partnerships with Santa Barbara County and the Community Environmental Council in projects tracking the benefits of solar technology, and developing standards for source reduction and recycling in construction and de-construction. Investec has implemented a recycling program at its construction sites that collects and recycles scrap lumber for use in the production of mulch, concrete for road base, and scrap drywall for use as gypsum soil amendment. At its Summerland Heights project, Investec is quantifying the amount of wood, metal, drywall, cardboard, paper, asphalt and concrete that is collected during construction, recycled, and thus diverted from the waste stream. During de-construction of an obsolete structure for the same project, many of the materials used in the original structure were recycled or reused, including lumber, roof tiles, and copper wiring and piping.

"We have a strong commitment to using sustainable building techniques. Showing these techniques can work in the real world is the best way to encourage other builders to try them. We’re trying to take this to a whole new level, building alliances with national manufacturers making green products, and showing how green building can be a marketing tool to attract buyers."
-- Charlie Eckberg, Vice President, Investec Real Estate Companies

Outstanding Service Award

Non-profit organizations are not eligible to receive the Green Award for accomplishing what they were formed to do. Governmental agencies are also not eligible. However, special recognition goes to the following organization for its outstanding, long-term contributions to the environment in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is a non-profit institution that offers visitors the chance to explore our world through hands-on exhibits. Many of the Museum’s exhibits have provided information to visitors about source reduction and recycling, including: "Creation Station," which features art work made from household and manufacturing scrap, "Wall of Waste," which shows visitors a slice of a landfill and helps them see what can be reused and recycled, and "Closing the Loop," which helps visitors see and experience how to purchase products made from recycled materials.

With an annual attendance of 10,000 people, the Museum plays an important role in encouraging local residents and visitors to participate in activities that help reduce waste and conserve energy and natural resources.

"It’s exciting to see our museum get this kind of recognition from the community. For our exhibit on recycling, I saw the kids come in and suddenly begin to understand the whole recycling process. In general today people are recycling more than ever, but they don’t always understand that recycling is more than just putting the stuff out on the curb, it’s also about buying products made from recycled materials. With our "Closing the Loop" project I think we helped kids begin to see that."
-- Stephanie Wald, Executive Director, Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

1997 Green Award Recipients

Channel Paper Company in Santa Barbara provides and actively promotes the purchase of environmentally superior products, including recycled content and unbleached papers. They have sold more than 3,000 cases of recycled content writing paper and 4,800 cases of tissue paper and towels in the past year. Working with large customers, including colleges and local governments, their sales people encourage the specification of environmental products in purchasing decisions. They recycle their own cardboard, pallets, paper, aluminum and glass and now reuse biodegradable packaging peanuts. Channel Paper also recently established a partnership with a company that provides local printers with environmentally superior hazardous waste materials handling.

Hendry Telephone Products is a locally-owned, family business that manufactures telecommunication systems equipment. The owners and employees of Hendry Telephone Products take pride in being part of an environmentally aware organization. Hendry's product lines are packaged in CFC/HCFC free packaging materials and the company continues to investigate new ways to change waste paper into packaging cushion materials. The company voluntarily participates in the Traffic Solutions rideshare program and promotes ridesharing and bicycling through new employee orientation, designates special parking places for carpoolers, and provides showers and bike racks for those who bike to work. Hendry's also donates money to and participates in Santa Barbara County's annual Bike to Work Day. Hendry's was one of the first businesses in the County to change its product coating operations from the use of liquid coatings to powder coating, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions to the air. They also recycle scrap metals, bottles, cans, and paper.

The Santa Barbara YMCA has taken its historic corporate concern for the environment and focused on its own operations. Faced with the decision to enlarge their overcrowded parking lot, the Y instead developed an employee incentive program providing cash bonuses to staff who walk, bike, carpool or take the bus to work. The Y's environmental initiative includes energy and water conservation; hazardous material use, handling, and disposal; recycling; and using environmentally correct supplies, materials, and methods. Energy saving measures include pool blankets placed on indoor and outdoor pools, installing a more efficient pool motor pump, installing compact fluorescent lighting and adding automatic lighting on racquetball courts. Low-flow shower heads have resulted in a savings of close to one million gallons of water, and hazardous material handling and disposal has been improved and made more safe. The Y also recycles and has purchasing procedures in place that target recycled-content products as well as office equipment that will work with recycled paper products. In addition to environmental benefits, the Y is saving nearly $10,000 per year in energy consumption.

The 23 member wineries in the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association recycle unbroken wine bottles through an innovative reuse program that entails sending them to Evergreen Glass to be washed, sterilized, and reused. More than 185 tons of bottles have been reused in the past year. The wineries participate in cardboard recycling programs and recycle unused paper labels, and glass and cardboard from wine tasting events and festivals are also recycled. The Association sponsors workshops to promote sustainable vineyard development that cover such issues as oak tree preservation, erosion control, and minimizing wildlife habitat impacts.

Zip Kleen Dry Cleaners is a small (three employees) dry cleaning business located on the Mesa in Santa Barbara. Owner Hyo Suk ("Jennifer") Straight is committed to running her business in an environmentally responsible way. Zip Kleen recently purchased a new dry cleaning machine that exceeds upcoming air pollution regulations. This new equipment will result in less emissions to the air, reduced use of cleaning solvent, and less hazardous waste. Meticulous maintenance and operational practices ensure equipment and processes operate at peak efficiency, reducing waste. Zip Kleen also recently purchased a new natural gas hot water heater equipped with a low NOX burner. Biodegradable soap is used in laundry operations. Employees also recycle used plastic, hangers, safety pins, marking tickets, newspapers, and aluminum cans. Garment guards used to cover clothes are made of recycled paper. Employees either carpool or walk to work.

Outstanding Service Awards

Special recognition goes to the following groups for their outstanding, long-term contributions to the environment in Santa Barbara County.

The Food Bank of Santa Barbara County recycles significant quantities of materials in addition to the food that they provide to people in need. The distressed foods received from supermarkets are sorted and the plastics, aluminum, cardboard, and glass are recycled. In 1996, they recycled 93,000 pounds of cardboard. Over a year ago, the Food Bank paid for construction of a drop-off recycling center next to their facility that has been open to the public. They also recycle all of their office paper, pallets, and send unusable food to local hog farms.

Ontiveros Elementary School in Santa Maria promotes recycling and waste reduction in both theory and practice. The school has a comprehensive recycling program that includes glass, cardboard, paper, cans, milk cartons, polystyrene, plastic, and aluminum. In addition to diverting 80% of their waste through these programs, they practice vermicomposting to recycle food scraps and utilize recycled wood chips in campus landscaping to conserve water and slow erosion. Students developed brochures on recycling and composting which were distributed throughout northern Santa Barbara County, reaching approximately 20,000 students. Ontiveros Elementary School also includes environmental education in their curriculum and school-sponsored events such as recycling fairs, Earth Day celebrations, and assemblies.

1996 Green Award Recipients

Browning Ferris Industries (BFI), a national waste management company with a solid corporate environmental compliance program, supports Looking Good Santa Barbara and other local programs. They transported large quantities of elephant dung for a pilot composting project. They operate a compressed natural gas-powered maintenance utility vehicle and introduced BFI’s Mobius recycling curriculum to county schools. BFI is a major participant in the county’s Christmas tree composting program and provided free pick-up of debris after the 1995 floods and the 1996 windstorm. BFI also maintains voluntary participation in the county’s Traffic Solutions program.

Machine Arts is a small, precision machine shop in downtown Santa Barbara. Owner Jeffrey Sipress chooses the type of work he does to provide a clean, healthy shop for himself and his four employees. He has invested in state-of-the-art equipment that uses recirculating water- based lubricants. He recycles scrap metals, bottles, cans, paper, and packaging material. He takes advantage of natural light and air circulation in the shop for comfort and energy conservation, and walks or bikes to work daily.

Marborg Disposal, a local family-owned business in Santa Barbara, provides solid waste collection services for households and businesses. Marborg diverts an estimated 30,000 tons of metal, lumber, brush, concrete, reusable soil, and other materials annually. Marborg drivers are trained to spot commercial "roll-off" loads that are likely to contain a high percentage of recoverables. They bring these loads to the yard and empty them on the ground, where a crew of seven hand sort the load into its recyclable components. Marborg recently purchased a metal crusher to help them recycle appliances and other large scrap metal. They pick up all metal parts and cardboard from autobody shops, and allow other businesses to drop off recyclables at no charge. Marborg participates in the county’s Christmas tree composting program and provided free pick-up of debris after the 1995 floods and the 1996 windstorm.

The Palace Management Corporation, operators of the Palace Cafe and Palace Express restaurants, created recycling programs that are used by tenants of the Paseo Nuevo mall and six restaurants near the Palace Cafe on Cota Street in Santa Barbara. They purchased new equipment to reduce energy usage and planted an herb and flower garden in a previously vacant area behind their building. In an effort to reduce food waste, they donate unused food to employees and on a weekly basis, to Project Food Chain. They use a cart to transport food between the two restaurants, and seven of ten daytime employees commute by foot, bike, or bus.

Vons Companies, Inc. operates eleven supermarkets from Carpinteria to Santa Maria. Each store recycles produce and floral discards, cardboard and wooden boxes, fat and bone, paper, wood, metal, plastic bags and wrap, and makes food bank donations, diverting more than 80% of their waste from landfills. The produce composting program began in 1995 and is California's first large-scale retail grocery composting venture. Agriculture regulations require that the produce waste be kept cool during storage and transportation. An elaborate system utilizing existing staff and resources was established to handle the program. Company-wide (328 stores), Vons expects to recycle 34,000 tons of unsalable produce each year into 17,000 tons of marketable compost, diverting 4,250 truck loads of garbage from landfills. Vons also maintains voluntary participation in the county's Traffic Solutions program.

Honorable Mention

Non-profit organizations are not eligible to receive the Green Award for accomplishing what they were formed to do. However, special recognition goes to the following groups for their outstanding, long-term contributions to the environment in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is an advocacy and resource organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation. They have been particularly successful at getting bicycle facilities and infrastructure included in community planning and transportation funding documents. The Coalition has increased public awareness and interest in bicycling through their newsletter, Quick Release, and the annual county-wide Bike to Work Day, sponsored by the Bicycle Coalition and other organizations and businesses.

The Sustainability Project, a consortium of organizations including the Santa Barbara chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Community Environmental Council, and the Renewable Energy Institute, is dedicated to inspiring change in the built environment to improve the quality of life in balance with the natural environment. The group presented a conference and product expo entitled Green Building Now - Tools for Sustainable Design and Construction in June 1996. The conference, attended by more than 400 participants and exhibitors, provided architects, contractors, interior designers, developers, and others an exceptional opportunity to learn about energy-efficient lighting, cooling and heating systems, recycled-content building products, low and nontoxic finishes, water conservation, building materials made from renewable resources, and model projects.

1995 Green Award Recipients

Applied Magnetics Corporation (AMC) is an electronics manufacturer in Goleta. Company personnel have eliminated the use of ozone depleting compounds, developed a new aqueous cleaning system, and have reduced the amount of hazardous materials and waste per manufactured unit by 53%. AMC has active recycling and transportation programs, and reuses over a million gallons of industrial water per year.

The Color Wheel is an automotive paint & supply store in Santa Barbara. Owner Wayne Ashcraft and his staff have taken the lead to educate their customers — local auto body shops — about environmental programs. They cooperatively participate in the local rule development process for air quality regulations and keep their customers informed of new regulations.

Owen Dell has been at the forefront of what is now called sustainable landscaping since 1972. His work has helped local homeowners and professionals conserve resources, reduce the use of garden chemicals, recycle greenwaste, preserve native plant communities, and understand the environmental impacts of landscaping.

Pierre Lafond and Wendy Foster own several local food, retail, and manufacturing businesses. Their commitment to the environment is evident in the products they offer as well as their internal business practices and employee education. They have extensive recycling efforts, even accepting customers’ recyclables. Employees take advantage of flexible scheduling and are encouraged to use alternative transportation — which 40% do.

The Santa Barbara Zoo, a private non-profit corporation, is dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility. The Zoo has an extensive recycling program and was the first to participate in the city’s reclaimed water program. The Zoo’s ongoing education programs incorporate environmental responsibility and information on how people’s use of natural resources impacts the environment.

1994 Green Award Recipients

ABC-CLIO, Inc. in Goleta has strongly embraced the effort to reduce peak hour traffic congestion. ABC-CLIO management gives their transportation coordinator the resources and support necessary for a strong transportation demand management program and supports her efforts to promote alternative transportation in the community.

Island Seed & Feed in Goleta provides an excellent community resource for organic seeds and plants, natural fertilizers, and non-toxic soil amendments and pet supplies. They offer bulk products and encourage the use of reusable containers for low waste packaging. They are also active in community education.

Kilovac Corporation in Carpinteria reduced their use of freon, a stratospheric ozone depleter, from seven tons in 1987 to zero in 1993. To accomplish this, they designed and installed an ultrasonic cleaning system using water-based biodegradable cleaners and deionized water. Kilovac has an active waste reduction program, eliminated the use of certain highly toxic materials, and cut their water use in half by reusing cooling water for industrial processes.

Kinko's Copy Center of Santa Barbara practices many forms of waste prevention, including recycling toner cartridges, white and colored paper, and cardboard. Kinko's promotes customer use of recycled papers by featuring recycled paper in all self-service copiers and by offering a wide selection of recycled papers. They also conduct an annual waste audit and participate in reforestation programs.

Santa Barbara Research Center in Goleta was the only business nominated by all four consortium members. SBRC has an exceptional recycling and waste reduction program, practices low-waste landscape management, and reuses water. SBRC plays a leadership role in transportation demand management and has an active program to eliminate the use of ozone depleting compounds

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