San Francisco's commitment to a greener future just racked up some serious points, with the city celebrating a surge in eco-friendly business certifications. Mayor London N. Breed, alongside the San Francisco Environment Department, announced a record-breaking 147 businesses received the green nod from July 2022 through March 2024 as part of the San Francisco Green Business Program, according to a statement released on the Department's website. The number represents a significant increase and marks one of the Program's most successful runs since its inception, now totaling 907 certified businesses citywide.
Last year's Green Business coalition made a dent in the city's environmental footprint, as they saved over a million gallons of water and shaved off nearly 264,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed by approximately 140 acres of U.S. forests in a year. "These businesses, from neighborhood boutiques to major corporations, exemplify the spirit of innovation and responsibility that defines San Francisco," Mayor Breed highlighted, indicating that going green is planet-friendly and business-savvy.
Focusing on the hospitality industry, San Francisco is making waves with environmentally-conscious travelers. Landmark establishments, like the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, the Axiom Hotel, and the historic Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, have all taken home Green Business certificates. "San Francisco's hospitality community is the only one in the country making good faith efforts around using 100% renewable energy, providing significant access to electric vehicle charging options, and striving to achieve zero waste," Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the San Francisco Hotel Council, boasted about the city's commitment to sustainability, per the City and County of San Francisco news report.
Mayor Breed recognized Frances Yee of Dee Dee’s Boutique for making history as Chinatown's first certified Green Business. Additionally, three local nail salons—The Upper Hand Nail Spa, Gentle Nails Salon, and Valencia Nail Spa—became the first in California to nab Green Business certification, catapulting the city to a new level of sustainable services. "The San Francisco Green Business Program is as much of an environmental program as it is a small business assistance program," said Katy Tang, Director of the Office of Small Business. She outlined how $50,000 in resources have been distributed to 50 businesses since 2019, easing their path to greener operations.
Little Joe’s Pizza also continues to slice through energy costs thanks to the Green Business Program, which covered the upfront cost of replacing 50 halogen bulbs with energy-efficient lighting. This pizza establishment's experience demonstrates tangible benefits for small businesses that go green, including a projected $1,500 annual saving in energy expenses.
