What is Sustainable Works and what services does Sustainable Works provide?

Sustainable Works is a non-profit organization promoting environmental practices in the urban environment to residents, college students and businesses. As part of Santa Monica's Sustainable City Program, we provide a FREE service to assist businesses that want to operate a more environmentally conscious, resource efficient workplace and save money . Our program provides businesses with the tools they need to implement environmental policies and programs.

What is the business greening process?

Businesses receive a free environmental assessment, a list of "greening" recommendations, hands-on assistance in implementing the chosen recommendations, employee education sessions to support new environmental programs and follow up meetings to track successes. We assess the company's energy, water and toxic chemical use, waste output, and transportation and purchasing habits.

How long does the Sustainable Works business greening process last?

The amount of time Sustainable Works spends with your business depends upon the size of your facility, the number of employees you have, and the types of recommendations your company chooses to implement. On average, the entire process lasts up to one year including follow up meetings.

Does it cost anything to participate in the Business Greening program?

No. Sustainable Works offers a free service to Santa Monica businesses. However, implementing environmental programs may require a monetary investment. The total amount of your investment depends upon the type of recommendations your company chooses. Any investment your company makes has the potential to be recouped through cost-savings associated with reduced utility and waste disposal bills.

What types of recommendations does Sustainable Works generate to green businesses?

Simple everyday opportunities:

Sustainable Works provides recommendations that are either no or very low cost to you, such as turning off lights, changing temperature settings, and installing faucet aerators.

Moderate measures:

We suggest that a business be willing to spend at least $200 for implementing chosen recommendations that involve purchasing items such as compact fluorescent lights, bulletin boards, and less toxic cleaning chemicals.

Long-term money savers:

Recommendations such as lighting retrofits and air conditioning upgrades will save your company a significant amount of money in the long term. These improvements require an upfront investment, but Sustainable Works will help your company identify appropriate rebate programs to recover some of the costs.

What type of businesses does Sustainable Works work with?

We work with all types and sizes of businesses that reside in Santa Monica, from companies with 100+ employees to small non-profit organizations.

What do I need to do in order to participate in the Sustainable Works program?

1. Call the Business Greening Program on 310.458.8716 x2
   • Arrange for Sustainable Works to present the Business Greening Program overview to senior management and key staff.
   • Sign the Management Commitment Letter and ensure that senior staff support the business greening process.
   • Designate a staff member to assist and liaise with Sustainable Works representative.
2. Pre-Assessment Questionnaires
   • Fill out easy to use questionnaires prior to the assessment to minimize time spent on-site and with staff.
   • Provide copies of current utility bills to determine baseline use and potential savings.
3. On-Site Assessment
   • Book a date and time for Sustainable Works to conduct the on-site assessment.
   • Encourage key personnel (i.e. purchasing, facilities, and operations) to answer departmental questions while Sustainable Works conducts assessments.
4. Recommendations
   • Book a date and time for Sustainable Works to present environmental recommendations to relevant staff.
   • Choose the environmental recommendations to implement in the workplace.
5. Implementation
   • Sustainable Works will assist with implementing chosen recommendations and train staff in new policies and procedures.
6. Follow-up
   • Share successes and challenges with Sustainable Works in attempt to fine-tune new programs and receive recognition via community awards programs.

Does Sustainable Works accept tax-deductible donations?

Absolutely! We invite your company to promote sustainability by providing a tax-deductible donation to our non-profit organization. We have included a donation form in this packet for your convenience.