How to Get Certified

Step 1: Program Application
Complete and submit the Program Application found on the right hand side of this page to Plan It Green in order to get started.

Step 2: Eligibility Check
Once Plan It Green receives the completed program application, they will conduct a background compliance verification with the following agencies to ensure your business is in compliance with regulatory agencies: Food, Health, and Safety (Division of Environmental Health); Fire Code (Local fire department); Wastewater Discharge (Regional Water Board); Stormwater Discharge (Regional Water Board); Hazardous Materials (Division of Environmental Health); and Air Quality (North Coast Unified Air Quality Management).

Step 3: Checklist Completion
Choose the sector checklist that fits the business you are certifying. If you are unsure of which checklist to use, or feel that these checklists do not fit your business please contact us. We want to help you be successful in greening your business and are working towards the creation of more checklists.

As you go through the checklist, please check only measures that are currently being practiced in your business. This will be considered baseline data. You may contact us if you have questions about the checklist or if you need help completing it. Please complete as much as possible before submission.

Step 4: Initial Site Visit
After Plan It Green receives your checklist, we will coordinate an initial visit to your business. During this visit we will conduct a walk through and verify the information from Steps 2 and 3 above. Using supporting documentation and photographic evidence gathered at the site visit, we will provide recommendations to our program area experts on whether your business needs further assistance in any particular area in order to meet the HGBCP requirements.

Step 5: Onsite Assessment
During the onsite assessment, program area experts will provide technical assistance, rebate information, and money-saving tips. This Step is where any new measures will be implemented.

Step 6: Environmental Policy & Pledge
Your business is required to submit an environmental policy statement listing the policies your business has implemented as part of the checklist as well as take the Green Business Pledge. Some examples and templates for these policies can be found on our website.

Step 7: Program Recognition
Congratulations! Once program area experts verify the implementation of program standards, you will be recognized as a Humboldt County Green Business. We will send you a recognition award packet, a logo to display in your window and include your business on our website and in our marketing communications.

Step 8: Maintain your Green Business Status
The Green Business recognition is tied to your location. Please inform us if your business moves to a new location. The recognition is valid for one calendar year. You may extend the recognition for an additional 2 years by submitting an annual certification form at the end of the first and second years. At the end of the 3-year recognition period, your business will need to demonstrate additional conservation measures. You may be asked to submit a new checklist or be required to implement additional measures to demonstrate continual improvements.