Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Governor's Environmental and Economic Awards (GEELA). The program is California's highest environmental honor that recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California's precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the State's economy. Awards are offered in 13 categories, including:

-Children's Environmental Education
-Climate Change
-Ecosystem and Watershed Stewardship
-Enhanced Environmental and Economic Stewardship
-Environmental and Economic Partnership
-Environmental Justice
-Green Chemistry (Safer Consumer Products)
-Sustainable Communities
-Sustainable Practices or Facilities
-Technological and Market Innovation
-Plug-in Electric Vehicle Community Readiness
-Waste Reduction

Congratulations to General Dynamics NASSCO for receiving the GEELA in 2012!

The deadline for submitting applications is July 12. Applications and more information are available in the California Environmental Protection Agency's press release or at www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/2013/Application.htm.

On the morning of March 20, 2013 SDG&E presented program updates to a group of Green Business Network members. In case you missed it, here are some of the major highlights on programs to help you reduce your utility bill.

The San Diego County Water Authority recently launched its WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program. Your business can get an incentive of $1.50 per square foot when replacing existing, water-intensive turf grass with alternative, water-efficient landscaping. 

Does your business or organization exemplify the “green” mantra? If so, you could be the winner of the City of San Diego’s Recycler of the Year Award or the Director’s Recycling Award

There's a newly crowned Top Green Chef on San Diego's Big Bay, as part of the Port of San Diego's efforts to support environmental sustainability.

With an appetizer of a chicken soft taco and a rock cod pasta and cheese entrée, Executive Chef Steve Black of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina earned the inaugural title as the Port of San Diego's Top Green Chef in a competition this week.

Twenty minutes for an appetizer – thirty minutes for an entrée – and when it's all said and done, a chef from the Port of San Diego's Green Business Network will be named "Top Green Chef."

Three chefs from San Diego Bay restaurants will be participating in a unique, sustainable food cook-off, inspired by the Food Network's "Chopped," as part of the Port's efforts to promote "green business" among its tenants on San Diego Bay.

Did you know that there is a program offering FREE HVAC system servicing for your business? Tuning up your HVAC system can save money on your energy bills. Here are the steps to take advantage of the Premium Efficiency Cooling Program (funded through SDG&E):

Food waste generated at pre-approved commercial venues is accepted at the Miramar Greenery. Food scraps, along with green yard waste are processed into a rich compost product that can be used as an amendment to improve soil texture, and increase both nutrients and water holding capicity. Green Business Network Businesses are participating in the program.

The Big Bay Shuttle Service is a pilot project active from Memorial Day – Labor Day 2012. This shuttle provides tourists and residents with a low-cost way to get around San Diego Bay. The Shuttle route starts at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel on Harbor Island and stops at the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway, Seaport Village, the Marriott Marquis & Marina, and the Hilton Bayfront near the Embarcadero. All of these stops are at businesses who are members of the Port's Green Business Network.

The shuttle runs 10AM-8PM Sunday through Thursday and 10AM-10PM Friday and Saturday. The shuttle arrives at each stop every 15-20 minutes. For $1, visitors can hop aboard the Big Bay Shuttle for a six-stop ride along the bayfront that will connect Harbor Island to the South Embarcadero, near the San Diego Convention Center. The $1 ticket price also allows riders on and off privileges for the entire day.

This summer's trial run will allow the Port to evaluate the program's success and plan for a long-term service in the summer of 2013. In addition to the benefits to businesses and Bayfront visitors, there are multiple environmental benefits to the use of shuttles; the high occupancy vehicles reduce overall fuel use, air emissions, and roadway traffic. For more information about the shuttle, visit www.portofsandiego.org/community-service/big-bay-shuttle.

Retailers, ship-builders, hoteliers, marinas and restaurateurs along San Diego Bay all gathered recently to share their sustainable business practices at a Port of San Diego Green Business Network event.

More than two-dozen Port tenants and subtenants gathered at "Green Share: A Peer-to-Peer Event" on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. It was held at the Sunroad Resort Marina on Harbor Island.

Attendees exchanged tips on how to reduce their water and energy use as well as ways to save money in their businesses. The event even featured sustainable and organic food, provided by the Sheraton San Diego Hotel, served on plates made from fallen leaves.

Participants then took part in one-on-one "speed meetings," which allowed Port tenant businesses the opportunity to share environmental success stories and exchange tips with their Green Business Network peers.