Congratulations to Homemade Cafe for signing the Sustainability Pledge! They have spent the last seven months working with Sustainable Berkeley to address energy efficiency and composting. Read their 1-page case study.
Congratulations to Rivoli for comprehensively greening their operations! Rivoli has implemented sustainability in to all aspects of thier operations and are about to become an Alameda County Green Business. Read their 1-page case study.
Sustainable Berkeley is providing outreach to restaurants because they are very resource (energy and water) intensive and generate a great deal of waste. Accordingly, greening one restaurant can make a big environmental impact. On average, one restaurant that implements fundamental “greening” practices can:
- Divert 200 cubic yards of waste from the landfill,
- Conserve 4,400 kilowatt hours of energy,
- Save more than 70,000 gallons of water, and
- Reduce costs by $1000 each year.
Sustainable Berkeley’s Green Business Liaison conducts outreach to Berkeley restaurants and assists them in greening their operations. A preliminary site assessment is conducted and restaurants are referred to local energy and water conservation programs. In addition, the Green Business Liaison works with restaurants to optimize their use of solid waste recycling and composting programs. Once restaurants have achieved a high standard of environmental performance, the Green Business Liaison assists them with the process of becoming a Bay Area Certified Green Business.
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Since September, 2006, the Green Business Liaison has visited over 250 Berkeley restaurants. Over 30 are in the process of becoming Green Certified through the Bay Area Green Business Program .
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We are targeting restaurants one neighborhood at a time and are currently busy greening Elmwood District restaurants…next we have set our sights on West Berkeley.
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There are many simple things a restaurant can do to reduce their environmental impact, and usually save money in the process:
- Replace incandescent lighting with energy efficient fluorescent and compact fluorescent technology,
- Compost food waste,
- Install low flow aerators and pre-rinse spray valves,
- Use organic and locally sourced ingredients,
- Purchase environmentally preferable materials (pdf),
- Encourage employees to use public transportation, and
- Get a free energy and water audit.
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How Sustainable Berkeley can help |
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The Green Business Liaison is available to visit any Berkeley restaurant or food service facility to describe what opportunities you may have in becoming more “green”. She will also tell you who you can work with in green certification, energy efficiency and waste reduction.
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Contact Leila Khatapoush at
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or at (510) 981-7765 for more information about the Green Restaurant Initiative or to schedule an assessment, please
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1. Is there a fee associated with becoming Green Certified or having an energy efficiency audit?
- No, Green Business Certification and energy audits are free!
2. Why should my business get certified as a Green Business?
- Saving energy, water and raw materials saves you money. Sending less trash to the landfill saves you money, too.
- The City of Berkeley along with the Green Business Program promotes Green Businesses to the public and other businesses (again, for free)!
- Your company’s community image is enhanced through Green Business certification.
- Your employees will enjoy a safer workplace and will have one more reason to take pride in working for you
3. What does the Green Business Liaison do?
- The Green Business Liaison will conduct a preliminary site assessment and help you identify opportunities to green your business.
- Make referrals to energy, water and waste audit programs.
- Assist with paperwork and coordinate site visits.
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"Green" Restaurant Initiative Brochure