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"Berkeley is known for its
commitment to the environment. As a candidate for City Council I am
committed to helping Berkeley take the extra steps to become a world
wide leader in protecting our environment.
Last year I spear headed the process to have my office become the
first Green Certified bank in the City of Berkeley. Please read
below the press release, City Proclamation, and article that
appeared in the East Bay Business Times."
The Mechanics Bank’s Downtown Berkeley office is the first bank in Alameda County to earn “Green
Business Certification”
Berkeley, CA—November 17, 2005—The Mechanics Bank’s Downtown
Berkeley office has become the first bank in Alameda County to earn
the distinction of becoming Green Business Certified. To be
certified "green," participants must be in compliance with all
regulations and meet high program standards for conserving
resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
A public celebration of the achievement will take place Wednesday,
November 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the office located at 2301 Shattuck
Avenue. Berkeley Mayor
Tom Bates will deliver a city proclamation honoring the bank.
“As a community bank, we feel a strong obligation to represent the
highest standards of business ethics and community stewardship,”
said Raudel Wilson, manager of the Berkeley office of The Mechanics
Bank. “Our customers and our neighbors here and throughout Alameda
County appreciate and value those businesses that make the extra
effort to become more eco-friendly.”
To win certification, the bank had to undertake an extensive survey,
followed by four rounds of inspections to ensure that the office was
in compliance with all requirements for a Green Business.
“This is a win/win for the bank,” Wilson said. “We are not only
helping prevent waste and harm to the environment, but we’re also
saving money by using resources more wisely.”
Among the ways the bank achieved the distinction of being an
ecologically sound business were its measures to prevent pollution,
such as using Green Business approved chemicals for cleaning and
pest abatement; water conservation resulting in approximately 20
gallons saved per day; energy conservation by using only machines
that carry the “Energy Star” label and voluntarily keeping selected
lights off, and an ongoing recycling program. The bank also
eliminated the use of Styrofoam cups, initiated a recycling program
for cardboard, cans and bottles and instituted policies to ensure
that unnecessary power usage for computers is curtailed.
The green certification program (http://www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov/)
was developed by Bay Area local governments in collaboration with US
EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business
community. The Association of Bay Area Governments coordinates the
Program, which is implemented by Green Business Coordinators in 7
participating counties. The regional and local programs are funded
by their partners, including local and regional government agencies,
utilities, special districts and nonprofit organizations that
promote environmental compliance, pollution prevention and resource
conservation. Some funding also comes from government and non-profit
foundation grants.
So far, over 180 Alameda County businesses and public agencies have
formed partnerships with the San Francisco Bay Area Green Business
Program.
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