Santa Barbara - The 14th Annual Green Awards ceremony was held at UC Santa Barbara on September 21st, 2007. The Green Awards consortium, made up of several local agencies and organizations, honored five businesses for their environmental efforts.
"Every year the Green Award Consortium helps highlight important environmental efforts by local business, institutions and people right here in our community. I was pleased to be a part of their celebration this year," said Nava.
B & H Flowers, Incorporated, in Carpinteria is an environmentally responsible and innovative grower of cut flowers. With the use of high-efficiency and low-waste irrigation systems, beneficial insects, and certified organic fertilizers, B&H is the first flower grower in Santa Barbara County to be Veriflora Certified as a Sustainable Grown greenhouse operation.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, Campus Design and Facilities Department (UCSB), has committed to having 25 buildings achieve LEED Silver certification over the next five years. UCSB also strives to use efficient water, lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems in all campus facilities.
Valle Verde Retirement Community in Santa Barbara is home to over 380 seniors, and has invested heavily in solar energy installation, drip irrigation for landscaping, and a comprehensive programs for recyclables including office waste, electronics, and construction debris.
The Chumash Casino and Resort in Santa Ynez has become a leader in waste reduction and economizing the use of heating and cooling systems. The Casino has reduced area traffic by requiring employees from Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Buellton, approximately 1,300 of 1,645 employees, to take the free Chumash shuttle bus to work.
Clos Pepe Vineyards, located between Lompoc and Buellton, uses no insecticides or herbicides to cultivate its grapes, and a drip irrigation system. By using unique natural systems, Clos Pepe has created a sustainable system for wine production.