The Ulster County Green Business Champions (UCGBC) program is designed to help businesses operate sustainably and receive public recognition for their efforts. Becoming a Certified Green Business means implementing practices that reduce energy and water consumption, prevent pollution, diverts waste from landfills and assist staff in creating a cleaner healthier environment for their employees.
We focus on meeting businesses where they are and supporting them on the ongoing journey toward environmental sustainability. This assistance comes in the form of onsite, phone and email assistance, to in-depth UCGBC Certification. Our criteria covers solid waste, energy and water conservation, storm and waste water pollution prevention, transportation efficiency, health, employee engagement, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and community involvement. We recognize businesses for work they may already be doing, help them implement new actions to certify and help plot the path forward for continued actions.
Central to this program, we believe that great ideas are best when shared, and we try to make that happen as often as possible through connecting businesses together. Quarterly gatherings will combine informative and inspiring presentations with opportunities for networking. There will also be an opportunity to promote Green Careers training offerings and job openings and to celebrate new members of the Ulster County Green Economy Engagement Network (UGREEN). Smaller, facilitated peer networks within green subsectors will provide opportunities for information sharing, problem-solving, and sector-building. The Office of Economic Development will use all this information to target business support to growth areas and leverage points within our green economy. By 2025, our target is that UGREEN is networking and supporting 500 green businesses, or more than 10 percent of all businesses in the county.
Green Business is Smart Business
Get local and statewide recognition for your business when you become a certified Ulster County green business.
The Benefits
- Save money on energy, water and waste bills
- Conserve valuable resources and protect the environment
- Improve employee wellbeing and productivity
- Receive public recognition by the County as a green business
Participating Businesses will receive
Level Up recognition | Tier 1: Partner | Tier 2: Leader | Tier 3: Champion |
Receive County led technical Support and resources | X | X | X |
Certificate and member seal to display | X | X | X |
Callout for your business on the County’s social pages | X | X | X |
Listing in online green business directory | X | X | |
Featured website testimonial | X | X | X |
Highlighted on the UCGBC website ad slider | X | X | |
Business featured in paid digital ads targeted to your geographic area (exclusive) | X | X | |
County developed video business highlight | X | ||
Click Here to Become a Certified Green Business
UCGBC Checklists
- Agriculture Tiers 1-3
- Brewery Tiers 1-3
- Cannabis Industry Tiers 1-3
- Centers for Learning Tiers (Coming Soon)
- Construction Tiers 1-3
- General/Office Tiers 1-3
- Grocery Store Tiers (Coming Soon)
- Lodging Tiers 1-3
- Restaurant Tiers (Coming Soon)
- Small Manufacturing (Coming Soon)