Palo Alto, CA -- Stanford Terrace Inn, Park Avenue Motors, Foundation for Global Community and Common Ground will receive Green Business certification by Santa Clara County at the Palo Alto City Council meeting on Monday, October 27 at 6:45 p.m. Each recipient is being recognized by the County and the Palo Alto City Council for the initiative taken to operate in an environmentally responsible manner to conserve resources, minimize waste and reduce pollution and achieve Green Business Certification.

"The City of Palo Alto is proud of both its partnership with the County in recognizing and supporting businesses that go beyond compliance and demonstrate their commitment to the environment and sustainability; and of these particular businesses, all of whom are models of citizenship in the fullest sense of the word," stated Emily Harrison, City of Palo Alto Assistant City Manager.

The Stanford Terrace Inn, the first Palo Alto hotel to receive this certification, is recognized for its efforts to reduce use of toxic chemicals, increase use of recycled and organic products, and invest in special air and water filters in some guest rooms along with efficient lighting and toilets throughout the facility. Park Avenue Motors has reduced its garbage by eliminating hard-to-recycle items, lowered its energy and water costs significantly by installing efficient lighting and toilets, buys recycled copy paper, recycles toner cartridges and fluorescent light tubes, and has zero discharge to the storm drains from its auto repair shop. The Foundation for Global Community is a nonprofit organization being honored for installing an 18kWh photovoltaic system on its roof to generate electricity, using 100% recycled content paper towels, and recycling and composting to reduce its solid waste. Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center offers organic gardening classes, sells organic seedlings, fertilizers and pest control products, has installed energy efficient lighting, buys recycled paper, does recycling and composting, and encourages commute alternatives to employees.

"I am proud that the hotel will be recognized for its efforts and be the first hotel in Palo Alto to be certified. Perhaps we will be an inspiration to others in our industry!" said Barbara Pressman, General Manager of Stanford Terrace Inn.

To qualify for Green Business certification, an organization undergoes an extensive operational audit to certify that it complies with all environmental regulations and actively takes steps to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution, such as using more efficient lighting, purchasing in bulk, watering landscapes efficiently, recycling cardboard, and using less toxic products.

The Green Business Program is a regional Bay Area program that has certified over 280 businesses since 1998. For additional information, visit www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov or contact Karen Gissibl, Santa Clara County Green Business Program, 408.441.1195, x4402, Karen.Gissibl@pln.sccgov.org.

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