Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carolyn Bloede, Sustainability Department
Subject: Amendment to Agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. to Continue Green Business Program Coordination, Recruitment, and Certification Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. to continue Green Business Program coordination, recruitment, and certification services extending the term two years through November 8, 2026, and increasing the amount by $452,000 to an amount not to exceed $1,130,000.
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BACKGROUND:
On November 8, 2021, the Board approved Resolution No. 078509 authorizing an agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. (EI) to recruit, coordinate, and certify local businesses as green for the term of November 9, 2021 to November 8, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $678,000. On August 3, 2022, a no-cost amendment was executed to expand the certification outreach efforts to businesses in socially vulnerable and/or low-income areas using enhanced cultural and linguistic outreach services. The contract term was not changed.
The San Mateo County Green Business Program (Program) is a certification program that provides extensive free consulting and support to small- and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government offices to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. It was established in 2007 as a pilot program and has since evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of resources, technical and marketing support, and certification services designed to help businesses adopt sustainable practices. The Program is implemented countywide and is part of the California Green Business Program. Certified businesses are recognized with a Board of Supervisors signed certificate, social media advertising, and placement in a searchable statewide Green Business online directory.
DISCUSSION:
The Program has exceeded yearly certification targets resulting in significant environmental and economic benefits to countywide local businesses including 1,396,309 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions averted, $313,524 saved on electricity bills, and $10,417 saved on water bills during the last contract year. The equity-focused Program has been successful in increasing participation of hard-to-reach, socially vulnerable and low-income communities. This was achieved through using strategies such as partnering with community-based organizations, ensuring access to bilingual staff, implementing inclusive multilingual outreach and marketing practices, and developing relationships with business owners who actively promote the program.
The amended agreement maintains the same contract cost per year allowing the Program to continue helping businesses implement environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Financial incentives are also offered to help reduce the cost to low-income and socially vulnerable businesses. Incentives are used to pre-purchase items such as green cleaning products, water conservation devices, recycling and waste bins, and energy-efficient lighting. Additionally, the Program has expanded services to include information for businesses on becoming climate resilient by preparing for flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, and power outages. Interested businesses are educated about various climate resilience products such as air filters, portable heat pumps, sump pumps, and disaster kits. Initially piloted in San Mateo County, these climate resilience measures have been adopted by the state-wide program.
Given the interest of the San Mateo County business community and the demonstrated Program accomplishments and broad community benefits, the Sustainability Department recommends that EI’s Program coordination services be continued to further advance the County's sustainability and equity objectives. Procurement has reviewed and approved the waiver request for extension of the contract term beyond three years.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and amendment as to form.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT:
The amended agreement will positively impact local small- and medium-sized businesses who achieve cost-savings associated with certification requirements and who receive no-cost promotion of their business. Financial incentives and outreach efforts will ensure that the Program is accessible to businesses that may otherwise lack the resources or awareness to participate. Additionally, the Program supports broader community health and resilience by reducing pollution and preparing businesses for climate-related impacts.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actual |
FY 2024-25 Estimate |
FY 2025-26 Target |
|
Percent of program participants that represent under-resourced communities |
67% |
67% |
70% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amended agreement is from November 9, 2021 through November 8, 2026 with an increase of $452,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $1,130,000.
The Program is funded with 75% Net County Cost and 25% AB 939 funds. AB 939 funds are designated specifically for programs that aim to reduce and divert waste in the county. Funding in the amount of $226,000 is included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and $226,000 is planned for the FY 2025-26 budget. There is no new Net County Cost associated with this Agreement.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Amendment to Agreement for Environmental Innovations, Inc.