Green Business Program Certifies Seven

The West Hollywood City Council celebrated the city’s inaugural Green Business Certification Program recipients on April 7. Seven businesses earned recognition for sustainable practices, marking a milestone in the program launched in April 2024 as part of the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) and WeHo Climate Action.

Mayor Chelsea Byers opened the commendation, noting Earth Month’s fitting backdrop. She praised the certified businesses—Atacama Home, Capitol Drugs, Javista Coffee, Pura Vita, Sweat Yoga, The Woods WeHo, and Soho Works—for setting a “high standard for environmental stewardship.” The program, free to participants, supports West Hollywood’s sustainability legacy by offering expert guidance and rebates up to $1,500 for green upgrades like low-toxicity cleaners. Byers highlighted its role in fostering a “healthy and diverse local economy” through resource conservation and waste reduction.

Program Administrator Susy Borlido, from Sustainable Works, spoke after the honorees received certificates. She noted working with Associate Planner Page Portwood and Senior Planner Christine Shen, specified West Hollywood as California’s 52nd CAGBN jurisdiction. “This statewide initiative reduces water use, saves energy, cuts waste, and gives back to the community,” Borlido said, urging more businesses to join via the city’s website. A photo with council members capped the recognition, though not all recipients attended.

The city’s Green Business Program, detailed online, targets sectors like retail, restaurants, and property management. Eligible businesses—those with a physical West Hollywood location, at least two employees, and regulatory compliance—follow sector-specific checklists. These outline measures for energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, and carbon reduction. Sustainability experts provide free step-by-step aid, from registration to onsite assessments, with tools and rebates easing the process. Certification, valid for three years, offers logos, decals, and a City Council commendation.

Certified businesses span two tiers. Tier 1 (Entry Level) suits smaller operations, like The Woods WeHo, while Tier 2 (Certification Level) fits larger or retrofit-ready firms, like Atacama Home and Pura Vita. Completion times vary: two to three months for those with existing green practices, up to six for complex sites like restaurants with commercial kitchens. The 2024 cohort includes Atacama Home (Tier 2) and The Woods WeHo (Tier 1), with 2025 adding Capitol Drugs, Javista Coffee, Pura Vita, Sweat Yoga, and Soho Works—all Tier 2.

The city webpage lists resources—SoCal Edison incentives, water rebates, and plastic bans—bolstering the initiative. With spaces still open, as Borlido emphasized, the program aims to grow, building on this first wave’s success. For now, these seven pioneers spotlight West Hollywood’s green ambitions.