Requirements

Section 1: Eligibility

Any person, association, corporation, partnership or non-profit organization with an interest in the objectives of the organization and that meet the certification criteria shall be eligible to apply for membership. The Green Chamber of Commerce recognizes three green business certifications: B Corp, Bay Area Green Business Program and Green America’s Seal of Approval. If an association, corporation, partnership or non-profit organization is interested in membership but does not have one of the aforementioned certifications, they may still apply for membership but are required tocomplete the B Corp Impact Assessment Survey within six months of joining.

Section 2: Process

Applications for membership shall be in writing or electronically, on forms provided for that purpose, and signed by the applicant either physically or electronically. Any applicant shall become a member upon meeting the eligibility requirements in Section 1 and payment of the regularly scheduled investment as provided in Section 3.

Section 3: Investments

Membership investments shall be at such rate or rates, schedule or formula as may be from time to time prescribed by the Board of Directors, payable in advance.

All members of the GCC are required to practice green measures in the operation of their businesses by making an ongoing effort to conserve energy and all other natural resources while conducting their businesses using the minimum amount of toxic or hazardous materials.

Among the recommended ways to achieve these goals are the following:

Energy use

• Whenever feasible and affordable, use clean and renewable energy, in particular solar, wind, micro-hydro, and geo-thermal power
• Make the best possible effort to take advantage of the sun for lighting and heating
• Use energy efficient lighting, heating, and air-conditioning
• Make the best possible effort to conserve energy by avoiding excessive heating and air-conditioning,
• Install energy-efficient appliances, heating, and air-conditioning systems when appliances and systems are replaced

Reduce fossil fuel consumption:

• Make best possible effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption in transportation by obtaining the most efficient vehicles the business can afford and by encouraging employees to use mass transit, carpools, and bicycles, and allow the maximum feasible amount of telecommuting

Recycling

• Implement a recycling program for paper, bottles, cans, aluminum, recyclable glass and plastic
• Recycle all used fluorescent light bulbs, electronic equipment, used batteries, used oil, and other recyclables, including food and other biological waste
• Use recycled paper, or paper with at least 20 percent post-consumer recycled content, including paper towels and toilet paper

Water Conservation

• Use available and developing technology and conservation efforts to reduce consumption of water
• Use low-flow toilets, faucets, hoses, and other water-conservation techniques where applicable

Chemicals

• Avoid to the greatest extent possible the use of toxic chemicals, synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals that harm the environment and the health of all living beings.

Support Green Businesses

• To the greatest extent possible, make purchases from firms that provide clean and green products and services.

Build Green

• Whenever possible, utilize the LEED rating system for the design, construction, renovation and operation of existing and new facilities and new construction.