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Green Business Application - New Businesses

The GBOP application lists various actions that businesses can take to work towards and achieve sustainability. This application is used for the many diverse types of businesses in Edina. Some categories/actions either may not be applicable or your business may not have control to implement depending if you are a property owner, management company, or tenant. Tenants, property managers or owners are invited to apply.  

Scores will be tabulated based on the percentage of actions a business has taken compared to the total possible actions that apply for the business, so please continue to the end even if you feel you are unable to implement many of the actions listed. Businesses can earn either Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition.

This application should take roughly 10-15 minutes to complete.

Complete the application by checking ONE of the three boxes that correspond to the action that you are currently doing as follows:

YES, that action has been taken or policy already in place; 

NO, that action has not yet been taken; or 

N/A, that action does not apply to my business


Complete the application and submit online OR print out/send to: 

City of Edina

Attn: Liz Moore

Edina Public Works

7450 Metro Boulevard

Edina, MN 55439

As of  January 1st, 2023, the following changes were applied to the Program's application submission process:

  • In order to enroll, all applications must be submitted between Earth Day and mid June (April 22 - June 17) of a given year.
  • Businesses will be notified of their recognition status during the month of July.
  • Businesses will be asked to renew every 2 years (e.g., a business that was recognized in 2021 should renew in 2023). 
  • Businesses can reach out to the City's Green Business Working Group anytime of the year for assistance on achieving their sustainable goals and the GBOP application process.

General Business Information

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Solid Waste Prevention

use/provide reusable products (e.g. coffee cups, filters, dishes, silverware, towels, boxes, bags, containers)
allow and encourage customers to bring in reusable container/cups/lids
reuse or repurpose items as alternatives to throwing away and buying new, including packaging and mailing materials?
paper waste by implementing electronic distribution, communications or file keeping programs
paper waste by reduce copying, printing bulk mail, and encourage printing two-sided
food waste by providing organics collection, participating in food to hog (livestock) program(s), or participating in food rescue programs
building construction or renovation waste by selecting deconstruction over demolition
single-use carryout bags (paper, plastic, or other material including compostable or other) by asking customers if they need a bag, providing a discount for customers who bring their own bag, or charging a bag fee
paper towel waste by installing motion sensor paper towel dispensers, air dryers or reusable towels near all sinks
To-go waste by providing to-go utensils and condiments only per customer request
To-go waste by providing straws only per customer request
plastic waste by not purchasing/offering single-use plastic bottles to customers or employees

Recycling

trash and recycling bins at individual work stations
co-located trash, recycling and organic (if applicable) bins
trash, recycling and organics (if applicable) collection and hauling
outdated/out of service electronics (e.g. computers, printers), light bulbs and batteries
paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum
plastic film, bags, pallet wrap
pallets, discarded wood materials and wood debris
toner and inkjet cartridges
used cooking oil
used motor oil
recycle through Terra-Cycle or similar program(s).

Purchasing

BPI certified compostable to-go food containers/cups: Note: Look for products that include the BPI logo
recyclable (non-black) to-go food containers/cups. Note: Black plastic cannot not be properly sorted/recycled.
paper/compostable straws
Prioritize purchase of goods from sustainable companies
sustainably made products.
recycled paper products (e.g. copy paper, letterhead, business cards)
safer, eco-friendly janitorial supplies and maintenance products
recyclable toner and inkjet cartridges
products locally to limit/reduce transportation
Does your business consistently comply with Edina's 'Green-To-Go' packaging ordinance?
Read the 'Green-To-Go' packaging ordinance if unfamiliar: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11563/Ordinance-No-2021-11-To-Go-Packaging-Ordinance_HealthDepartmentpdf?bidId=

Energy

Perform energy audit/profile (Xcel Energy, Energy Smart/MN Chamber of Commerce or equal
Track energy usage utilizing Energy Star Portfolio Manager or equal
Implement/execute suggested actions from energy audit
Set computers to energy saving mode each day.
Turn off computers at end of day/work period
Utilize smart power strips and/or turn off all unused equipment to reduce plug loads in common areas (i.e. break room, storage room)
Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent or LED bulbs
Install renewable energy on site
Participate in community programs (e.g. Xcel Energy’s Windsource, solar gardens)
Install programmable or “smart” thermostats
Install/utilize motion sensors, timers, or other controls to limit energy use, where appropriate
Utilize “Energy Star” equipment
Turn off all light at end of work day
Turn off all lighted signs at end of work day
Complete HVAC maintenance/tune-up on HVAC equipment on routine basis

Landscaping & Water Conservation

Utilize sand/gravel for winter sidewalk traction instead of salt
Comply/follow road and sidewalk salt reduction guidelines or contract with a certified salt applicator for snow/ice removal
Install/utilize water efficient fixtures certified by WaterSense
Create rain gardens
Reduce square footage/areas of impervious services
Install water sensors on landscaping irrigation system(s)
Offer drinking water only by request
Plant pollinator friendly, native species vegetation in landscaping areas and/or portable pots
Use low/non-toxicity herbicide
Plant additional trees
Create tree islands in parking lots/areas
Use compost to augment soil, improve drought resistance, reduce erosion and sequester carbon

Employee and Customer Involvement

Involve employees by establishing a “green committee”
Provide training for employees on implementing green business practices
Institute resource reduction incentives, contests or rewards
Participate in local clean up event(s) (e.g. park clean up, Adopt-A-Sewer Drain, etc)
Incentivize employees to explore/implement sustainable solutions
Encourage “green” practices by customers (e.g. bringing your own bag(s), offering incentives/discounts for customers who participate in trade-in/recycling programs).

Transportation

Purchase/utilize hybrid, electric or alternative fuel vehicles for company use
Prioritize meetings via tele conference, web vs. in person
Provide EV charging stations
Encourage employees to utilize mass transit with incentives such as providing subsidized bus passes, pre-tax paid bus passes, other
Incentivize employees to bike/walk or carpool to work
Provide full or part time work from home option
Establish no-idling policy
Provide bike racks or bike storage for employees

Miscellaneous

Building qualifies for green building certification (i.e. LEED or Energy Star)
Did you choose your business location based on proximity to public transportation, building benchmark ratings and/or building’s environmental practices ?
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