Green Business Certification Program

Miami-Dade County’s Green Business Certification Program is a free, voluntary program designed to help businesses go above and beyond basic green measures. Any business with a physical commercial location in Miami-Dade County can apply for certification.

The Green Business Certification Application Checklist is a self-guided audit based on program standards for specific commercial sectors.

They include: General Office/Retail, Dental Practices, Garment Cleaning and Restaurants. The program’s emphasis is on day-to-day operations and policies that, when implemented, will not only benefit the environment but will benefit the bottom line.

Although certain checklist actions are required within each category, the certification process is very flexible, allowing businesses to choose from a broad range of actions. Businesses can also develop their own innovative actions that are consistent with the program’s principles. Certification includes on-site verification conducted by trained staff.

To assist businesses interested in making their operations more sustainable, a series of resource guides are provided below to assist with the energy, water and waste-reduction goals of your business. An FAQ section is also available for further assistance.

Green Business Resource Guides

• Conserve energy by using fluorescent lighting and Energy Star-rated equipment.
• Conserve water through the use of low-flow toilets and water flow restrictors. Energy is needed to deliver water, so every unit of water conserved saves several pounds of CO2.
• Reduce waste by recycling, composting and using materials with recycled content. The manufacture, distribution and use of products – as well as dealing with the resulting waste – all require the use of energy, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Take steps to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and customers by using less-toxic products .

Miami-Dade Commercial Rebate Program

By completing the Green Business Certification Application Checklist, Miami-Dade businesses are eligible to receive commercial rebates for the purchase of new Energy Star appliances.

The Miami-Dade Commercial Rebate Program is offered to decrease energy consumption and increase savings on local businesses’ energy bills by encouraging the replacement of older and inefficient appliances. Rebates will be available to Miami-Dade County businesses only, on a first-come, first-served basis, by simply completing the Application Checklist.

Please send your comments or questions to greenbusiness@miamidade.gov.