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Frequently Asked Questions
Austin Green Business Leaders
Yes, participants must complete at least one action per section.
Yes. Each section has areas to share innovative green practices that are not covered elsewhere.
Once we receive your completed scorecard, City staff will come to your location to review supporting documentation.
The program is free to join. Simply download the scorecard, get to work on the actions, and report back to us with your success.
Yes – so please DO NOT send any documentation to the City with your scorecard to prevent this from happening. City staff will come to your location to verify the actions documented on the scorecard are accurate.
Green business means operating in a way that protects the environment, enhances the community, and maintains a healthy workplace.
The Austin Green Business Leaders program was created by the City of Austin to support Austin businesses and their pursuit of sustainability. Whether you’re an established green business or just getting started, the Green Business Leaders program can help you protect the environment, save money, and make Austin a more livable place. Businesses that excel in the program are formally recognized as Silver, Gold, or Platinum Green Business Leaders—which can give you a competitive edge with customers.
Any legitimate business can join Austin Green Business Leaders. Businesses in the program currently range from small home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies that span a variety of types such as:
- Retail
- Groceries/Markets
- Restaurants
- Banks/Financial Institutions
- Hospitality
- Houses of Worship
- Manufacturing/Light industry/Warehouse
Bright Green Future School Grants
No, the program is open to all AISD and Austin area charter and private schools, as well as cities – such as Round Rock and Pflugerville – that utilize services through Austin Energy, Austin Water Utility, or Austin Resource Recovery. Unfortunately, home school classes are unable to apply for grant funding.
Yes, but only if the Office of Sustainability has received a completed Project Information Sheet for past projects.
There is no limit to the number of grants each school may apply for; however, schools are limited to receiving two (2) grants per school year. A separate application form must be completed for each project submission.
Grades K-12 may apply.
Each project may apply for up to $3,000.
Applications will be accepted from September 1 to October 31.
Grant recipients will be notified in early December. Once the Office of Sustainability receives a current W-9 form from the school, checks will be processed and delivered.
EcoDistricts
Both programs foster sustainability and sustainable development at the neighborhood scale.
LEED-ND focuses on the urban planning and design of new developments to meet specific criteria for one-time certification. (Mueller in Austin was a LEED-ND pilot neighborhood, it is now Silver LEED-ND certified.) EcoDistricts focus on partnerships across a broad group of stakeholders to advance shared goals. Unlike LEED-ND, the EcoDistrict framework promotes community engagement and behavior on an ongoing basis — and is applicable to existing neighborhoods.
An EcoDistrict is a neighborhood or redevelopment area that is committed to advancing sustainability through green building, smart infrastructure and individual behavior. EcoDistricts provide a framework for people to come together to set goals, define projects, engage in collaborative efforts, and raise the bar for sustainable practices.
City Data
Austin Notes