The program is free to join.
Anything submitted with this application and scorecard are available to the public through open records requests. Please DO NOT send any private or sensitive documentation to the City.
Go green.
When you have submitted the application, you will be prompted to download and save a green scorecard. The scorecard is a simple, step-by-step guide to greening your business. Use the scorecard to help you identify what you’re doing well and where your business has room to improve. It provides helpful tips and resources that make it easy to take action.
Submit your scorecard by email to greenbusiness@austintexas.gov.
Once we receive your completed scorecard, City staff will come to your location to verify the actions documented on the scorecard are accurate. Score well, and your business will be recognized as an Austin Green Business Leader.
In order to qualify, you must complete at least one action per scorecard category and be in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. You may write in actions that are not already listed. Each section has areas to share innovative green practices that are not covered elsewhere.
Definition of green business
Green business means operating in a way that protects the environment, enhances the community, and maintains a healthy workplace.
What type of businesses can join?
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
Reasons to join
Get recognized and be promoted.
Leverage the City of Austin’s recognition of your environmental leadership and promote your company’s green accomplishments to strengthen your brand. Your business will be featured on the City’s website and you can place the program logo on your storefront window and company website.
Join the network.
Join the network of Austin’s top sustainable companies. Members of our network include small to medium-sized businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and businesses from a wide variety of industries. Make new connections, share best practices, and learn from your peers at members-only events.
Gain a competitive edge and attract new customers.
Use the green business program to get ahead of your competitors, grow your client base, and strengthen customer loyalty. Green business is important to customers in markets throughout the U.S. and particularly in Austin.
Protect the environment.
Learn key strategies to help your business use less energy, conserve water, reduce waste, and minimize travel-related environmental impacts. Protect the environment by taking actions both large and small.
Save money.
Cut costs at your business by reducing your environmental impact. Austin Green Business Leaders provides the tools, resources, and information you need to put environmentally-friendly, cost-saving practices to work at your business.
Strengthen your team.
Build a green corporate culture. Boost employee retention and productivity by promoting health, wellness, and eco-friendly practices. Your staff will be happier, healthier and more productive.
Support the Austin community.
Make a difference in the local community. Organize employee volunteer events or get involved in corporate giving. Community stewardship initiatives can help your business strengthen camaraderie among staff, foster local partnerships, and increase your brand’s visibility.