Ecology Action

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Ecology Action is a non-profit environmental organization and consultancy founded in 1970 under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 in Berkeley, California. The organization has since moved its headquarters to Santa Cruz, California with satellite offices in San Jose, California and Sacramento, California, where it employs approximately 100 people and operates a variety of energy saving, water, waste reduction, and greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. The organization assists businesses, governments, and utilities in designing and implementing programs in efficient energy use, water conservation, and sustainable transportation.

Video Ecology Action

History

Ecology Action was launched on Earth Day in 1970 as an all-volunteer, unmanned recycling donation depot for bottles and cans. Forty years later, the organization has become a leader in California's sustainability program design and development with active programs focused on driving behavior change in water conservation, energy management, and alternative transportation.

The organization persevered through the conservative backlash of the 1980s--when the state froze over half a million dollars of their grant contracts--and the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Despite these setbacks, Ecology Action's sustainability programs have helped over 20,000 California residents and business owners save millions of gallons of water and reduce energy consumption by half a million kilowatt hours each year.

In 2009, the organization began to renovate the former Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper building with two other partners. The organization also sponsors Bike To Work Week, inviting over ten thousand students and adults to bike to school and/or their places of work twice a year.

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Programs

Current energy programs

AMBAG Energy Watch

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
• Description: This program is a partnership between The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The AMBAG Energy Watch program serves hospitality, municipalities, schools, residents, and non-profit customers in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. Ecology Action works with these eligible PG&E customers to help reduce energy use by providing energy efficiency services and resources.
• AMBAG Energy Watch Program and Services
• Ecology Action Grows from Recycling Lot to Statewide Power Player
• Groups Help Church Reduce Energy Use
• South San Francisco Conference Center - Recognized As An Environmental Leader

San Mateo County Energy Watch

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric, City/County Association of Governments
• Description: The San Mateo County Energy Watch Program provides energy efficiency services and incentives to qualifying public agencies, schools, non-profit organizations, farms, residents, and businesses. The program is a local government partnership between Cities/County Association of Governments (C/CAG), PG&E and Ecology Action.
• San Mateo County Energy Watch Program and Services
• San Mateo County Energy Watch Partners
• Pathway to Energy Efficiency for San Mateo County School Districts

Silicon Valley Energy Watch

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric, City of San Jose
• Description: Through the Silicon Valley Energy Watch Program, Ecology Action works with Santa Clara County Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers with resources to lower their energy use, including turn-key upgrade programs, rebates, and educational materials. The program is a local government partnership between the City of San Jose, PG&E and Ecology Action.
• Silicon Valley Energy Watch Program and Services
• Ecology Action Grows from Recycling Lot to Statewide Power Player
• Local Nonprofits Discover a Fiscal Win-Win
• Lighting Technology Overview 2015
• Energy Efficiency on the West Coast

The Hospitality Program

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric
• Description: The Hospitality Program is a joint effort of Ecology Action and PG&E, and is tailored to meet the unique needs of hospitality customers. The program provides free energy audits and energy efficiency recommendations, project management, and rebates at no cost to hospitality related customers in California, located within PG&E territory.
• Focus on Energy Efficiency While Keeping Your Guests In Mind
• Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Recognized by PG&E for Energy Efficiency
• PG&E Hospitality Program - Energy Efficiency for the Hospitality Industry
• Silverado Resort and Spa Case Study

AMP Energy Plus Program

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric, City of Alameda
• Description: The AMP Energy Plus Program is designed to make the process of becoming energy-efficient simple. The program provides a cost-free audit and proposal of recommended energy efficiency retrofits for customers located within the City of Alameda. Ecology Action works with businesses, schools and municipal customers to outline their unique energy savings opportunities, projected bill savings, rebates available to lower the job cost, and how quickly the savings pay for themselves.
• AMP's Energy Plus Program
• How SchoolFoodies Delivers Healthy School Lunches - Sustainably
• Energy-Saving LED Lights Come to Civic Center's Parking Garage

EMPower Palo Alto

• Ecology Action Partners: City of Palo Alto Utilities
• Description: This energy efficiency program is delivered by Ecology Action for commercial customers of the City of Palo Alto Utilities. EMPower Palo Alto designed to capture cost effective electric and gas savings, and offer renewable and energy efficiency solutions, to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers within the City of Palo Alto. The program addresses lighting, refrigeration, and vending equipment.
• EMPower Small/Medium Businesses Program
• Wasted Energy is Cutting Into Your Bottom Line
• The City of Palo Alto Selects Three Engineering Consultant Companies to Help Large Commercial Customers Find Energy Efficiency Opportunities

DOE SMART Scale

• Ecology Action Partners: US Department of Energy, Small Market Advanced Retrofit Transformation Program
• Description: Ecology Action designed the Small Market Advanced Retrofit Transformation (SMART Scale) program to create and demonstrate a nationally scalable model for delivering deep energy retrofits in the small commercial market. The nationwide program provides a free, innovative and cost-effective toolkit for implementing small to medium-sized commercial building retrofits that achieve an average of 20% energy savings per building.
• SMART Program
• NBI Introducing SMARTScale
• Small Buildings Get Big Boost from SMART Scale Small Commercial Retrofit Program
• Commercial Buildings Cooperative Agreements - 2013

SMUD Complete Energy Solutions

• Ecology Action Partners: Sacramento Municipal Utility District
• Description: The SMUD Complete Energy Solutions program serves small and medium commercial businesses and provides free energy assessments, direct install energy efficient retrofits, and management of all contractors and rebates. Ecology Action works with eligible customers within the SMUD territory to identify the best energy-saving measures for them, oversee their project to ensure quality installation, and provide rebates that cover an average of 73% of project costs.
• SMUD's Complete Energy Solutions for Small to Mid-sized Businesses
• SMUD's Commercial Energy-Savings Programs Have Helped 'Thousands' of Regional Businesses
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District Selects Ecology Action to Administer CES Program
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District Enacting Demand Side Management
• SMUD Selects Ecology Action to Administer Complete Energy Solutions Program
• Brighton Energy Solution Spotlight - SMUD Complete Energy Solutions Program

Retired energy programs

Energy Upgrade California

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric, California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission
• Description: Ecology Action was chosen as one of three contractors to provide marketing, education and outreach (ME&O) services for the Energy Upgrade California program, that promotes energy-efficiency and green building upgrades for existing residential properties. The program offers the convenience of a "one-stop shop" experience--providing the tools and resources to educate and motivate participation among property owners about eligible upgrades, program-qualified contractors, rebates and financial resources.
• Ecology Action Awarded PG&E Contract for Energy Upgrade CA Marketing, Education and Outreach Services
• California's Green Facelift - Santa Cruz's Ecology Action is at the center of a new program designed to save money and the environment
• Ecology Action's $33M Green Energy Bonanza
• Energy Upgrade California PG&E
• Energy Upgrade California Website
• Energy Upgrade California: Program Offers Home Retrofits by Certified Contractors
• Energy Upgrade California - Valley Vision
• Silverado Resort and Spa Case Study

LodgingSavers

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric
• Description: In 2006, Ecology Action launched LodgingSavers in partnership with PG&E, a program delivering a comprehensive suite of rebated energy efficiency retrofits to lodging properties. In 2016, the program was expanded and renamed The Hospitality Program.
• California Hoteliers Have Much to Gain from LodgingSavers Program
• Telkonet Awarded Three Year Renewal Contract with Ecology Action for Energy Efficient Lodging Program
• Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
• Silverado Resort and Spa Case Study

RightLights

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric
• Description: Ecology Action launched RightLights in 2002, the first energy efficiency program for PG&E.
• Ecology Action Helps Small Commercial Customers Slash Utility Bills in Five California Counties
• Savings Bloom from Energy Conservation
• Groups Help Church Reduce Energy Use
• Sustainable San Mateo County - Join the RightLights Program

CasinoGreen

• Ecology Action Partners: Pacific Gas and Electric
• Description: PG&E contracted with Ecology Action to implement the CasinoGreen program, which helps casinos identify opportunities to install new energy-efficient products and implement recommended measures. The program serves tribally owned casinos as well as many other non-residential buildings on reservation land. Gas stations, offices, golf courses and country clubs, fitness centers, restaurants and schools
• CasinoGreen Program - PG&E
• Good things come from where you wouldn't expect
• Black Oak Casino Earns CasinoGreen Energy Rebate

Transportation programs

Bike to Work

• Ecology Action Partners: Bike Santa Cruz County, County of Santa Cruz Community Traffic Safety Coalition
• Description: Ecology Action has been organizing the Bike To Work program in Santa Cruz County since 1987. The program has helped build the popular bike community and culture of Santa Cruz, and now represents the largest sustainable transportation event in the region. The two yearly events, in the Fall and Spring, engage over 13,000 residents every year.
• Ecology Action's Bike to Work/School Day
• Bike to Work Week Kicks off Friday
• Annual Bike to Work Day Takes Place in Santa Cruz
• Project Bike Trip and Ecology Action Launch Two Wheeled Drive Bicycle Commuting Challenge
• Bike to the Future

Friends of the Rail and Trail

• Ecology Action Partners: Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission, City of Santa Cruz
• Description: Friends of the Rail and Trail (FORT) is a Santa Cruz community-based organization that has been working since the early 2000s to support the construction of a 32-mile Rail Trail along the California Central Coastal rail line. Ecology Action is a fiscal sponsor of the project, and assists in garnering widespread community support for the Rail Trail through public education, outreach, advocacy and fundraising.
• City of Santa Cruz Coastal Rail Trail Project
• New Santa Cruz Rail Trail Plans Revealed Thursday
• Trail can fit with rail for sustainable transit options
• Santa Cruz Invests Big in Trails Through $500 Million Transportation Measure
• A More Walkable, Bikable Riverwalk
• Santa Cruz Rail Trail Receives $92,000 From Anonymous Donor Local Bike Companies
• Santa Cruz Gives - Friends of the Rail & Trail

School-based bike and walk programs

• Ecology Action Partners: Safe Routes to School National Partnership
• Description: Ecology Action provides a variety of active transportation education, safety, and encouragement programs for K-12th grade students throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties, including Safe Routes to School, Bike Smart, and Walk Smart. The programs are focused on increasing the number of children who are safely walking and bicycling, and encouraging kids to use active forms of transportation more often.
• Westlake Elementary School Students Take a Ride on the 'Walking School Bus'
• Youth Walk Safety Training Comes to County Schools: Aims to Decrease Injuries
• COG, Ecology Action Partner on Local Bicycle Safety Effort
• Bike to School - Elementary, Middle and High School Resources in Monterey County
• Fundraiser Lends Hand to Student Bike Programs
• Santa Cruz County Radar Signs Aim to Reduce Injuries
• Memorial Fund Established with Ecology Action to Benefit Youth Bicycle Safety Education Program
• City of Santa Cruz Awarded Grants to Improve School Crossings and Bike/Ped Bridge and Path

Electric vehicle programs

• Ecology Action Partners: Safe Routes to School National Partnership
• Description: Ecology Action is a fiscal sponsor of the Monterey Bay Electric Vehicle Alliance (MBEVA), a California public-private partnership of diverse stakeholders in the tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties with an overall mission of promoting rapid adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. Ecology Action also works to provide educational opportunities for the community to consider cleaner fuel options, and has installed over 40 local vehicle charging stations.
• ChargePoint Network Expands to Santa Cruz as Electric Vehicle Charging Services Extend Throughout Monterey Bay
• Green Tech: Salinas Holds its First Electric Vehicle Summit
• Ecology Action seeks input on SC County electric vehicle readiness
• Energy Commission Grant Prepares Monterey Bay Area for Electric Vehicles

Employer sustainable transportation programs

• Ecology Action Partners: Safe Routes to School National Partnership
• Description: Ecology Action offers programs that encourage employees of local companies to use other ways than driving alone to commute to and from work. The programs give access to information and incentives that employers can offer their employees, including carpool and rideshare information, Zipcar memberships, emergency rides home, and 0% Interest bike loans.
• Try Incentive Program to Green Employee Commute
• Kick the Habit in 30 Days - How to Break the Addiction to Always Using Cars
• Commute Solutions: Your Resource for Sustainable Transportation Options
• Santa Cruz and Ecology Action create Complete Streets Master Plan for Santa Cruz

Water programs

WaterLink

• Ecology Action Partners: California Department of Water Resources, California Climate Investments, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency, California Conservation Corps, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, City of Hayward, City of East Palo Alto, City of Santa Clara, Daly City, City of Watsonville
• Description: Ecology Action developed the WaterLink program launched in Santa Clara County in 2016 to tackle the drought and climate change together. The program was funded by a grant from the California Department of Water Resources as part of their 2015 water-energy drought response program which is funded by California Climate Investments (Cap and Trade) funds. Early in 2017, WaterLink received an additional $5 million in grants from the Department of Water Resources to expand to two new areas. WaterLink works in disadvantaged communities providing education, installing hot water saving devices, and converting turf to low-water landscaping at no cost.
• Ecology Action Helps Disadvantaged Communities Cut Back Water
• Monrovia Partners with Ecology Action's WaterLink Program
• Water Conservation Champions Honored

Monterey Bay Friendly Landscape Program

• Ecology Action Partners: California Landscape Contractors Association, Monterey Bay Master Gardeners, Surfrider Foundation, Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District
• Description: The Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening program is a collaborative effort between Ecology Action, local Landscape and Gardening Associations, Surfrider Foundation, Resource Conservation Districts, and more than 20 public water utility and recycling agencies. The program encourages behavior changes that lessen the impact of conventional landscape practices on the local environment by providing home gardeners, landscape professionals, and local governments with the necessary skills and resources to create beautiful, healthy, and sustainable gardens, and landscapes.
• What Is Monterey Bay Friendly Landscaping?
• First Monterey Bay Friendly Landscapes Certified!
• Lose Your Lawn with Sheet Mulching Workshop
• SVWD Offers Landscape Rebates and Grants to Homeowners and Businesses

Greywater and rainwater programs

• Ecology Action Partners: California Landscape Contractors Association, Monterey Bay Master Gardeners, Surfrider Foundation, Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District
• Description: Ecology Action co-founded the Central Coast Greywater Alliance, which provides training for public agencies, contractors and homeowners in best management practices for code-compliant greywater and rainwater systems. The Alliance is an organization of landscape and plumbing professionals who received greywater system design, installation and maintenance training via the Green Gardener Certification Program.
• Grey's the New Green: Laundry-to-Landscape Irrigation Systems Gaining in Popularity
• Greywater to Green Thumbs
• Gray Water Irrigation Becomes a Reality in Valley
• The Graywater Revolution
• In The Garden: Fifty Shades of Greywater
• New Rules Make it Easier to Tap Household Wastewater for Yard Irrigation

Water Conservation Coalition

• Ecology Action Partners: City of Santa Cruz Water Conservation Department, County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Department, City of Watsonville Public Works, Soquel Creek Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Scotts Valley Water District, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, Central Water District.
• Description: The Water Conservation Coalition is a partnership between Ecology Action, all the local Water Districts in Santa Cruz County, as well as the County Water Resources Division and other groups who share a passion for water conservation and public education. Ecology Action worked directly with local water districts to help them design information and assistance programs to empower people to reduce their water use. The resulting Water Conservation Coalition
• Grey's the New Green: Laundry-to-Landscape Irrigation Systems Gaining in Popularity
• Santa Cruz County Residents Beat Water Savings Pledge Goal
• Waiting on Winter
• Santa Cruz Water Director Calls for Rationing to Continue
• Partnering is "New Norm" in Local Water World
• Green or Greenwashing? Announcement from Home Depot Sparks Enthusiasm and Controversy

Livestock and Land Program

• Ecology Action Partners: Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District
• Description: Ecology Action was invited to participate in the Livestock and Land pilot program by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County. As a result of the initial success of the pilot program, Ecology Action and local Resource Conservation Districts partnered to deliver programming throughout California's Central Coast. The program aims to achieve immediate and lasting water quality and watershed improvements by educating livestock owners on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for sustainable agriculture.
• Pajaro Compass: Case Study for Livestock and Land Program
• El Dorado County Livestock & Land Program
• Resource Conservation District Livestock Programs
• Getting Out of the Muck

Community programs

California Green Business Program

• Ecology Action Partners: A network of 24 California Cities and Counties
• Description: The California Green Business Program is a network of local programs operated by counties and cities throughout California. The goal of the program is to provide incentive and assistance tools to help local businesses conserve energy, water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints.
• Certified Green Business Testimonials
• RecycleMore - Bay Area Green Business Program

Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program

• Ecology Action Partners: Monterey County, County of Santa Cruz, San Benito County
• Description: The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program, launched by Ecology Action in 2004, is a partnership of environmental agencies and concerned public working together to promote local businesses that operate in an environmentally friendly manner. The program provides education, assistance, and incentives to help local businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprint.
• Campus Gets A Little Bit 'Greener' With Three More Certifications
• Santa Cruz City Schools Aim for Green Certification
• Capitola Veterinary Hospital Honored by State as Climate Action Leader

Earth Day Santa Cruz

• Ecology Action Partners: County of Santa Cruz, City of Santa Cruz, Coastal Watershed Council
• Description: Earth Day Santa Cruz is a yearly community event that offers educational information about environmental awareness, activities for kids, live music, and a focus on green businesses. Ecology Action revived and began managing the Santa Cruz Earth Day event in 2008, and has been leading it ever since. The annual festival draws more than 5,000 people every year.
• Santa Cruz to Kick Off Earth Day 2017 With Science Rally, March
• Santa Cruz Earth Day Includes New Activities
• Celebrate Santa Cruz Earth Day 2016
• Earth Day Santa Cruz
• Santa Cruz Earth Day Activities
• Book: The Genius of Earth Day
• Book: Greening the Red, White, and Blue

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Grants and awards

1987, 1988

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

• Awarded by: CalRecycle
• Description: Ecology Action received Beverage Container Recycling Grants to address recycling challenges, aid in increasing beverage container collection, and reduce beverage container litter in the waste stream.
• CalRecycle Santa Cruz County Award History

1997

Sustainable Quality Award

• Awarded by: City of Santa Cruz
• Description: The City of Santa Cruz recognized Ecology Action with a Sustainable Quality Award for excellence in sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment.

Green Schools Program Partner

• Awarded by: County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works
• Description: The County of Santa Cruz's Department of Public Works engaged Ecology Action as a Public School Resource Conservation Program (now called Green Schools Program) partner for its resource conservation commitments.

1998

US Congressional Recognition Certificate

• Awarded by: United States Congress
• Description: Ecology Action earned a U.S. Congressional Recognition Certificate for its community service work. The U.S. Congressional Recognition Certificate is an official recognition of individuals and businesses for outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

City of Santa Cruz Mayor's Proclamation for the Bike to Work Program

• Awarded by: City of Santa Cruz
• Description: The Mayor's Proclamation recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations within a city about a specific cause which is commemorated by a given day set by the Mayor. The Mayor honored Ecology Action for Bike-to-Work Day. Bike to Work Day is also recognized through a United Nations proclamation.

1999

Trash Cutters Award

• Awarded by: CA EPA Integrated Waste Management Board
• Description: Ecology Action was given the Trash Cutters award by the California EPA Integrated Waste Management Board for its waste reduction and recycling programming. The Trash Cutters Award program is the result of a partnership effort between the Board and its Local Government Technical Advisory Committee (LGTAC) to recognize the wide range of successful waste reduction and recycling programs.
• 1999 Trash Cutter Award Program Case Studies

2001

City of Santa Cruz Mayor's Proclamation 'Ecology Action Day'

• Awarded by: City of Santa Cruz
• Description: The City of Santa Cruz honored Ecology Action's community work with a Mayoral Proclamation that April 21 be the City's official Ecology Action Day.

2002

California State Assembly Resolution of Commendation

• Awarded by: California State Legislature Assembly
• Description: Kirsten Liske of Ecology Action was awarded a legislative resolution from the California State Assembly commending her significant and vital contribution to the state's household hazardous waste programs.
• UCSC Alumna Kirsten Liske at Ecology Action

2003

Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA)

• Awarded by: California EPA
• Description: The Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) was presented to Ecology Action by the California EPA for its leadership and contributions to conserving California's precious resources and strengthening the State's economy. The GEELA is California's highest environmental honor. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrates exceptional leadership and made notable voluntary contributions in conserving California's precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the State's economy.
• 2003 GEELA Award Winners

2004

Community Hero Award for Bike to Work Program

• Awarded by: County of Santa Cruz
• Description: Ecology Action was the recipient of the Community Hero Award for its contributions to Santa Cruz County residents for the Bike-to-Work program. The Community Hero Award recognizes organizations who are doing extraordinary work a make a real difference to the communities that they serve by addressing critical social, economic and environmental community issues, and bringing people together to have a positive impact on the local community.

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

• Awarded by: CalRecycle
• Description: Ecology Action received Beverage Container Recycling Grants to address recycling challenges, aid in increasing beverage container collection, and reduce beverage container litter in the waste stream.
• CalRecycle Santa Cruz County Award History

2005

EPA Innovation Workgroup Grant

• Awarded by: US Environmental Protection Agency
• Description: In the fall of 2005, EPA awarded Ecology Action an Innovation Workgroup (IWG) grant. IWG grants fund creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling, and land revitalization that may be replicated across industries, communities, and regions.
• Santa Cruz: A Community Taking Action

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

• Awarded by: CalRecycle
• Description: Ecology Action received Beverage Container Recycling Grants to address recycling challenges, aid in increasing beverage container collection, and reduce beverage container litter in the waste stream.
• CalRecycle Santa Cruz County Award History

2006

Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award

• Awarded by: California Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Description: The California Department of Pesticide Regulation's IPM Innovator Award identified Ecology Action as a skilled leader who is inspiring new systems for pest management. The IPM is an approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. The Department of Pesticide Regulation's IPM awards identify leaders in adopting techniques that increase the benefits and reduce the risks of pest control. Each IPM Innovator and IPM Achievement Award winner has shown a commitment to applying such techniques to their specific circumstances and sharing their experience with others.
• The 2006 IPM Innovators Awards

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

• Awarded by: CalRecycle
• Description: Ecology Action received Beverage Container Recycling Grants to address recycling challenges, aid in increasing beverage container collection, and reduce beverage container litter in the waste stream.
• CalRecycle Santa Cruz County Award History

2007

Community Hero Award for Cleaner Beaches Coalition

• Awarded by: County of Santa Cruz
• Description: The Community Hero Award for Cleaner Beaches was awarded to Ecology Action by the Clean Beaches Coalition for its positive impact on the local community. The Clean Beaches Coalition (CBC) is a network of coastal organizations and individuals committed to promoting clean, healthy and well managed beaches around the world.

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

• Awarded by: CalRecycle
• Description: Ecology Action received Beverage Container Recycling Grants to address recycling challenges, aid in increasing beverage container collection, and reduce beverage container litter in the waste stream.
• CalRecycle Santa Cruz County Award History

2008

Pollution Prevention Advocate of the Year

• Awarded by: Western Region Sustainability & Pollution Prevention Network
• Description: The Western Region Sustainability & Pollution Prevention Network presented Ecology Action with an Advocate of the Year award for its dedication to preserve, protect, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources.

Comprehensive Recycling Award

• Awarded by: California Department of Conservation
• Description: Ecology Action was awarded the Comprehensive Recycling Award by the California Department of Conservation for its leadership in innovation and waste recovery. The award honors facilities that demonstrates leadership in key measurements, such as innovation, quantity of materials collected and/or processed, types of materials recovered, site improvements, or sustainability measures adopted.

Bicycle Friendly Silver Award

• Awarded by: League of American Bicyclists
• Description: The League's Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program provides a roadmap, hands-on assistance and recognition for states, communities, universities and businesses. The BFA? program is a tool for states, communities, business and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people.
• List of Bicycle Friendly Businesses

The Outstanding Regional Storm Water News, Information, Outreach and Media Award

• Awarded by: California Stormwater Quality Association
• Description: Ecology Action received an Outstanding Regional Storm Water News, Information, Outreach and Media award for the Green Gardener Training and Outreach Program.
• CASQA Recognizes CalTrans 'Don't Trash' Campaign

2009

CoolCalifornia.org Organization of the Year, for Climate Change Leadership

• Awarded by: CoolCalifornia.org
• Description: Ecology Action was name Organization of the Year by Cool California and its esteemed partners for its achievements in climate change management practices and its climate change communications. The CoolCalifornia.org small business awards program recognizes small, California businesses (under 100 employees) that have demonstrated leadership and made notable, voluntary achievements towards reducing their climate impact.
• CoolCalifornia Ecology Action Profile

United Way of Santa Cruz County Community Hero Award

• Awarded by: United Way of Santa Cruz County
• Description: The Community Hero Award was bestowed on Ecology Action by the United Way of Santa Cruz County because of its dedication to community service. The Community Hero Award commends remarkable individuals, organizations, and small businesses who dedicate their time and energy to supporting a community, voluntary organization, club, or association.

PG&E Integration Award for the RightLights Program

• Awarded by: Pacific Gas & Electric
• Description: Ecology Action was selected as a PG&E Integration Award winner for its customer service and partnership with Couch Distribution as part of the RightLights program.
• PG&E Third Party Programs

2010

Woman of the Year Award, Virginia Johnson, CEO

• Awarded by: Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce
• Description: The Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce awarded Ecology Action CEO Virginia Johnson with the Woman of the Year Award for her contributions to the County, its businesses and its residents.
• Santa Cruz Chamber Community Recognition Awards

PG&E Integration Awards for LodgingSavers Program

• Awarded by: Pacific Gas & Electric
• Description: Ecology Action was selected as a PG&E Integration Award winner for its customer service and partnership with Four Points by Sheraton-Emeryville as part of the LodgingSavers program.

2011

US Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification for the Ecology Action Headquarters

• Awarded by: The U.S. Green Building Council
• The Ecology Action headquarters was awarded a LEED Gold Certification for its environmentally friendly building design. The LEED Gold Certificate recognizes and certifies buildings, homes, and neighborhoods that operate at an environmentally responsible level and use resources efficiently.
• Ecology Action earns gold rating for green remodel downtown

PG&E Supplier Award Nominations

• Awarded by: Pacific Gas & Electric
• Description: Ecology Action received two PG&E Supplier Award nominations; one for the PG&E Small Business of the Year award and one for the Corporate/Customer Care/IT/Shared Services of the Year award.

PG&E Integration Awards for CasinoGreen Program

• Awarded by: Pacific Gas & Electric
• Description: Ecology Action was selected as a PG&E Integration Award winner for its customer service and partnership with Thunder Valley Casino, Chumash Casino, and Rolling Hills Casino as part of the CasinoGreen program.

2013

Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA)

• Awarded by: California EPA
• Description: Ecology Action becomes the first organization to win the prestigious Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for a second time. The GEELA is California's highest environmental honor.
• Ecology Action Receives Prestigious Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Award (GEELA)

Small Market Advanced Retrofit Transformation Grant

• Awarded by: U.S. Department of Energy
• Description: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Ecology Action a Small Market Advanced Retrofit Transformation Program grant for its dedication to energy efficiency programming through its debut program, SmartScale. SMART Scale program won as a proven, best-in-class, deep retrofit program for small and medium-sized commercial buildings designed to be easily replicated in a wide range of markets across the country.
• Ecology Action: Small Market Advanced Retrofit Transformation Program (SMART)

2015

California Department of Water Resources Grant

• Awarded by: California Department of Water Resources
• Description: The California Department of Water Resources awarded Ecology Action with a Resource Grant to launch the WaterLink program. The Department of Water Resources Awards recognize the best organizational and business candidates in water use efficiency, shining a spotlight on leaders in the field who serve as role-models for others.
• Water Energy Grant Program
• DWR Announces Final Funding Awards For Grants To Save Water and Energy

Caltrans Active Transportation Grant

• Awarded by: California Department of Transportation
• Description: Caltrans awarded Ecology Action and County Health Services Agency a partnership grant for the Santa Cruz Citywide Safe Routes to School Crossing Improvement Program. The Caltrans Active Transportation Program helps to increase walking, biking and safety in Santa Cruz while serving a wide spectrum of active transportation users.
• Santa Cruz awarded grants to improve school crossings, Branciforte Creek Bridge
• Active Transportation Program

2016

PG&E 2016 Corporate Services Supplier of the Year Award

• Awarded by: Pacific Gas & Electric
• Description: Pacific Gas & Electric named Ecology Action 2016 PG&E Corporate Services Supplier of the Year because of their energy efficiency implementation and dedication to customer service and community partnership.

Santa Clara Valley Water District Grant Award

• Awarded by: Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Description: Ecology Action was awarded a grant to investigate water savings from using captured rainwater for indoor purposes such as toilet flushing and clothes washing. They will partner with residential, commercial, and institutional property owners in Santa Clara County to construct and monitor water use and water quality of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems for indoor, non-potable uses.
• District Awards Grant Funds to Two Water Conservation Projects
• Santa Clara Valley Water District Funds Conservation Projects

Community Builders Award

• Awarded by: United Way of Santa Cruz County
• Description: Ecology Action was recognized by the United Way, a county-wide public policy and advocacy nonprofit, as a Community Builder for our Go Green campaign.
• United Way of Santa Cruz County honors local heroes

2016 Doppelt Grant Award

• Awarded by: Rails to Trails Conservancy
• Description: Ecology Action was awarded a grant for the fiscal sponsor of Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail to increase education about, and support for, the 32-mile Santa Cruz County Coastal Rail Trail, which will be built parallel to freight and future passenger train service.
• 2016 Doppelt Grant Awards to Fund Innovative Trail Projects Around US

PeopleForBikes Community Grant

• Awarded by: PeopleForBikes
• Description: Friends of the Rail Trail/Ecology Action received a grant to help advance their fundraising efforts and develop community and business support for this transformative project.
• Announcing Our New Community Grant Recipients

2017

Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award

• Awarded by: Silicon Valley Water Conservation Organization
• Description: Ecology Action was recognized by the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Organization with a Water Conservation Award for its leadership in water conservation and reuse in the Silicon Valley, in recognition of the WaterLink program.
• Congratulations to our 2017 Award Winners!
• Celebrating the 2017 Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards

Two Department of Water Resources Grants

• Awarded by: California Department of Water Resources
• Description: The California Department of Water Resources awarded Ecology Action with two additional Resource Grants to expand its WaterLink program work into more counties in California.
• Department of Water Resources announces water-energy grants to 14 agencies
• Ecology Action Helps Disadvantaged Communities Cut Back Water
• Monrovia partners with Ecology Action's WaterLink program

Communicator Award (Silver)

• Awarded by: Miller Maxfield, Inc. Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
• Description: Miller Maxfield, Inc. awarded Energy Upgrade California and Ecology Action a Communicator Silver Award for the Energy Upgrade California Video
• Miller Maxfield Awards

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References

Source of article : Wikipedia