Walking the Talk: Solana Center's Green Business Practices
Sustainability in action!
Solana Center operates a completely zero-waste office and is a Certified Green Business.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation doesn’t just talk the climate talk; we walk it every day at our headquarters in Encinitas. For more than four decades, our organization has been located at what used to be the local landfill. Our property was once barren, but with care and remediation, it has become a green space with flourishing fruit trees, an edible garden, and pollinator plants. Our office space was once a fire station, then a recycling center, and for the better part of the last 15 years, a co-working space for our staff.
With the help of dedicated volunteers, we installed a grey water system, rain capture system, small and mid-scale composting operations, vermicomposting worm nursery, low water landscaping with erosion control, as well as a tool lending library and freecycle shed.
In 2024, our organization was recognized by the Green Building Council as a certified Green Business. We are excited for the opportunity to lead by example and encourage other local businesses to strive for zero-waste operations with sustainable products and circular systems. Most recently, we celebrated the certification of the Encinitas Library, a neighbor that is living the Green Business model.
Total: 25.14 metric tons CO2e saved in 2024
Solana Center operates a completely zero-waste office, including:
Recycling
Organics recycling
Recycled paper products
Grey water system
Rain collection
Shade and fruit trees
Used furniture and fixtures
Tool lending library
Low water landscaping
Pollinator and native plants
No AC
Repurposed electronics
Reusable dishware for staff use
Freecycle
No gas appliances
In addition, our organization saved 6,566 kWh ($665) in one year by implementing power management software for laptops and saved 21,335 gallons of water in one year by using low-flow toilets and sink aerators, as well as checking for leaks monthly.
Learn more about how you can create a zero-waste office for your business https://www.solanacenter.org/business-programs