THE KENAI PENINSULA GREEN STAR PROGRAM

The Green Star Program was started by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and has since expanded to include chapters operating in five states.  The Kenai Peninsula Green Star program was established by the Kenai, North Peninsula, and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce in 1994 to provide a program to reduce waste and prevent pollution, promote energy efficiency and recognize those organizations meeting Green Star Standards.  Green Star is a non-profit organization dependent on sponsorship from businesses, grants, enrollment, donations and local governmental support.

Green Star's goal is to help organizations earn a Green Star Award.  This award symbolizes that the organization applying for the awards has met at least 12 of the Green Star Standards and can show that a positive environmental change has occurred in their daily operations.  Standards include requirements such as conducting a waste reduction assessment, conserving paper, purchasing recycled products, implementing energy saving changes, recycling and reusing materials.

Businesses, schools, and organizations enroll in the program by paying a fee based on the number of employees. Green Star will provide an enrollment packet which includes the Green Star Standards as well as information helpful in applying the standards.

Once the standards have been implemented, Green Star will conduct an on-site visit and will publicly present the Green Star Award to achieving organizations.

Additional resource material and tips on how to implement each of the Standards are available; workshops are provided; and Green Star representatives are available to answer questions and otherwise assist with Green Star efforts.

Organizations and businesses receive recognition not only when you earn your award, but also when you join the program, making your enrollment fee an effective advertising investment . Organizations who successfully implement the program produce less waste and save energy, both of which save money.  Your business will enjoy knowing that you are operating responsibly doing what you can to help the environment and keep the community clean.

A one-time enrollment fee which varies between $50 and $250 depending on your number of employees, and the only other cost is an annual $25 renewal fee. The majority of the program expense is underwritten by our program sponsors.