The City of Fredericton unveiled an innovative new program aimed at greening the city's business community.

Green Shops, the latest initiative of the City's Green Matters Campaign, will encourage businesses to reduce their environmental impact by implementing a series of steps, all aimed at making the business more environmentally friendly.

"Consumers like shopping at green businesses," said Mayor Brad Woodside. "Green Shops gives business owners concrete suggestions for how they can green their operations."

Participating business can earn either a Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation by accumulating credits for implementing green changes in five separate categories including: Energy Efficiency & Fuel Switching; Recycling & Waste Management; Transportation; Water Conservation; and Products & Services.

"The Green Shops initiative is designed to be flexible and adaptive," said Coun. Scott McConaghy, Chair of the City's Public Safety & Environment Committee. "Businesses will also be given credit for actions they have taken before this program began."

A list of participating businesses will be posted on the Green Shops website.The website will showcase local businesses' commitment to reducing  their environmental impact.

All participating Green Shops are given an official Fredericton Green Shops window decal. Additional Bronze, Silver, and Gold Member decals are supplied when a participating business reaches the required credit threshold.

Credits will be awarded for a number of changes  businesses can implement including : installing: programmable thermostats; a solar water-heating system; getting rid of plastic bags, composting organic waste; promoting car-pooling for employees; installing low-flow toilets; using only recycled paper products; discontinuing use of cosmetic pesticides; and many others.

Fredericton Green Shops is a voluntary program that is part of the City of Fredericton's Green Matters Campaign. The ultimate goal of the program is to reduce Fredericton's environmental impact through supporting, promoting and rewarding environmental stewardship within the business community.

Email Green Shops for more information.