Spokane businesses have until Wednesday, Dec. 31, to send in their applications to be included in the City of Spokane’s new recognition and certification program for businesses which have adopted sustainable management practices of their assets, resources, and technology.

With rising interest in “green” and sustainable practices, the City’s Business & Development Services Department developed the program, called the SMART Recognition Program. SMART stands for Sustainable Management of Assets, Resources, and Technology. Partners in the program include Avista, Eastern Washington University and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

“When we asked businesses what we could do to encourage them to adopt these practices, they told us that they needed help marketing their commitment to sustainability to their customers,” says Mayor Mary Verner. “More and more people want to do business with companies that share their commitment to protecting the environment and resources.”

Businesses can apply to be recognized at either a “participant” or “certified” level in a variety of categories, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, renewable energy, water conservation, green building, transportation/commute trip reduction, and pollution prevention.

“We hope people will see this as a seal of approval for these businesses,” the Mayor says. “This is an exciting new program for us.”

Businesses have from now until 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, to apply for the recognition. Application materials and a more detailed program description are available on the City’s web site at developingspokane.org.

Businesses that are just beginning to implement these kinds of practices can set a goal of completing their work in the coming year and then applying for the recognition at the end of 2009. The City’s Business & Development Services Department hopes that the program will grow to include more businesses each year.