VISTA, CA – The City of Vista recently partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) to create a local Vista Green Business Network. Through this program, Vista supports businesses eager to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship in our community.
On June 3, 2025 the City of Vista and Vista Chamber of Commerce will recognize Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps as Vista’s first business to earn their Green Business Certification. Kevin Lee, Environmental Health and Sustainability Manager at Dr. Bronner’s, shared, “Pursuing the California Green Business certification allowed our company to verify that our operational practices are sustainable and aligned with those of other environmentally minded businesses in California. Many of the Green Business checklist criteria are also just common-sense best business practices that will help us save on costs and improve efficiencies.” Dr. Bronner’s uses other local environmental initiatives, such as Clean Energy Alliance’s 100% renewable energy Green Impact program, to enhance their sustainable solutions as a Green Impact Champion. Vista municipal operations also hold the title of Green Impact Champion and support Vista businesses’ transition to be more sustainable, through local incentive programs.
Through this program, businesses gain numerous resources to help advance their own sustainable business practices that increase efficiency and reduce costs while receiving FREE individualized consulting to become a certified green business. With three certification levels, we meet businesses where they are and help them grow as sustainable leaders. Dr. Bronner’s achieved the highest certification level as an ‘Innovator’ Green Business, promoting sustainable culture and values in their practices and the community.
U.S Green Building Council California Training and Program Manager said, “It was a pleasure assisting Dr. Bronner’s with their California Green Business Certification! This certification aligns perfectly with their mission. Dr. Bronner’s staff worked diligently on their certification and as a result they reduced the company’s environmental impacts, operating costs, and continue to be role models for other businesses to become sustainable.”
Environmental initiatives such as diverting waste, conserving energy, reducing water usage, and building sustainable education into staff culture are just a few examples of what makes a business eligible to obtain its Green Business Certification.
Cassidy McCarthy, the city’s Climate Action Plan Program Administrator, said, “The City is proud to offer the Vista Green Business Network as a tool to support our local businesses and their sustainable initiatives. The great thing about this Network is that many of our businesses already have sustainable and environmentally friendly practices without realizing it, and this program helps give them the recognition they deserve.”
Vista businesses interested in obtaining their certification can learn more at vista.gov/gbn.
Green Business Network Recognition Ceremony at Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Tuesday, June 3
10:00 am-10:45 am
1335 Park Center Drive, Vista
Officers, management, and staff from Dr. Bronner’s, representatives from the Vista City Council and City staff, and representatives from the Vista Chamber of Commerce will attend.
About the City of Vista
The City of Vista is a Charter Law city incorporated on January 28, 1963. Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County, it has a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Residents enjoy various year-round outdoor activities in gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings. Vista is approximately 19 square miles with a population of nearly 100,000. The City of Vista provides exceptional services to improve Vista’s quality of life and enhance the uniqueness of the Vista community.
About the Vista Chamber of Commerce
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is a diverse organization focused on powerfully impacting our community. For more than 100 years, the Vista Chamber of Commerce has represented our community by advocating for businesses, planning for our community’s future, giving back through our non-profits, and partnering to make Vista a sought-after place to do business, raise families, shop, dine, and play. We are a catalyst for business growth and champions for a stronger community.
About USGBC California
USGBC California is a non-profit and member-based organization working to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environment in California. Their work brings together industry professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and decision-makers. By merging interdisciplinary perspectives, they promote innovative, proactive solutions that advocate for systemic change to improve buildings whilst saving money, increasing efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, and creating healthier places for people.
About Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Dr. Bronner’s is a family-owned, ecological soap-making company founded in 1948. This multi-generational family company advocates for making socially and environmentally responsible products while maintaining high quality and giving back to the world. Sustainability is integral to their processes and business methods to support the environment and the community.
