Alameda County recently awarded Alameda Autolab, 631 Buena Vista Ave., exclusive membership in its Green Business Program. It is the only automobile repair shop in Alameda to have earned the designation. The designation means that the shop’s owners, Robert Ramos and Luis Gomez, have gone the extra mile when it comes to complying with the county’s environmental standards, especially conserving resources and preventing pollution. 

In order to implement their commitment, Ramos and Gomez have joined with the county, the city of Alameda, Alameda Municipal Power and the East Bay Municipal Utilities District. These entities will assist them in complying with all the applicable regulations they need to know to properly run a green business. “We have promised to do all we can to conserve energy and water,” Gomez said. “When we applied for the program, we learned how to prevent both pollution and waste.” 

Ramos and Gomez will be able to turn to city and county agencies for technical assistance. These agencies have already verified that Alameda Autolab complies with applicable environmental regulations. As a member of the Green Business Program Alameda Autolab’s owners can expect visits from wastewater, storm water, hazardous materials and air quality staff.

“As a green-certified business we have promised to pay close attention not only to the type of paper we use, but to the products we use to keep our shop clean,” Gomez said. 

The Green Business Program dates to legislation signed in 2011 that conferred official state status on such programs around the state.