SUSTAIN SEDONA
A Business Certification Program
Protecting our watershed is a collective effort, and Ripple Effect partners want to empower water users in all sectors to do their part. The Sustain Sedona program focuses on helping commercial water users in Sedona and surrounding areas identify specific steps they can take to improve the sustainability of their business practices and operations.
A sustainable business is a lasting business. That’s why we’ve developed a streamlined path to improved sustainability for your business to follow! We’ve identified four categories of action: Water Conservation, Waste Reduction, Wastewater Protection, and Stormwater Management. Within each category, we’ve provided a list of relevant actions businesses may take to responsibly manage their impact on the local watershed.
Reorienting ourselves to be more considerate and inclusive of our environment and community isn’t something that should be rushed. With this in mind, we designed this program to be cumulative in nature, allowing your business to start small, maintain, then build over time. There are three levels of certification: Leader, Innovator, and Champion. Each business that certifies will start out at the Leader level with the option to level up after a year of demonstrating sustained effort. Here’s how it works:
- Achieve the minimum required action items at your level
- Reach for extra green action items
- Sustain your efforts to gain new levels
Certification Levels
Click on each image to expand
Within all four categories, there are additional “Extra Green” actions that businesses can take to go above and beyond. Businesses will be recognized on social media and in city council meetings for completing the “Extra Green” achievements.
*Please note that businesses that are identified as non-compliant with city environmental code and ordinances during the evaluation process will be required to provide evidence of efforts towards achieving compliance in order to become certified through this program and will not receive the full benefits of the Sedona City Council meeting incentive until this is complete. The City of Sedona will offer guidance to businesses with this process as needed.
Categories
Whether you’re ahead of the game or just starting out on your sustainability journey, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to achieve your chosen sustainable actions! Check out the following Leader Level actions by category.
Click here for a checklist that includes detailed definitions of each action item, examples, and links.
Water Conservation
- Water Efficiency Checkup
Arizona Water Company CII Water Efficiency Checkup Program
River Friendly Living Grant Program Information
River Friendly Living Grant For Businesses
- No current leaks
- Conservation-oriented water use policy
- Landscape irrigation operating efficiently
- Irrigation schedule updated quarterly
- Extra Green for Water Conservation
- 70% or more of landscaping is native or low-water use
- Sponsored or volunteered at the Annual 4th Grade Sedona Water Festival
Waste Reduction
- Recycling program in place
Recycling Toolkit for the Workplace by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Sedona Recycles Commercial Recycling Dumpster Information
Waste Management Commercial Waste Disposable & Recycling Pickup
- Minimal to no contamination of the recycling bin
- The city of Sedona offices adopted labels from Recycle Across America
https://www.recycleacrossamerica.org/standardized-labels
- Opportunities to change materials to recycled options
Materials Accepted – Sedona Recycles
- Extra Green for Waste Reduction
- Sustainable procurement policy in place
Wastewater Protection
- Maintaining records of pre-treatment for at least 3 years
- Grease trap/interceptor installed
- Mop sink in place
- Education signage in restrooms
City of Sedona’s Sewer Safe Guidelines
- Feminine hygiene product disposal in place
- Extra Green for Wastewater Protection
- Switched over to all eco-friendly cleaning products
Stormwater Management
- Properly storing and managing hazardous chemicals on site
EPA Guide to Small Business Hazardous Waste Management
- Erosion protection measures in place below gutter and roof lines
- On-site storm drain system let free from litter or other blockage
- Opportunities for improved rainwater/stormwater capture identified
Green Infrastructure Information by Arizona Department of Environmental Equality
- Company-owned/fleet vehicles are regularly checked for leaks and repaired
- Extra Green for Stormwater Management
- Business leadership and selected staff have participated in a water-quality focused professional development or volunteer opportunity
https://verderiver.org/get-involved/volunteer/
https://web.cvent.com/event/ba72a251-0274-4c0d-b9b1-43cfbbf21ee7/summary
https://azdot.gov/business/programs-and-partnerships/adopt-highway/volunteer-program-adopt-highway
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Training OSHA
Additional Green Achievements
- Dark sky compliant lighting installed
- Received fire-wise compliance assessment & approval from fire department
- Regularly maintaining fire-wise compliance
- Obtained River-Friendly Living Business Certification from Friends of the Verde River
https://verderiver.org/get-involved/
- Participated in and certified through Local First AZ’s Green Business Bootcamp
For any questions regarding the program or any of the actions, please call the Arizona Water Company water conservation general number at (602) 294-2479.
Please note that this number goes straight to voicemail but gets checked daily by staff and calls are returned within three business days.
How To Apply
Is your business interested in certifying? Click HERE to fill out the online application.
Summer application period is open from June 2, 2026 to August 10th, 2026.
ATTN: Conservation
3805 N Black Canyon Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Questions?
Arizona Water Company Conservation team
Phone: (602) 294-2479
Email: sustainability@sedonaaz.gov
City of Sedona Sustainability team
Phone: (928) 203-5127
Email: sustainability@sedonaaz.gov
