This month, Small Business BC will name BC’s #1 green business at the annual Successful You. The Best Green Business award drew over 20 nominations from businesses across the province; from a Vancouver hair salon committed to waste diversion, to a Pemberton hotel who has been awarded 4 Keys with the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.   Through a round of lively online voting and the scrutiny of a judging committee, the nominees have now been narrowed down to the top five.

Sponsored by BC Hydro Power Smart, the Best Green Business Award seeks to recognize the business that best demonstrates an outstanding commitment to energy and sustainability through action and leadership. Each nominee was asked to provide evidence of their commitment to energy conservation and waste reduction.

“Once again we’re impressed with the caliber of nominees” says Jeff Chiu, the BC Hydro Power Smart representative on the judging panel, “we congratulate all of the top 5 nominees for their achievements in energy conservation and sustainability and hope other small businesses across the province are inspired by their stories.”

Next, the 5 finalists will present a business pitch to the expert judging panel that will have the difficult task of determining the business most deserving of the Best Green Business title. The winner will be announced at the Successful You Awards Ceremony on February 28, at the Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

The Top 5 Best Green Businesses

1. Clover Earthkind Hair Salon – Vancouver

Clover Earthkind Hair Salon is the only salon in Vancouver committed to 85% waste diversion (with high hopes of 90% for 2012) and less use of chemical ingredients. In its annual eco-audit, Clover was certified as a green workplace champion for their extensive recycling and waste diversion program, energy-efficient appliances and bulbs, low VOC paints, post-consumer recycled paper goods, reclaimed wood stations, refurbished used furnishings and recycled d