Encinitas School First in San Diego Region to Earn Green Business Certification

March 24, 2026- The City of Encinitas today recognized The Grauer School as a newly certified Green Business through the Encinitas Green Business Network. A pioneer in holistic learning and sustainable practices, the school is the first in the San Diego region to achieve California Green Business Certification. This achievement reflects The Grauer School's dual commitment to ecological stewardship and environmental education and makes The Grauer School a key member of the growing network of local green businesses.

The Encinitas Green Business Network is a partnership between the City of Encinitas, the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA). A local program of the larger California Green Business Network, the Encinitas Green Business Network offers free certification to Encinitas-based organizations in pursuit of the California Green Business Certification, in addition to access to free resources and support. According to USGBC-CA, more than 4,700 Certified Green Businesses across the state have collectively mitigated over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. From energy conservation and water efficiency to waste reduction and pollution prevention, Certified Green Businesses demonstrate that sustainability is both achievable and essential.

The Grauer School is the sixth organization to earn the California Green Business Certification in Encinitas. They have joined a coalition of local leaders committed to sustainable operations and community impact, alongside Surfdog's Java Hut, Encinitas Periodontics and Dental Implants, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, Encinitas Library and Pacific View Arts Center.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the school's campus to celebrate this achievement. This event highlighted how The Grauer School integrates sustainability directly into campus culture and student curriculum.

"The Grauer School is honored to be recognized as a California Green Business." said Dana Abplanalp-Diggs, M.Ed., Head of The Grauer School, "For 35 years, we have been defined by a deep commitment to sustainability and a mission to instill a lifelong love of nature in our students. By championing environmental stewardship in our facilities, purchasing, and programming, we empower our students to use their voices and talents for the global good. We are proud to lead by example, ensuring we leave our community stronger and more sustainable for future generations."

"The Grauer School's commitment to environmental stewardship was clear throughout their certification process," said U.S. Green Building Council California Training and Program Manager, Robert Carr, who supports businesses in achieving certification through the Encinitas Green Business Network. "It was a pleasure to work with school staff to showcase The Grauer School culture of sustainability and green operational standards."

"The City's Climate Action Plan aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Voluntary participation from residents, visitors, businesses, community organizations, schools and developers in climate action is essential for the City to achieve our emission reduction targets" said Ryan Lamkin, a Sustainability Analyst for the City of Encinitas. "The Grauer School, as the first school to obtain California Green Business Certification in San Diego County, is leading by example, demonstrating the case for sustainability and encouraging their peers."

Encinitas schools, businesses and organizations interested in following The Grauer School's lead are encouraged to start their certification journey. For more information on the process and benefits of the program, please email [email protected] or visit https://www.encinitasca.gov/greenbiz.