(Washington, DC) — The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) has begun assessing restaurants to help DC’s neighborhood restaurants as part Greening DC Restaurants, a project that offers free technical assistance to restaurants operating in District neighborhoods. Restaurants located in the central business districts also may participate if space permits. 

A pilot project made possible by a partnership between DSLBD and GreenHOME, Greening DC Restaurants begins with an initial assessment of business operations in January and February, and continues with in-depth workshops and consultations from March through May.

Through these assessments, workshops, and consultations with a green expert, participating restaurant owners will learn how to reduce their operating expenses, increase customer sales, and positively impact the environment by making a minimal to moderate investment in changing their energy/water usage, product and equipment procurement, and front-of-house operations. 

An accompanying how-to guide will help DC restaurants implement both short- and long-term changes that can significantly impact their bottom line, reduce a business’ ecological footprint, and improve the dining and working environment for customers and workers. 

To schedule an initial assessment and sign-up for the workshops, contact:

  Camille I. Nixon, Project Manager
  Department of Small and Local Business Development
  (202)741-0894 or camille.nixon@dc.gov.