The outlets are in Sacramento and Eldorado Counties and were honored with a recognition ceremony in Folsom.

A dozen Starbucks locations volunteered to be part of the Sustainable Business Program run by Sacramento County. 

Rob Webb is the Starbucks district manager.  He says the stores' use less water and energy, while also re-using wood and brick as design features and seating.  He says the effort is consistent with company philosophy.

WEBB: "What Starbucks is trying to do as far as make an imprint and be a sustainable business, it really aligns." 

June Livingston is with the County's Business Environmental Resource Center.  She says the center has helped about 20 businesses a year become more environmentally friendly since 1993.

LIVINGSTON:  "Businesses wanted someplace they could go to help them with environmental compliance…a place they could go that would be anonymous."