CRANBERRY TWP — Businesses in the township now have a new incentive to be sustainable.

Cranberry is working with Sustainable Pittsburgh to develop a sustainable business designation for those companies that are working to contribute to a healthy Cranberry.

This program is an initiative of the township’s business hub, and is the result of a recommendation in the township’s sustainability assessment, which was completed as part of the Cranberry Plan, according to John Trant, the township’s chief strategic planning officer.

The program encourages the township’s sustainability principles, as set forth in the Cranberry Plan — Be Distinctive, Be Prosperous, Be Engaged, Be Healthy, and Be Committed.

Sustainable Pittsburgh has already rolled out this program in the city of Pittsburgh and other surrounding areas, and more than 100 businesses in those areas have received the designation.

Businesses in Cranberry have the opportunity to apply for the designation. Trant said the process is simple and free.

Company representatives can visit Cranberry’s website and complete the on-line checklist.

To achieve the designation, a company must either check off one criterion in each category, or check off a total of 15 criteria.

Once the checklist is submitted, a business will be informed if it has achieved the designation. All designated businesses will receive promotional materials, a certificate, and recognition from Cranberry Township and Sustainable Pittsburgh.

Businesses also will have the opportunity to participate in future educational workshops. Any businesses that do not achieve designation on their first try will receive assistance in working toward the distinction.

More information is at www.cranberrytownship.org/sustainablebusiness.