The Los Angeles region is home to more green companies than any other metropolitan area in California, according to an updated analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund.

By EDF's count, Los Angeles County has 489 businesses and organizations specializing in one of five sectors: low-carbon energy, energy efficiency, transportation, green buildings and carbon markets. Orange County also has 278 green organizations.

"These are the companies that can lead the world in innovative solutions that create jobs and increase our global competitiveness," Tim O’Connor, an attorney in EDF’s Sacramento office said in a statement.

Statewide, the number of green businesses grew by 60 percent over last year and currently totals more than 3,500. The higher figure is partially a result of EDF now including institutions like think tanks that are involved in the green economy and companies that claim to use sustainable practices.

EDF has developed a map of its data to help job seekers identify local green companies. The EDF data came from companies submitting a profile and also from public and private databases. EDF tried to verify the data and it admits its list is not exhaustive.

The map's other goal is to encourage policymakers to invest more tax dollars on green projects.

"Elected officials who have supported energy-related policies also can see the fruits of their labor,” O’Connor added.

EDF research was done with assistance from the California EPA and the Governor's Office of Economic Development.