Most businesses already understand that “going green” is good for their business and that promoting environmentally sustainable practices brings in more customers. Yet how do you know whether a company really is doing what it promises? Changing the entire supply chain to eliminate waste is not a simple and cheap undertaking. Small businesses invest a lot of time and money into improving their sustainability and maintaining a certain standard. Moreover, these small green business want their suppliers and customers to know that their concern for the environment is more than just a PR, but a new way of doing business.
Certifying your green business
Small businesses which label themselves ‘green’ should obtain a stamp of approval from an independent third party agency. Having a relevant certification from a recognized institution shows customers that the company really means ‘green’ business. The certification process varies from industry to industry. For instance, organic food is regulated by the USDA’s National Organic Program, builders and architects can get LEED certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. You can use the internet to find the relevant organizations that will ‘green’ certify products or services within your industry. Products and projects which are not covered through an industry-specific agency can still be certified by an independent organization that offers green credentials.
Green America
Green America has the longest track record is the US and it is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982. This particular body assesses businesses based on their environmental and ethical practices which include things like respecting workers’ rights and community involvement as well as utilisation, recycling and conservation. Businesses with a Green America membership benefit from additional exposure and validity. To learn more about certifying your green business with Green America click here.
The Institute for Green Business Certification
If you feel that your company can not meet their requirements you can always look at other certifying organizations, like the The Institute for Green Business Certification. This particular organization is quite interesting because what they do is assign an environmental analyst to each small business and he/she works with the company to achieve greater sustainability and qualify for a certification. To learn more about ‘green’ certifying your small business by the Institute of Green Business Certification click here.
There are plenty of other organizations that can ‘green’ certify your small business. The above mentioned two organizations only deal with business which are based in the US. However, each country has their own governing body with it’s own procedures of obtaining a green certification by small business. Yet most of the requirements will be the same, especially for organizations based in the European Union.
Today, in a situation when going green is good for business, it’s in every company’s interest to show the efforts in minimizing waste and caring for the environment. Consumers today are more informed than they used to be 10 years ago and they have also grown more demanding and sophisticated. They prefer to know that a company they are buying from is a ‘good’ company. This makes them feel better about their purchase.
| Share this page on... |
