How to be a Certified Green Business

We are presently still in the early stage of Green understanding about to enter the next phase of environmental maturity. During this time we are seeing a pervasive greenwashing attitude thinking that the public does not know the difference between the real and pretenders of Green business.

We presently see the self-appointed Green businesses that believe that their token efforts qualify them as a Green company.

There are also the "Easy Green" companies that have joined up with a website offering a Green logo for a price. There are also well-intended city efforts to promote Green businesses. Regardless of the expectations, there is a need for a nationally recognized Green business certification.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A willingness to be authentically Green
• Seek guidance from a professional
• Don't fall for the Green scams

1. PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE: We know enough to retain an accountant for our finances, an attorney for our legal issues, and a licensed plumber for a broken pipe. Shouldn't businesses seek the assistance of a Certified Green Consultant for Greening their operation?

2. PROGRESSIVE GREEN: Going Green is not a one-time effort. Spread the cost and commitment over one to five years. We didn't get into this mess in a few days, and it will take years to really orient a truly Green business.

3. A GREEN PROGRAM: Avoid the piecemeal process of Greening a business. Too often businesses install a few ideas and quit. Develop a Green plan for your business that looks more than a year into the future. This allows your business to plan any costs into the budget and spread these costs over a longer time.

4. NATIONAL CERTIFICATION: Avoid website certifications that will eventually embarrass your company. Seek a nationally recognized certification that is not tied to a small project. These programs offer a broad scope approach to the Green program with standards of certification.

Tips & Warnings

• Require your suppliers and vendors to pursue their Green business certification as well.
• Let the buying public know that your business is nationally recognized as a Certified Green Business.
• This is not a one-time fix. Commit to a five year Greening plan.
• Don't mistake a Green idea for a Green plan. Carbon credits is not the complete Green plan.
• Avoid greenwashing, Easy Greening programs, and Green scams.

Resources

• Green Business League
• Green Officer Training
• Green Consultant Directory