Program Overview

The Green Business Certification Program is a voluntary program designed to help businesses go above and beyond basic green measures to reduce their ecological footprint.  Earning Green Business Certification indicates that you are part of an innovative leadership movement to green your business operations and help transition to a sustainable future.

Program emphasis is on day to day operations and policies, as distinct from Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification, which focuses mainly on building construction and major systems.  The application is based on a checklist of actions in seven categories:

• Organizational Commitment
• Waste Reduction & Recycling
• Environmentally Responsible Purchasing
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Efficient Runoff Management and Water Use
• Pollution Prevention
• Transportation and Travel 

In order to promote a comprehensive and results-oriented approach to sustainability, each section is also divided into:

• Policy
• Actions and programs
• Performance Measurement       

Although certain checklist actions are required within each category, the certification process is very flexible, allowing businesses to choose from a broad range of actions.  Businesses can also develop their own innovative actions that are consistent with the program’s principles.  Certification includes on-site verification conducted by trained sustainability experts.  Requirements vary based on business size and whether you own or lease your space.

Initially, only office/retail establishments will be eligible for certification.  As the program evolves, the intent is to develop additional certification programs for other sectors.  

The cost of certification, which is valid for two years, is $100 for SMALL businesses (less than 25 FTEs) and $250 for LARGE businesses (25 or more FTEs).

See the Application Form and the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.