Wow! Check out these 25 awesome certifications for green businesses!

Hi there! It’s really cool that you’re interested in green business certifications. I have some super exciting ones to share with you! Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

1. LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED is a well-known and respected certification. It shows that a building or space has been designed and constructed to be environmentally friendly. How amazing is that?

2. B Corp Certification

A B Corp Certification tells the world that a company is committed to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. It’s like wearing a badge of honor!

3. ENERGY STAR Certification

If a product has an ENERGY STAR Certification, it means that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. It’s like a thumbs up for saving energy!

4. Green Seal Certification

Green Seal Certification is given to products and services that have a minimal impact on the environment. It’s like a stamp of eco-approval!

5. Rainforest Alliance Certification

When you see the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, it means that a product comes from farms or forests that follow sustainable practices. It’s like a promise to protect our precious rainforests!

6. Fair Trade Certification

With a Fair Trade Certification, you know that the products you’re buying are made under fair working conditions and that farmers are getting a fair price for their goods. It’s like supporting justice and equality!

7. Cradle to Cradle Certification

Cradle to Cradle Certification ensures that a product is made with materials that can be safely recycled or returned to nature. It’s like a guarantee that we’re taking care of the planet!

8. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification

When you see the FSC Certification logo, it means that a product comes from responsibly managed forests. It’s like knowing that trees were treated with respect!

9. Green-e Certification

Green-e Certification tells you that the electricity you’re using is generated from renewable sources. It’s like powering your home with clean energy!

10. Carbon Neutral Certification

When a business is Carbon Neutral Certified, it means that they have taken steps to reduce their carbon emissions and have offset the rest. It’s like doing your part to fight climate change!

11. Cradle to Cradle Certified

Cradle to Cradle Certified products are designed to have a positive impact on people and the planet. It’s like turning everyday objects into superheroes!

12. Certified Vegan Certification

A Certified Vegan Certification assures you that a product does not contain any animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals. It’s like supporting a cruelty-free world!

13. Certified Organic Certification

When a product has a Certified Organic Certification, it means that it was made without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It’s like choosing food that’s good for your body and the environment!

14. Non-GMO Project Verified

If you see the Non-GMO Project Verified logo on a product, it means that it does not contain genetically modified organisms. It’s like having peace of mind knowing what’s in your food!

15. EPA Green Power Partnership

The EPA Green Power Partnership recognizes businesses that use renewable energy to power their operations. It’s like teaming up with Mother Nature!

16. Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certification

The SFI Certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests and support the health of forest ecosystems. It’s like knowing that trees are treated with care and love!

17. Green Restaurant Association Certified

Green Restaurant Association Certified restaurants are committed to sustainability in the foodservice industry. It’s like enjoying a delicious meal while saving the planet!

18. WaterSense Certification

A product with a WaterSense Certification means that it meets water efficiency and performance criteria. It’s like conserving water while still getting the job done!

19. Green Globe Certification

Green Globe Certification is given to businesses in the travel and tourism industry that meet high standards of sustainability. It’s like exploring the world without harming it!

20. Green Business Bureau Certification

With a Green Business Bureau Certification, you know that a business is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. It’s like supporting companies that care about the planet!

21. USDA Organic Certification

When a product has the USDA Organic Certification, it means that it meets strict standards for organic farming. It’s like giving your body the best nature has to offer!

22. Green America Certification

Green America Certification shows that a business is committed to social and environmental responsibility. It’s like supporting companies that want to make the world a better place!

23. Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified

If a product is EWG Verified, it means that it meets the rigorous criteria set by the Environmental Working Group for transparency and health. It’s like making smart choices for your well-being!

24. Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)

GBCI provides various certifications, like TRUE Certification for zero waste practices and WELL Certification for promoting health and well-being in buildings. It’s like creating spaces that are good for people and the planet!

25. ISO 14001 Certification

ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It’s like speaking the same language of sustainability worldwide!

So, there you have it! These 25 certifications are proof that businesses can make a positive impact on the environment. By supporting companies with these certifications, you’re helping create a greener and more sustainable world. Isn’t that amazing? Keep up the great work!

I’ve learned that consumers are getting smarter when it comes to green businesses and products. So if I want to prove that my company is environmentally friendly, I should look into some certifications. These certifications can offer proof about my business’s environmental claims. Let me share with you a list of 25 green business certifications that I think you should consider.

List of Green Business Certifications

LEED

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification specifically for buildings. If your business location has sustainable design features or other environmentally friendly aspects, you can earn points to achieve different levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

USDA Organic

If you run a business that deals with food, you have the option to get your products certified as organic by applying to a certifying agent approved by the USDA. All you have to do is provide information about how you grow or make your products. Once you receive certification, you can proudly display the USDA Certified Organic seal on your products. This will attract customers who prefer to buy organic.

Green Business Bureau

The Green Business Bureau (GBB) is an online program that certifies businesses as environmentally friendly. To get certified, you need to complete an initial assessment, create a vision statement about your commitment to sustainability, display an Environmental Compliance Poster, form a Green Team within your office, and hold a kick-off meeting to review the results of the GBB Assessment and follow their recommendations.

Safer Choice

I wanted to tell you about this cool program called Safer Choice from the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s all about certifying and labeling products that are not only effective but also safe for both people and the environment. You can find all sorts of products with different certifications, like fragrance-free options or products with safe chemicals.

WELL

Now, let me tell you about another certification program called WELL. This one focuses on building projects and how they impact our health, wellness, and the environment. It’s got different levels with their own requirements, and pricing can vary depending on the project.

Green C Certification

The Green C Certification program, offered by the American Consumer Council, is a way for businesses to show that they care about the environment. It’s open to companies in various industries that operate or do business in the U.S. and have at least five employees. To apply, you’ll need to pay for a visit to your site, which starts at $2,500.

Energy Star

You’re probably familiar with the Energy Star symbol on appliances, lightbulbs, and electronics. But did you know that buildings and plants can also earn Energy Star certification? To find out if your building or plant is eligible, the EPA has a free online tool that measures energy use and emissions. You’ll get a score between 1 and 100, and if you score over 75, you can apply for certification.

EDGE

Have you heard of EDGE? It stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies. It’s a cool certification that’s all about making new building projects awesome. If you’re a builder, developer, or in a similar business, you might want to check it out. It’s totally worth it!

The Institute for Green Business Certification

Guess what? There’s this awesome Canadian organization called the Institute for Green Business Certification. They give certifications and support to businesses that meet high environmental standards. These businesses make sure they follow all the rules and do things to save energy. The cost of certification depends on the year.

Fair Trade USA Certified

When a product is Fair Trade Certified, it means that the company treats everyone involved in making the product fairly, from start to finish. This includes making sure that workers are paid fair wages, the prices are fair, and the impact on the environment is minimized. There are different certifications available for different types of products, and the fees to get certified are paid every three months and vary depending on the type of business.

PEER

PEER is a certification program that focuses on making the power systems of a facility more sustainable and efficient. It looks at things like how well the power system works, how effective it is, and how reliable it is. Getting certified can help facility owners ensure that their clients or potential customers receive high-quality power.

Green Seal

I’m excited to tell you about an amazing organization called Green Seal. They are a non-profit group that focuses on certifying and promoting environmentally friendly products and services. It’s really cool because they have different standards for different industries, so they make sure everyone is doing their part to protect the environment. If you’re interested in getting certified, you can find all the information you need on their website.

Another certification program that I want to introduce you to is called SITES. This one is specifically for landscapes, so if you have a business with a lot of land or outdoor space, it might be perfect for you. SITES uses a points system to determine certification, and they have different levels, so it’s a great way to showcase your commitment to the environment. The registration fee for SITES starts at $2,500, but I think it’s totally worth it.

Now, let’s talk about the Forest Stewardship Council. They offer certification for forest managers or companies that use forest resources. It’s important to make sure that our forests are being responsibly managed to protect their resources. With FSC certification, you can show that your company is doing just that. Plus, it opens up new markets for you, which is pretty awesome.

Last but not least, there’s GRESB. GRESB is all about certification for sustainable real estate and infrastructure. They have a rigorous process to ensure that buildings and projects meet high environmental standards. By getting certified through GRESB, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and attract investors who care about the environment.

So there you have it, a bunch of amazing certification programs that can help you make a positive impact on the environment. I hope you’ll consider getting certified and joining the movement for a greener future!

Did you know that GRESB is a certification that evaluates the impact of real estate and infrastructure on sustainability and ethical practices? It’s a way for investors to gain insight into the effects of their investments on the environment and society.

Let me tell you about WasteWise

The EPA has a program called WasteWise, which acknowledges businesses, governments, and organizations that have made significant progress in reducing waste. By joining this program, you can enjoy benefits such as lower waste disposal costs and recognition in the WasteWise publication and on the EPA’s website.

The Bay Area Green Business Program is worth mentioning too

If you’re a business in the Bay Area of California, the Bay Area Green Business Program is here to help. They work with local environmental agencies to support businesses like yours, encouraging you to reduce waste and shrink your carbon footprint. And the best part? It’s all online, making it easy for you to apply if you meet the government regulations and other qualifications.

Welcome to Parksmart

Parksmart is an amazing certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to sustainable practices in parking structure management, programming, design, and technology. It’s perfect for businesses that use parking garages or manage parking facilities. And guess what? The registration fee is just $250, with an additional $6,500 for certification.

Discover BioPreferred

Did you know that there are some awesome programs out there that help companies show how environmentally friendly and animal-friendly their products are? Let me tell you about a few of them!

BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Initiative

First up, we have the BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Initiative from the United States Department of Agriculture. This program allows companies that make biobased products to show that they meet or even exceed the minimum biobased content percentage in their industry. How cool is that? The standards for this program vary depending on the type of product.

WaterSense

Next, we have WaterSense, which is another program, but this one is from the EPA. It applies to manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and more. When you become a partner in the WaterSense program, you gain access to all kinds of resources and tools that are specifically tailored to your needs. Plus, WaterSense products are independently tested and certified to meet the EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance. So you know you’re getting something good!

Animal Welfare Approved

Now, let’s talk about the Animal Welfare Approved certification. Animals and the environment often go hand in hand, right? Well, this certification is for businesses that want to show that their products are animal-friendly. Farmers, food producers, and others can apply for this certification online. It’s a great way to let people know that you care about animals!

Certified Humane

When it comes to the well-being of farm animals, there is a certification system called Certified Humane that helps consumers identify which food products are made with care and compassion. To earn this certification, farmers and food producers must adhere to specific standards for the proper care and handling of their animals.

Green America

If you care about the environment and want to support companies that make a positive impact on society, you’ll be interested in Green America. This organization certifies businesses that use their operations as a force for good and follow environmentally responsible practices. To earn the prestigious Green America seal, companies must go through an application process and meet certain criteria, which vary depending on the level of certification they aim for.

Green Plus

Did you know that there’s a cool program called Green Plus? It’s offered by the Redwoods Group Foundation and is all about certifying green businesses. If you’re interested, all you have to do is take a quick survey. If you score well, you’ll get some awesome benefits like access to branding and marketing strategies just for green businesses.

Now, let’s talk about EPEAT.

EPEAT is a program run by the Green Electronics Council, and it’s specifically for companies that make and sell electronics. The program has different requirements depending on what kind of products a business sells.