Today, many businesses claim to be going green, but are they really? Many have been caught greenwashing consumers, partners and investors by making false claims about their positive social and environmental impact. The prevalence of greenwashing is driven by the lack of a central governing agency that defines green compliance policies and practices.
Fortunately, a green business certification fills the gap and differentiates you from the greenwashers because it backs up your claims. An independent third party authenticates this certificate. You can use it to prove you comply with voluntary environmental and energy-efficient standards that benefit the planet and align with your business goals.
Learn the benefits of certification as well as how it works and how to become a certified green business below.
The Benefits Of Green Certification
You can display Green Energy Certificates on your product’s packaging, website and other marketing collateral to assure people your company is environmentally and socially responsible. Here are some benefits having this stamp or approval could accrue for your business:
- Boost your reputation: A green business certification shows you’re committed to pursuing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. As a result, you’re able to attract customers and investors who believe in the same cause.
- Improve sales: By winning the approval or consumers, you can drive sales and profit because they trust you to sell quality products that meet the highest standards.
- Gain a competitive advantage: Having a green business certification logo on your product packaging and marketing materials gains you bragging rights over your competitors without the certification because consumers acknowledge the legitimacy of your claims.
- Reduce operational costs: Implementing green practices, such as recycling, composting and installing energy-efficient bulbs, helps reduce monthly utility bills. You may also get tax breaks and credits for being an energy-efficient business, which helps you save even more money.
How Do Green Energy Certificates and Audits Work?
There are many types of green energy business certifications. The one you select typically depends on the size of your business and the industry you operate in.
The certificates are issued by third-party organizations, such as industry associations, nonprofits and government institutions. This prevents the risk of inhibiting the certificate’s credibility when businesses use money, power or influence to get the certificates illegally. Green business certifications aim to standardize sustainable or green business practices, policies and principles.
These organizations audit how well your company implements sustainable practices and maintains the green initiative you claim. They also measure your compliance against their scientific-backed standards and guidelines before offering you the certification. Some green energy certificates cover an entire business, while others only certify specific products.
Green energy certificates must renewed after a timeline issued by by the certifying organization. You will also undergo periodic audits to ensure you maintain compliance with the environmental and sustainability standards you claim and stay up-to-date on any new standards that emerge.
Additionally, there are different levels for many certifications, which you should aim to acquire. Working toward the new certification levels also helps you attain top-tier sustainability and achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Examples of Green Business Certificates and Organizations
Many organizations offer green business certifications, but not all of them are trustworthy and authoritative. Certifications also vary based on a company’s products, policies, processes, emissions and buildings. The following are the most popular and recommended green business certifications that assess the whole company and its functions:
- B-Corp Certification: A B-Corp certification is an international certification that ensures small, medium-sized and large for-profit companies meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. B-Corp offers the certificate to businesses whose day-to-day activities and business models create a positive impact.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to ensure buildings and communities are constructed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. The aim of this certificate is to promote sustainable design, construction and operation standards.
- ENERGY STAR: This is a renewable energy green certificate available for commercial buildings that are energy efficient and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR certificate encourages more building owners to leverage renewable electricity sources like wind and solar. You might also find ENERGY STAR ratings on appliances if they meet the organization’s standards for efficiency.
- ISO 14001 certification: This certification is an international framework of standards that dictates effective environmental management systems. It’s available to companies and organizations in all industries, including nonprofits, government and private.
- Green Business Bureau (GBB): This is an automated certification program that includes EcoPlanner and EcoAssessment tools available to companies of all sizes. The GBB is a recognizable and authoritative certification that shows your commitment to sustainability and the environment.
How to Become a Certified Green Business
The actual process of becoming a certified green business depends on the standards of the certifying organization. It starts with identifying an authoritative and credible organization that is recognizable and relevant to your audience. It’s best to choose an organization with a transparent certification process and standards. They should also be able to provide you with support during and after the certification process.
You’re required to submit proof of compliance with the organization’s standards and requirements. Alternatively, have a strategy that aligns with their standards to reach compliance. The organizations perform third-party testing, inspections and verification to certify your compliance. The review period can take between two and three months or longer, depending on your level of compliance at the time of the application.
Most certifying organizations require you to pay a compliance fee plus a certification fee or an organization membership fee. The cost is often calculated based on your company’s size and level of compliance. There’s also a renewal cost that’s charged yearly or after longer periods, depending on an organization’s stipulations.
Quincy Compressor Is Committed to Helping Customers Go Green
At Quincy Compressor, we are serious about reducing our carbon emissions and footprint, and we’d like to take our customers along with us. We are a leading designer and manufacturer of air compressors that meet the highest possible standards. We have an ISO 9001-registered manufacturing facility where we ensure each of our products is made to deliver optimal performance and durability.
We take pride in being one of the Best Companies to work for in Alabama, as well as a BBB-accredited business since 2021. Get the most energy-efficient air compressors from us to reduce your energy costs by up to 35%. Contact us today to find out more information about our certified products or request a quote to upgrade your machinery.