Article DetailsGoing Green / Green Business Certification |
| Date Added: August 25, 2008 08:33:02 PM |
| Author: Anonymous |
| Category: Green Businesses |
| Many conscientious business owners have taken steps to “Go Green”. They have enacted internal policies and procedures that benefit the environment, their communities and their employees. They have found exceptional cost savings by reducing their carbon footprint. Some have come to realize the potential marketing advantages and are calling themselves a “Green Company”. But what does that really mean? … NOTHING! Anyone can call themselves “Green Company” but until they have a third party accreditation it’s looked upon as simple a “nice thing to say” about one’s own business. For the record, there is a nationally recognized ‘Green Building Certification’ but the business applying for certification must own the building in order to have their building certified. Furthermore, it is reported, only about 10% of all building owners requesting certification will qualify. There are some trade organizations (most are self-serving and are not environmentally related) that will certify a manufacturing or building process but the “Chain of Custody” and the paperwork required is extremely complicated, costly and oppressive for most businesses. It is akin to the ISO requirements and documentation. What about the service or small manufacturing business that leases its facility? There is an answer. It’s called The Institute for Green Business Certification, Inc. (www.gbcertified.com). IGBC started in 2006 in the upper Midwest and has certified businesses nationwide. They are in the process of collaboration with environmental related businesses to establish branch offices in several states. Their latest partnership is with Environmental HIC Engineering who will service the Southern California area. |
