The Green Businss Basics

By now, it seems that the need to transition to a Green business is a no brainer. Unfortunately, there is a growing number of programs offering Green business certification, eco business training, or sustainable business consulting. It should be no surprise that more Green certifications are popping up as a result of the obvious tidal wave of Green mandates that are most certainly on their way.

Unfortunately, not all of these programs offer something worth the time or money that a Green business certification will cost. Frankly, $10 is too much when the company offering the certification is willing to sell the same designation to others that have literally no environmental commitment. It may turn out to be a huge embarrassment as the designation falls into an expose like the recent LEED expose.

The first basic, is that the Green certification must be national. The idea that the local Green programs adopt Green business guideline using various interpretations of environmental or sustainability issues is a good, but imperfect solution.

Secondly, the project should not be done by self assessment. Everyone realizes that a self assessment invites misrepresentation and abuse. The fact that these Green business certifications are sold over the Internet is evidence that there is no assurance of quality. Instead, consider a program like the one offered by the Green Business League where a Certified Green Consultant.

Thirdly, is there a holistic Green program offered? Too often, Green certifications are offered based on one area of environmental concern. For example, while buying carbon credits may make the company carbon neutral, the same company could be far from a Green business operation. The program from the Green Business League uses a 100 point system that awards credit for all types of Green practices that are installed and audited.

The final core issue is to find a company with some history. This history may be an important indication of the company’s ability to build a credible market. If the vaunted website or company has a history that started a year ago or less, then there is a 70% chance that such upstart programs will not be around in a few years. Stick with a program that has some longevity and staying power to protect the money your firm pays to earn its Green certification.

If you’re not inclined to bring in a firm to assist in the Greening of your business, consider appointing someone in your company as a Green Officer. Provide the training necessary to train this person as a Green officer. Since the company is already paying a salary to this person, the value should be obvious. The skill to provide a Green program can be taught in such classes. Green Officer training is a three day training that provides a holistic training about environmental issues. Green Officer training is the only program that also offers a clear path to a highly respected Green business certification. It seems more than obvious that every business will eventually Go Green, and since it is such a necessary fact, it will pay to do it right.

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