Top Benefits of Certification
Benefits of Certification
Running a business that is aligned with your values, operates efficiently, and can differentiate itself from competitors just makes good business sense. There are many benefits to Green Business Certification that could help you achieve your sustainability goals.
1. Align your business with your values. Being a good environmental steward is the right thing to do.
2. Use a framework to green your business. No matter how much a business is already doing to be more sustainable, there are always opportunities for improvement and the program checklist and tracker is great tool to assess how you measure up.
3. Identify cost savings. Implementing green practices can help you save money. For example, energy efficient lighting can reduce your energy bill, saving water can reduce your water bill, and recycling and composting can help reduce your garbage bill.
4. Receive free technical assistance. The GBP offers direct technical assistance and also partners with other County programs, utilities, and local cities to help businesses tap into a network of specialists in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and transportation alternatives. All who can answer questions, provide suggestions, and share resources to help you improve your pratices.
5. Earn a legitimate certification for green practices. Third-party certification separates your business from others whose green marketing claims haven’t been substantiated or verified by a credible certification program or entity. The San Mateo County Certified Green Businesses are recognized by the County Board of Supervisors. The program is part of the statewide California Green Business Network, the only program of its kind, with participation from over $4000 businesses through California and direct support from the State legislature.
6. Differentiate from competitors. More consumers are looking to support companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. In fact, a recent Nielsen survey concluded that, “Going forward, brands have to define a credible, relevant social purpose, deliver greater social value, and communicate that value effectively to attract and retain consumers.” Businesses that can demonstrate that they stand for more than just making money will have the competitive advantage in the future.
7. Leverage the marketing benefits. As a Certified Green Business, you can use the Green Business Program logo on your print and electronic materials, including your website, email, business cards, postcards, and other items to convey your green credentials. You’ll receive a certificate and decal that you can post in your office. Your business will also be listed on the California Green Business Directory (which you can see here) and mobile app. Plus, you can communicate your certification achievement to customers through blog posts, a sustainability page on your site, and other communication channels.
8. Join the community of Green Business leaders. Certified Green Businesses represent a wide range of industries, from restaurants and print shops to dental practices and hotels. Additionally, there are a number of professional service providers, including attorneys, consultants, insurance agents and more who have certified their businesses. As a Green Certifified Business, you can help to increase public awareness by joining with other like-minded businesses to educate the public about sustainability and help consumers align thier dollars with thier values.
9. Track your metrics. When you certify as a Green Business, you'll be able to quantify your own environmental savings for waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and emissions reductions. You'll have access to your own environmental report card that you can use for internal tracking or external reporting purposes.
10. Learn a lot. The process of going through the certification, using the checklist, and meeting with auditors means that you and your team will learn quite a bit as you go through the process. You’ll uncover practices that you hadn’t thought of before, you’ll find resources that you didn’t know about, and you’ll talk to experts who are there to help you. This is probably the biggest benefit that businesses have gained by going through the certification process.
Parts of this article orginally appeared at https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/benefits-green-business-certification/