Becoming a Green Business

A green business operates above and beyond regulations as an example to its community for the health of the environment.
 

 What_is_a_Green_Business?

General_Green_Business_Practices

Economics_and_Benefits

Environmental_Impact_for_Businesses

Frequently_Asked_Questions

Who_certifies_green_businesses?

What_types_of_businesses_can_be green?

How_much_extra_time_and_money_will_it_require?

How_will_I_promote_my_green_business?

Taking_First_Steps_and_Finding_Help

Success_Stories

What is a Green Business?

By law, businesses are required to meet environmental standards.  However, a green business will go above and beyond standards in order to reduce pollution and waste, increase recycling, and conserve natural resources like water, energy, and raw materials.

All green businesses have an underlying principle to protect and conserve the environment.  This principle leads to improving practices in general operations, practices specific to business type, and use of special products and appliances.  A green business is sometimes recognized by a seal or logo of certification, an award, or membership to a network.  A business may operate on a green level without an official logo, but beware of businesses that claim to be green without doing anything to protect the environment.

General Green Business Practices

Go Beyond Compliance
When it comes to conserving natural resources, recycling, and reducing pollution and waste, green businesses meet and exceed legal standards.  New methods and practices are accomplished in all areas of operation, in the facility itself, and for each individual employee.  A green business develops practices based on the type of industry it is.  For example, a certifying association may require specific improvements for the auto industry that differ from the restaurant industry.  Owners and managers keep up to date on latest environmental issues, products, and methods for the industry

Develop Plans
To become green, a business identifies the greatest impacts it makes and potential improvements.  Employees meet to discuss plans and strategies, which may include formal training.  Progress is documented and new ideas created for continued improvement.

Recognition and Continued Improvement
Once the beneficial measures are in place, the business may receive a seal or logo from the certifying association.  Official programs help the company to be recognized in its community and may also offer seminars or conferences to help maintain green status.

For more information see   Green Business Practices

Economics and Benefits

Costs of becoming a green business may include membership dues, consulting fees, and investment in green products.  The benefits, which include actual financial return are wide ranging.  Business finances can improve due to the following results:
 

• Efficiency in operations and a streamlined process from new products and methods
• Less waste disposal costs due from increased recycling
• Zero or reduced cost in fines due to successful environmental compliance
• Reduced cost in power and water bills
• Increased business from being above the competition
• Information and discounts on the latest products
• Use of a logo for marketing

Other benefits include:

• Promotion as an environmental steward through media, advertisements, and press coverage
• Recognition and increased business from customers and suppliers
• Creation of a healthy and desired workplace for employees
• Networking and help from other businesses
• Formal education, training, and consulting
• Help in future legal compliance and continued improvement.

Environmental Impact for Businesses

Natural Resources
Some business use natural resources in production and all use natural resources in operation.  Buildings, vehicles, and factories need energy to function.  Three quarters of U.S. lighting energy is used for commercial and industrial purposes.

Businesses use raw materials like wood, minerals, and metals for products of daily operation.  In the U.S., the average employee uses about 10,000 sheets of paper every year.  Water is also essential for many manufacturers and service businesses.  A building itself requires numerous materials from the earth.  Visit our 'business construction and remodeling' page to learn more. 

A green business is aware of its use of natural resources and takes steps to use fewer materials more efficiently.  They also chose suppliers who are stewards of energy, water, and raw materials.

Pollution
In addition to using water, businesses pollute water and contribute to sewage.  Industries are one of the top sources for U.S. water pollution.  Whether they end up in or out of water, pollutants such as heavy metals and chemical waste are harmful to the ecosystem and to humans.  Businesses also pollute the air.  Heating, cooling, and fueling contribute to greenhouse gas air pollution and poor indoor air quality can affect employee or customer health.

Office supplies have the greatest impact on the environment during their manufacturing.  In 1999, the plastic and paper industries released 335 million pounds of toxic chemical waste.  Processing a ton of normal paper contributes to air pollution by burning 690 gallons of oil while the same amount of 100% recycled paper saves the equivalent of the following resources:

*About the same amount of energy needed to light over 4 homes for a month or about $400 worth of average U.S. energy.

Waste and Recycling
Schools and commercial locations, including businesses, contributed 35% to 45% of the U.S. total municipal solid waste in 2006.  The greatest category in solid waste was containers and packaging.  Businesses contribute to landfills by disposing of paper and unnecessary packaging materials.

A green business will reduce waste and recycle as much as possible.  Many green businesses have saved the most money by reducing waste.  Visit our recycling page to be amazed at the variety of products you can recycle.  See  Recycling 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who certifies green businesses?
What types of businesses can apply?
How much extra time and money will it require?
How will I promote my green business?

Who certifies green businesses?
Green businesses are usually certified on a local level by city, county, or general area.  Sometimes the government led program or a non-profit organization is solely committed to certifying green businesses.   For example, a businesses in San Francisco is certified by a combination of non-profits, and state, city, and county government partners.

What types of businesses can apply?
Because of the diversity of programs available, many types of businesses apply for certification, awards, and other recognition.  Some examples of small and large business include:

Auto services
Printers
Hotels
Restaurants and cafes
Landscape design and maintenance
Construction and remodeling
Garment cleaning
Dentists
Offices
Retailers
Agricultural growers
Manufacturers
Institutions
Suppliers
Engineers
Parks and recreation

How much extra time and money will it require?
The extra time and money required is as much as you want to invest.  Some certifiers require a minimum amount of change, others have increasing levels of improvement, and in most cases, each business chooses its own options, taking a unique road to becoming green.  There are three lists below showing time and price variations a general business might take.   You will notice that many implementations only include initial costs and will recover that cost in the long run.

How will I promote my green business?
After you’ve taken steps to become an environmental example to the community, let them know!  Some examples are:

• Participate in events for businesses, the environment, or your industry, such as conferences, festivals, or consumer events.
• Send out an e-newsletter to existing and potential customers, explaining your green initiatives and accomplishments.
• If you advertise in newspapers, magazines, or other media, convey your 'greeness' with actual accomplishments that set you apart from your competitors.
• Set up a 'green' page on your web site to explain your green goals and accomplishments, and to encourage green living to your customers and suppliers.
• Network with green businesses in other industries.
• Use a green business logo on the business website, sign, brochure, ad, newsletter, or mailing.
• Become official and enjoy increased promotion from certification from a recognized association or agency.

Taking First Steps and Finding Help

It may take a little research to find the right people.  Try contacting your city or county business officials and ask about certifications, awards, grants, or informational seminars for businesses who want to make a positive change for the environment. 

Investigate your town or county by typing its name and “green business” or “sustainable business” into an internet search engine.  Try finding businesses similar to yours that have “gone green.”  Ask them which environmental standards they exceeded and what benefits they receive now.  'Search for a Supplier'

If you find a program, the first steps usually involve filling out an application, then meeting with a representative to check your eligibility and audit your practices.   The first requirement is often a positive history of environmental compliance.   If your city or area does not offer official certification search for cities that do and learn from their models.  Or try searching for assistance on a national level. 

Success Stories

The St. Luis Blues hockey team promotes green living on their web site (there's also a link there to this site!).  The team has contacted Go-Green for ideas on further promoting green awareness and practices to their fans.  Sports or any activity can be an environmnetally  low impact activity.   We hope that all venues take the opportunity to encourage their fan base.

In 2006, Anthony A. Davies Construction, Ltd. of South Wales, reached level 5 certification, the highest level in the Green Dragon Standard.  The company saved 20,000 sterling pounds, an equivalent of over $39,000, by converting 2,700 tons of rock to aggregate instead of sending it to the landfill.  Employees are dedicated to a high level of environmental awareness, to a 5% reduction in energy use, and a 20% reduction in waste.

Goza Gear, a family run screen printing business in California, was certified as green in 2003.  Owners Steve and Bonnie Melgoza chose to use non-toxic ink, soy and citrus based solvents, and organic cotton not developed in sweat shops.  Online business increased by over 75% in 2006 and they estimate that about 25% of their customers choose them because of their certification.  They are part of the Bay Area Green Business Program and the Sustainable Business Alliance.