Green Certification
Today companies are getting green certifications. There are many organizations that inspect and do these types of certifications, but if you are considering this initiative some of the things that you will want to consider are the following.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Energy efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for: lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, foodservice appliances, office equipment, and transportation.
Water Efficiency & Conservation
Water efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for: foodservice appliances, equipment, and landscaping.
Recycling & Composting
Recycling services exist for many waste products such as: glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, mixed paper, grease, ink, and toner cartridges. Food waste can be diverted from landfills and made into nutrient-rich soil through the use of a composting service or an on-site system.
Sustainable Food
Sustainable food products support the long-term maintenance of ecosystems and agriculture for future generations. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering. Locally grown foods reduce the amount of pollution associated with transportation primarily by fossil fuels. Plant-based foods require fewer natural resources and create less pollution per calorie consumed.
Pollution Prevention
Pollution prevention is achieved through: source reduction, reuse, or improving operational practices.
Recycled, Tree-Free, Biodegradable & Organic Products
Recycled products are made from materials that are collected from post-consumer or post-industrial waste sources. Tree-free products are made from alternative plant sources such as hemp or kenaf. Biodegradable products are capable of being decomposed by biological agents, especially bacteria. Organic products are grown without the use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering.
Chlorine-Free Paper Products
Chlorine-free paper products are unbleached or whitened with alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and ozone. The term ―Process Chlorine-Free (PCF)‖ identifies recycled paper that is unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine compounds. The term ―Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF)‖ identifies virgin paper that is unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine compounds. The term ―Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF)‖ identifies paper that is bleached without the use of elemental chlorine (but may use chlorine compounds).
Non-Toxic Cleaning & Chemical Products
Non-toxic cleaning and chemical products are: biodegradable, free of hazardous ingredients, and are safe for people, animals, and the environment when used properly.
Green Power
Electricity and power is available from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro, and biomass. These energy sources cause dramatically less air pollution and environmental damage compared to fossil fuel, nuclear, and large-scale hydroelectric energy sources.
Green Building & Construction
Green design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on: the environment, occupants, and the local community.
Education
Receive GRA's book, Dining Green: A Guide to Creating Environmentally Sustainable Restaurants and Kitchens, which explains the environmental impact of the restaurant industry and a path toward ecological sustainability. Restaurants also receive signs for: recycling, energy and water conservation, and to remind staff of the 4 Environmental Steps for the year.
WHAT IS "CERTIFIED GREEN"?
There are several certifications and ecolabeling organizations that help us to define what it really means to be "certified green." This chart is an overview of what each organization certifies, along with the page number where you can find more information about that particular certification.
Green Restaurant Association - dinegreen.com
The Green Restaurant Association℠ (GRA), a national non-profit organization, provides services in: research, consulting, education, marketing, and community organizing. The GRA utilizes a collaborative strategy that involves: restaurants, manufacturers, vendors, grassroots organizations, government, media, and restaurant customers. The GRA's model provides a convenient way for all sectors of the restaurant industry, which represents 10% of the U.S. economy, to become more environmentally sustainable.
Green Biz - greenbiz.com
Is the leading online news and information resource on how to align environmental responsibility with business success. It offers more than 8,000 resources, including daily news and feature stories, reports, checklists, case studies, links to organizations, technical assistance programs, government agencies, and recognition programs. Its free e-newsletter, GreenBuzz, reaches more than 20,000 professionals every week.
Green Seal - greenseal.org
This seal signifies that a product or service has been tested according to science-based procedures, that it works as well or better than others in its class, and that it has been evaluated without bias or conflict of interest. The Green "Seal of Approval" has come to stand for reliability, fairness, and integrity. To earn the coveted Green Seal, a product must meet the Green Seal environmental standard for the category as demonstrated by rigorous evaluation, testing and a plant visit.
Energy Star - energystar.gov
As much as 80 percent of the $10 billion annual energy bill for the commercial food service sector does no useful work. These lost energy dollars are often wasted in the form of excess heat and noise generated by: inefficient appliances, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, and refrigeration. To help counter these costs, ENERGY STAR helps restaurant owners and operators improve the performance of their facilities and equipment while reducing energy costs. Restaurants that invest strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort — while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment.
LEED: U.S. Green Building Council - usgbc.org
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
Green Business Bureau
GBB's program was developed to address both the financial and environmental benefits of sustainability for SMBEs. Green certification through GBB is the best way to convey your green commitment to consumers, merchants and B2B buyers.
PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS
Green Seal - greenseal.org
This seal signifies that a product or service has been tested according to science-based procedures, that it works as well or better than others in its class, and that it has been evaluated without bias or conflict of interest. The Green "Seal of Approval" has come to stand for reliability, fairness, and integrity. To earn the coveted Green Seal, a product must meet the Green Seal environmental standard for the category as demonstrated by rigorous evaluation, testing and a plant visit.
Biodegradable Products Institute – BPI
We're a not-for-profit association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia. Through our innovative compostable label program, we educate manufacturers, legislators and consumers about the importance of cientifically based standards for compostable materials which biodegrade in large composting facilities.
ECO-LOGO CERTIFICATION
Eco-Logo is a 3rd party Eco-Labeling program that certifies environmentally-preferable products that meets the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guidelines. They certify products & services that benefit Human Health & Environmental Impact.