CERTIFIED

Businesses displaying the Approved Green Business Seal have made significant strides towards becoming more environmentally responsible members of society. In order to qualify for even this entry--‐level qualification, the company must tackle the “low-hanging fruit” of sustainability, those items which require minimal to no investment yet can result in admirable improvements. From being smarter with their electrical usage to reducing waste in their facilities, an Approved Green Business takes the voyage towards sustainability seriously.

A business adorned with the Gold Level Approved Green Business Seal has achieved all the criteria of the standard certification, plus made gains beyond those requirements.  Not satisfied with simply conquering the “low-hanging fruit”, this company has begun to integrate the principles of sustainability into their core operations.  Each purchase, regardless of department, is considered on the bases of price, quality, but also their triple bottom line adherence.  A gold level business searches for suppliers who abide by the same principles as them: Environmental preservation, social equality, and financial stability.  Rest assured, whether purchasing from or selling to such a company, they will take the “high road” towards sustainability.

Ever wonder what true sustainability in a functioning business looks like?  Any business exhibiting the Platinum Level Approved Green Business Seal serves as a perfect example.  Not only have they made the expected changes in practices, supply chain, and building structure, this company lives and breathes the essence of a triple bottom line.  Internally, they have “greened” their operations, serving not only to significantly reduce their environmental impacts, but also minimize expenses while maximizing productivity.  As a public facing entity, they are a bastion of education for the community, informing others on best practices and how they can integrate some of them into their own enterprises.  Volunteer efforts are not seen as an option for a Platinum Level company; if they can assist those less fortunate, then it is part of their mission.  While they realize that sustainability is a continuous undertaking, their achievements thus far have earned them the highest level in the Approved Green Business Program.