Who’s Behind The Standards?
Green America has always been committed to high levels of transparency and stakeholder engagement in our ongoing standards development. As best practices improve and industries change, we continually invite a collaborative process of mutual reflection, sharing, and learning with our partners and members.
Our partners include...
Academic institutions
Government agencies
Consumer groups
Labor groups
Worker groups
Environmental groups
Industry trade associations
Green Business Network members
External Advisors
During our public beta year, we are formalizing the role of external partners in two types of advisory groups to ensure our certification program upholds fair and rigorous standards.
Certification Advisory Board
The Certification Advisory Committee advises on the ongoing strategic and technical development of the certification program and online sustainability tool GreenGain.
The Certification Advisory Committee is currently comprised of the following members:
Bianca Alexander, Conscious Planet L3C
Rachelle Carson-Begley, Actress: Living with Ed, On Begley Street
Reed Doyle, Seventh Generation
Heather Franzese, Fair Trade USA
Lauren Frederic, EcoVenture International
Kerry Hughes, IMO Fair for Life
Thor Peterson, Synthesis Consultants
Thomas Rawls, Native Energy and green-e
Kimberlee Robertella, Center for Social Value Creation, U of Maryland Smith School of Business
Harry Stevens, 3BL Media, Justmeans
Denise Tashcereau, Fairware
Jon Widrick, Ascensus Law
Industry Sector Taskforces
The Industry Sector Taskforces provide input on industry-specific standards and best practices. A panel of experts from each sector serves on a taskforce during the duration of an industry sector standards review.
Standards Development Process
Green America staff members who sit on our Standards Committee are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the certification program. The Standards committee conducts company reviews at the Gold Certification level and guides the ongoing standards revisions process. The Committee reports directly to the Green America Board of Directors.
The Standards Committee begins the standards review process by conducting an internal review of an industry sector. Once the internal review is complete, the Committee collects input from the appropriate Industry Sector Taskforce. The Committee incorporates their revisions and makes a draft available online for public comment.
Public Comment Period
The public comment period for industry standards revisions are open to the public for 30 days. After the public comment period closes, the Standards Committee reviews comments and shares with the Industry Sector Taskforce. Once the review is complete, the Standards Committee prepares a final draft for approval by the Certification Advisory Board.
Green Business Network members, non-members, individuals, and other organizations are encouraged to submit comments collectively.
The following drafts are currently open for comment. Please submit comments using the online comment form that follows the standards.
Public Comment Dates: Until Jan. 31, 2013
Spa Industry
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
Required Standards: Bronze
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Business is starting on the path of sustainability and implementing sustainable practices in the workplace. They are mapping their impact in company operations. They are removing the worst ingredients from their products. |
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Required Standards: Silver
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Business is deepening commitment to social AND environmental responsibility in core business practices, along supply chain, and in community. They are developing criteria/standards, identifying main areas of concern, and creating action plans. They are focused on producing completely natural/non-toxic products. |
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Required Standards: Gold
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Business is pioneering best practices in their industry and embedding social and environmental responsibility into the DNA of the company. They are reporting, reassessing, continuously improving performance. They are focused on producing the purest product at the highest standards possible, including organic, Fair Trade, and/or local. |
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You may also submit comments on our standards for the Spa Industry by emailing standards@greenamerica.org.
Questions or suggestions about our standards development process? Contact us at standards@greenamerica.org.

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