Certification Standards

Required:

• Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.

• Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

Preferred:

• Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.

• Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.)  that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

Required:

• Use environmentally friendly (reusable, compostable, recyclable, etc) products, addressing: versions of at least two out of the four following products: Paper, including napkins; Cleaning products; Cups, cutlery, plates; Linens. Serviceware (e.g., cups, plates, containers, cutlery, napkins, straws, condiments, etc), Cleaning products, Linens, Tickets/tokens.

• Equipment used at event is energy-efficient (e.g., EnergyStar rated).

• Require non-essential lighting and equipment to be turned off when not in use.

• Lighting for event used is CFL/LED.

• Select food vendors that are local or committed to sustainability.

• Maximum amount of food is locally sourced/seasonal foods.

• Minimize printing and encourage electronic communication; when printing, use of 100% post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper.

• Provide recycling services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event.

• Offer clients carbon offsets or purchase of Renewable Energy Credits or offset entire company’s footprint annually.

• Encourage clients to co-locate events with public transportation.

• Only serve certified fair trade (preferred) or USDA certified organic coffee, tea and sugar.

• Provide signage and education to all stakeholders explaining green efforts before (e.g., on websites, during ticket purchase, etc) and during event; prioritize reusable signage.

Preferred: (must apply at least half of the following)

• Focus on vegetarian food with limited meat options; meat is sustainably sourced; provide food options for dietary restrictions

• Restriction on single-use plastic bottles at event

• Provide reusable serviceware at event

• Provide recycling and composting services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event

• Use of linens where paper products are typical

• Use green certified venues (e.g., LEED certified)

• Track waste streams and waste diversion rates

• Donations of leftover food to food banks or hospitals and other community centers for flowers

• Offer incentives (e.g., discounts) for attendees who use public transportation

• Vendor giveaways are sustainable

• Adopt anti-idling policy and inform all stakeholders of this policy

Required:

• Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.

• Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.

• Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.

• Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.

• Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

Preferred:

• Living wage is paid.

• Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

Required:

• Use transparent and truthful marketing.

• Advocate for green business practices in the cleaning services industry.

• Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

Required:

• HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.

• System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.

• Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.

• Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.

• Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.

• Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.

• Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.

•  Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.

• Compost all food waste.

• Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.

• Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.

• Use of green or local caterers for events.

• Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.

• Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).

• Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.