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:

• Maximizes biodiversity above and below ground, builds soil health towards resilient soil with the goal of reducing or eliminating synthetic fertilizer and pesticide applications (best if conducted an EIS)

• Enables water conservation, erosion prevention, and stormwater runoff reduction.

• Maximizes use of recycled materials in products and designs.

• Responsible environmental management/procurement policy or practices for all waste materials and manufacturing processes.

• Apply energy efficient technologies in indoor production facilities

• All seeds and inputs are non-GMO

• Transparency around seed sourcing

Preferred:

• Exclusive use or sale of heirloom, organic, and/or native seeds and plants.

• Support for local community gardens, green rooftops, or similar practices and organizations.

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:

• Environmentally and socially positive packaging.

• Packaging is recyclable or compostable.

• Packaging components are from recycled sources and used at minimum.

Preferred:

• Packaging can be taken back for reuse.

Required:

• Use transparent and truthful marketing.

• Advocate for green business practices in the landscaping, gardening & farming industries.

• 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.