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:

Treatment products used by staff and available for sale to customers

• Made without synthetic fragrances or musks, dyes, petrolatum, paraffin phthalates, or parabens

• Third party certified as not tested on animals (Third party preferred, products not tested on animals regardless of certification is required)

• For non-spa treatment products available for sale, at least half made with ingredients/materials that are at least 50% local, fair trade certified, or certified organic

Operations

• Install renewable energy water heating systems, i.e. solar, waste heat, geothermal

• Use of sustainable equipment and materials use in operations, including spa textiles and linens, massage tables, vintage and reclaimed furniture, exercise machines, etc.

• Use sanitizers for equipment that do not contain chlorine or triclosan

• Source paper goods with recycled content including office paper, toilet paper and paper towels

• Exclusive use of reusable cups, plates and cutlery for staff and clients (no disposables)

Water

• Sustainable laundering of linens including phosphate, petroleum, and synthetic fragrance free detergents, fabric softeners, and whiteners

• Laundry uses cold water and the least amount of water possible

• Use sustainable, non-toxic, and/or non-chemical water treatment strategies in all water based therapies including swimming pools, hot tubs, nail care (saline instead of chlorine or bromine)

• Install pool cover systems to reduce night-time water and heat loss

• Protocols, employee training, and regular use of non-toxic cleaning and sanitation products

Preferred:

Treatment products used by staff and available for sale to customers

• Made without ethoxylated compounds, petroleum-based chemicals such as dimethcione, butylene glycol, propylene glycol

 Policy and Process

• Annual goals/action plans for sustainable improvement projects in service chain and company operations

• Shared documents include regularly updated metrics by which successes and in progress work is measured

• Annual reassessment of priorities/goals/action plans for sustainability improvement projects in service chain and company operations

• Involvement in local community through hiring, sourcing, and supporting activities using volunteer time, financial resources, use of office space, etc.

• Involvement in local or national organization supporting community building

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 restaurants, cafes, and catering 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.