Eco Friendly Business

The constant challenge of the small business owner is to find new ways to save money and gain more customers. This is true more than ever now, during this period of soaring gas prices, rising energy costs, and tough economic times. As a solution many small businesses are "greening up" their businesses as a way to combat these problems.

Unfortunately, many businesses seeking a green business certification are often left wondering just who has the final word on requirements and if the cost, time, and expense are really worth it. This article will shed some light on how your company can become a certified green business and help you determine if it’s truly the best thing for you.

Two Huge Reasons to Have a Green Business Certification

Though many business owners have operated "green" businesses for years out of a moral obligation to the planet and to the future generations of people who will live here, others are beginning to see that it’s as beneficial to their bank accounts as it is to their consciences.

The math is simple, really: Use less water, less electricity and reduce waste, and you save money. That in itself might be enough to convince some reluctant business owners, but there’s also the added benefit that businesses receive from a marketing perspective.

As a "green business," you get to advertise yourself as an eco-friendly business. As more and more consumers and other environmentally conscious businesses become aware of global warming and environmental problems, they’re more eager to support organizations who, they believe, are making a positive impact on the environment.

A green business certification logo on your letterhead, in your advertising, and in your window (for storefronts) might just be enough to win a new customer or client away from your competition. Even though the advantages would seem to make green business certification a "no-brainer" for the small and medium-sized business owner, there are a few drawbacks that could still prevent many business owners from taking the steps necessary to become a certified green business.

Who Has the Green Business Certification Seal of Approval?

One of the biggest obstacles a company seeking its green business certification encounters is finding which agency can actually give it accreditation. Since this is such a young industry, there isn’t just one agency or organization that offers the final word on what constitutes a "green" business. The US government is becoming more active with its Energy Star program, which certifies energy efficient products, and the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program certifies organically produced food and textiles.

Some states, such as California, offer government-sponsored accreditation at the state and local level, but in the states that don’t, business owners are forced to turn to private companies for their certifications. To further complicate things the certification requirements vary from agency to agency, as well as from industry to industry.

The bit of good news, however, is that for businesses that sell internationally, many foreign countries do offer one standard certified seal of approval. Japan, for example, offers certification for a variety of products from inks to luggage to furniture through its ecomark program, while Scandinavia, Canada and the European Union offer similar programs, as well.

Can You Really Afford a Green Business Certification?

After finding an organization and learning the requirements necessary for certification, many businesses will need to spend money to bring their organizations up to speed. This could involve making major changes such as converting its vehicle fleet to fuel efficient hybrid vehicles or installing energy saving solar panels, as well as more minor changes like, switching to eco friendly printers, papers and inks. Though these changes, especially the energy saving ones, will save money in the long run, the initial capital outlay could be too much for many small businesses to handle.

Also, there’s the cost of accreditation. Some agencies charge an application fee, and many third party private organizations charge an average of $3,000 to $5,000 for a certification that needs to be renewed in a couple of years. Others have floating scales that are based on either revenue or square footage.

Though the time, effort, and money to gain your green business certification may seem a little daunting, the benefits are definitely worth the trouble. As you’ll see in part two of this article, a little creativity, research, and initiative can position you as an eco friendly leader in your industry and have a positive impact on your bottom line.