Certification Standards

Required:

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

• Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on its 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:

• Produced using certified organic, reclaimed/recycled fibers or other sustainable material such as hemp. 

• Transparency around animal derivatives. If selling leather, it must be a byproduct and sustainably sourced (e.g., regarding treatment of animals).

• Use of eco fabrics; durable, made from post or pre-consumer recycled fibers, processes that do not result in a toxic waste stream, can be readily recycled or composted. 

• No genetically- modified cotton. 

• If using rayon derived from bamboo, no miracle language. 

Preferred:

• Dyes: natural or low-impact; fiber reactive; phosphate-free. 

• Water-based adhesives. 

• Use recycled clothing from thrift or second-hand stores. 

Required:

• Commitment to sustainable labor practices and continuous improvement and transparency in the process. 

• Country of manufacture disclosed on all products unless everything comes from one country and it is stated clearly on the front page of the website. 

• Code of conduct in place that addresses social and environmental factory conditions with enforcement mechanism. 

• Owned factories have an established worker representation mechanism.  

• Owned factories pay a wage that ensures workers well-being. 

• Commitment to a transparent supply chain including sub-contracting.   

• Long-term contracts with contracted manufacturers. 

Preferred:

• Owned and/or contracted factories are certified fair labor or fair trade. 

• Owned/contracted factories are unionized.  

• Disclosed factory list publicly available.  

• Factory labor is paid a living a wage. 

Required:

• Program in place to reduce emissions from company vehicles. 

• Works with distributors that take steps to reduce emissions from vehicles and shipping. 

Preferred:

• Company is an EPA SmartWay partner or affiliate.

• Company Works with distributors who are EPA SmartWay partners or affiliates. 

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:

• Educates consumers on how to properly dispose of product at end of life-cycle. 

• Use transparent and truthful marketing. 

• Advocate for green business practices in your industry. 

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

Preferred:

• Established take back program for end of product life-cycle. 

• 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.