Sustainable business practices aren’t just good for the environment and humanity, they can also serve your business as a competitive advantage. Consumers, investors, and employees increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate their commitments to environmental goals. To prove their commitment to these goals, companies can pursue green business certifications and sustainability awards.

Green business certifications can improve a company’s reputation, build customer trust, and even open up eligibility for certain financial incentives or government programs. Here are some of the most widely recognized sustainability certifications for businesses:

• B Corp Certification: A rigorous certification assessing a company’s social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability. Learn more and apply here: https://bcorporation.net/.
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A globally recognized certification for green buildings, recognizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials use. Learn more and register your building projects here: https://www.usgbc.org/leed.
• 1% for the Planet: A membership-based certification where companies commit to donating 1% of annual sales to vetted environmental causes. Learn more and apply here: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/.

Check out the “Definition” link below for other sustainable certifications to consider.

Beyond certifications, businesses can significantly boost their credibility if they are nominated or selected for a recognized award in corporate sustainability. Some top examples include the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, Green America’s People & Planet Award, and BusinessGreen’s Women in Green Business Awards. Awards may also be available from the locality where your business operates. These awards recognize the best of the best, so even if your business’ sustainability program isn’t yet at this level, the winners can serve as great exemplars as you seek to refine your programs. Visit the “Action” link below for an overview of the sustainability award landscape and process.

To begin pursuing these opportunities, start by assessing your business’s current impact through a sustainability audit. Be sure to engage stakeholders throughout this process to build buy-in and accountability. Then, select the right certification or award based on your industry, business objectives, and sustainability goals. Based on the requirements of the opportunity, you may need to submit an application or be nominated for consideration. Finally, remember that sustainability is an ongoing commitment. Green certifications often require periodic assessments, so be sure to continuously improve your sustainability practices over time. 

Sustainability is a fundamental driver of success for modern businesses. By pursuing these green certifications or sustainability awards, your company can build credibility while also creating measurable environmental and social impact. By taking these next steps, businesses can demonstrate real leadership in building a more sustainable economy.