CERTIFICATION
Businesses will receive certification in nine areas of sustainable business performance. Each area will entail audits and steps for improvement. Certification will focus on the following categories:
Energy Conservation
The goal of energy conservation is to reach a high level of efficiency and lower energy usage without hindering a business’ ability to operate. The Illinois Green Business Association and utility companies will conduct energy audits as requested. Before an audit occurs, it is necessary to determine what lighting is in use, brands and types of heating and air conditioning units and systems, and how the power is allocated within the business. After an audit, and evaluation of equipment and energy consumption will be assessed for cost-savings and maximum energy reduction.
Water Conservation
Better water conservation practices help identify and eliminate areas of leakage or inefficient usage. The Illinois Green Business Association will educate businesses on flow rates, water fixtures, and the amount of water used by different types of equipment. Also, overall water consumption will be evaluated to determine possible maximum water efficiency and provide the best solutions for your business.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
This area focuses on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills by increasing the purchase of recycled products and maximizing supply efficiency. Participating businesses that recycle and divert reusable materials away from landfills may be eligible for federal and state subsidies. The IGBA provides businesses owners with information on these subsidies and local recycling resources, and help them develop a recycling strategy for their business.
Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention entails a comprehensive audit of all the chemicals, cleaners, toners, and business supplies. The IGBA will promote utilizing green products that are conducive to a clean air environment. Our association will provide resources to educate employees on preventing chemical spills that could be harmful to the environment, as well as guidelines for proper storage and disposal. Pollution prevention and education in the workplace can improve employee health, reduce dangerous spills, and even decrease supply costs.
Transportation
A more sustainable transportation system should reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, increase safety, provide equal access to destinations for all groupsof society, and enhance the quality of life. This area of the checklist program focuses on helping employees to find alternatives to driving cars to work every day, finding sustainable transportation programs for employees, and providing information on ride sharing options in the community.
Landscape
The landscape area of the checklist focuses on native species, water use within landscape and chemical use on outdoor areas. The checklist will assist businesses with environmentally-friendly landscaping techniques to beautify their building and highlight native vegetation.
General Employee Practices
General employee practices focus on the everyday tasks that employees can take to reduce their environmental impact in a business. Tasks such as holding meetings on sustainability in the workplace, employee incentive programs, and referring the program to another business are all part of the section. If all members on the business team are on the same page about sustainability in their workplace, efforts to keep green and reduce environmental impact will increase.
Purchasing
Purchasing looks at the types of materials bought by the business and in what quantities. This area of a checklist will help a business investigate the economic benefitsof purchasing sustainable products and where a business may be able to reduce the amount of goods they purchase. We look not to inhibit business, but create a higher efficiency and environmental awareness in purchasing.
Community Development
The Community Development section highlights how a business can become more involved in their community and connect with other environmental organizations. We hope to increase connectivity between different businesses and enhance sustainability conversations between multiple entities and industries. Checklist items include donating to an environmental event in the community and serving on a committee for an environmental event.