FACT OF THE WEEK | For every ton of paper used for recycling the savings are: at least 30,000 liters of water; 3000 – 4000 KWh electricity (enough for an average 3 bedroom house for one year); 95% of air pollution (wasteonline.org).

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

To be IGBA certified through our program, a business must demonstrate that its practices and operations at a particular location meet IGBA standards. The assessment process will employ industry-specific checklists. Checklists currently available are: Restaurant/Cafe and Retail/Office certifications. If you do not fall in these industries, please contact us and help us build a certification for your industry!

The Illinois Green Business Association has three main services through its certification program: Green Business Certification, Business Services, and Public Education.

Green Business Certification

IGBA’s certification program looks at nine different areas of sustainability:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Waste Reduction
  • Water Conservation
  • Pollution Prevention
  • Purchasing
  • Transportation
  • Landscape
  • General Program Awareness
  • Community Development

Businesses in the IGBA’s certification program must meet requirements in all nine sections to become certified. In each section, there are some required green management practices that all businesses must attain. For the remainder of a section, the business must meet 50% of all applicable green management practices to become a certified green business. Therefore, IGBA’s green certification program is equitable for businesses of any size and is unique for each business in the program. Verification is required for all green management practices completed in the certification program.

Business Services

In the IGBA’s checklist, there are areas where a business owner may need to assess their energy use, areas where equipment may need to be retrofitted, and areas where a new policy may need to be developed. A business owner is busy running their business. IGBA is here to help business owners, employees and managers understand green management practices and how they best fit your business. IGBA provides hands-on certification services and resources for each green management practice in the checklist. We will assist businesses working to complete their green business program checklists, utilizing rebates and incentives where needed. The Illinois Green Business Association provides personal and technical assistance to business owners participating in our program in order to achieve maximum results. Staff will work with businesses and local agencies to verify and ensure compliance with any applicable environmental regulations. IGBA looks to be a business’ one stop shop for incorporating green management practices to reduce resource use, increase efficiency, and help increase a business’ bottom line.

Certified Businesses

Once a business has met the requirements in the IGBA’s certification program and submitted all required verification, the business will receive:

  • An “Illinois Green Business Association; Green Certified Business” window decal
  • An “Illinois Green Business Association; Green Certified Business” certificate of completion
  • A business highlights sheet and poster displaying the most unique green management practices
  • Recognition in our newsletter and on our website
  • A press release to your local news sources
  • A business’ checklist displaying all green management practices completed will be displayed on our website
Transparency and credibility in sustainability is important, and since certified businesses are leaders in our communities, IGBA wants to ensure that business have completed and are incorporating all green management practices stated in their individual checklist. A suite of additional marketing tools and signage is currently being developed for additional marketing opportunities.

Public Education

Certified green businesses are leaders in their local community, and the IGBA wants to transfer their knowledge of green management practices to their consumer base and local community. The IGBA is currently organizing the following:

  • Certified green business community groups: IGBA looks to organize a place where local certified businesses can get together to discuss successes, ways to encourage other businesses to think green, learn about new technologies and practices and much more.
  • Educational seminars: IGBA is developing a calendar of events highlighting green businesses, new technologies, success stories, and much more!
  • Business Mentor Program: IGBA wants to foster cross-collaboration and discussion throughout Illinois on green business practices. Many of our Champaign-Urbana businesses would be happy to share their experiences and help answer your questions! Contact Us for more information!

Please visit our CONTACT US page for more information and obtaining our certification program packet!

 
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