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What is the Green Plus program?
Does your organization review monthly gas and/or electricity bills for the purpose of energy consumption? Has your organization adopted a strategy for purchasing local products, requiring the purchase of local area products over non-local alternatives when available and economically viable? Has your organization established a formal employee mentorship program?
A July 2009 Capstrat poll found that 83% of respondents believe a commitment to sustainability is important to their purchasing decisions. Green Plus is a program that educates and certifies small and medium sized businesses in triple bottom line sustainability. We help businesses find the equilibrium within the areas of People (your employees and local community), Planet (your interaction with and use of the natural environment), and Performance (strengthening your business side so that you can do what you do best).
By going through our Diagnostic Survey, you will understand how a business can use sustainability to differentiate itself in a competitive marketplace, gain new customers and clients, and become a leader in your community. After your organization has submitted the Diagnostic Survey you will receive a customized evaluation of your organization’s sustainability performance and coaching from graduate student fellows. Organizations with exceptional scores in all three areas of sustainability are eligible for Green Plus Certification.
What are the benefits?
Education
Diagnostic Survey: A 90 question, comprehensive assessment of your organization in the areas of People, Planet, and Performance
Score Report: Targeted, customized feedback from university students on your organization’s sustainability performance, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity based on your responses to the Diagnostic Survey
Forum: Ask questions about your business in the Green Plus Forum, a community space moderated by university students
Blog: The latest sustainability news for small and medium sized businesses
Webinars: Coming in 2010! Green Plus participants will have access to ongoing, free webinars on topics of sustainability and planning
Networking
National Directory: A place for customers and other businesses to find organizations that are committed to sustainability. Once your businesses has submitted the Diagnostic Survey for the first time, you will be given a page in the National Directory where you can post information, images, video, audio, links, and files about your organization. It is a great place to let your customers and other businesses know about the steps your organization is taking towards becoming more sustainable.
Referrals: Businesses listed in the Green Plus National Directory are sought after by consumers and businesses looking for businesses with sustainable practices.
Events: Coming in 2010! You will have the ability to create meet up events for other Green Plus businesses in your area to network, collaborate, or share best practices.
Recognition
Green Plus Mover: Your business will obtain Green Plus Mover status once you’ve submitted the Diagnostic Survey for the first time. You will then receive feedback from the Institute and your business will show up in the National Directory with the Green Plus Mover logo next to your listing.
Certified Green Plus: Organizations meeting the certification requirements on the Diagnostic Survey may become Certified Green Plus. Certified organizations receive:
Public recognition of your achievements through a press release which is sent out to our national media list
A Certified Green Plus logo on your National Directory listing
A Certified Green Plus window decal for your place of business
The opportunity to become a Green Plus Champion in your community by sharing your story, supporting other businesses in their efforts to become more sustainable, and gaining exposure through presentations and other events
And the opportunity to apply for the annual National Green Plus Business of the Year awards
