Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Green Business League to certify my company?
Let's start out with a federal trademark, but then turn our attention to stability and recognition. LEED is a well-know certification, but it is expensive and you must own the building. GBL pioneered the Green Practices program that allowed all kinds of businesses (including renters and leasees) to honestly earn a Green Business Certification. Of course, much of our real credibility comes from the largest (more the 300) Certified Green Consultants across America, Canada, and other countries.
How much will GBL Green Business Certification cost?
Business certification starts at $500 and goes upward depending on employee size and need. The better question is the money you company will save with our "Zero Cost Consulting." By this we mean that if your company faithfully applies the Green Practices suggested, there is every likelihood that all of your costs will be recovered in 12-24 months of operation. Every year afterward, the savings makes your company stronger.
Must I use one of your Certified Green Consultants?
No, the program can be run by one of your own inhouse people or a Green committee that has taken the Green Officer Training. They will be taught all the key elements for Greening any kind of business. It is required that an audit be conducted, however, to confirm the Green Practices installed. Remember, this is an honest program where your certification is "Earned, and not Bought."
How do I contact a Certified Green Consultant in my area?
To assure proper follow through, our intake manager, Kaye Kharasch, is pleased to discuss our process with you. Once the initial goals are established, we will provide a trained Certified Green Consultant that is local to you, and we will monitor the progress to assure best practices. It all starts with a free Green business assessment that will provide the steps needed to achieve your silver or gold status as a GBL Certified Green Business. email Kaye(at)greenbusinessleague.com
How long will it be until my company is GBL Green Business Certified?
Between 30-90 days in most cases. All we need to do it give you credit for changes already in place and confirm that the other agreed Green Practices are added into the system. But, be aware that we see Going Green as a progressive effort. It doesn't happen with a one-time effort. We ask that you consider a five year plan to move from silver to gold, Gold to platinum, platinum to titanium.
Do I have to pay again every time my company moves to a higher level of Green certification?
Absolutely not! There is never a charge to move up in your GBL certification status. We do, however, conduct an annual audit of all companies to assure that the Green Practices originally placed continue to be part of the program.
How much should I anticipate in "other costs" that come from Greening my company?
Not much, really. Many Green Practices are cheap. Some merely require shifting from one type of purchase to an alternative. There are other costs as your company moves from the easy fixes to the larger challenges, but that can be scheduled over a year or more to make it affordable. We work hard to always consider the ROI for all improvements. We like to suggest that many Green Practices have an immediate benefit and an ROI of 12-24 month.
Green Business League is rated A- by the Better Business Bureau. Our program is committed to a superior education experience, and environmental advancement. Our mission is "Education and Advocacy" for environmental improvements in homes, schools, businesses, and organizations.
We also hold federal trademarks for our training programs. Green Business League™, GBL Certified Green Consultant™, and GBL Certified Sustainability Officer™.
