There are a lot of different attitudes in the commercial sector when it comes to green certifications. Some nay say the whole idea, thinking: "It's just greenwashing"... "My customers won't care"... "It's too expensive"... "It's too much work". But here at Sundowner, we believe that the right type of certifications can lead to better environmental performance, and that working with us can save time AND money! Here's how:
- "It's just greenwashing"... to ensure certifications actually reward environmental performance, the best programs have independent (3rd party) auditors and/or systems to verify practices and make additional recommendations. Organizations that are industry-recognized and/or are sponsored by government/non-profit entities usually have the most incentive to ensure sound environmental practices. Make sure the certification body is reputable!
- "My customers won't care"... if the boom in "eco-friendly" and "green" products and companies in the market today isn't enough to convince you that consumers pay a premium for environmentally responsible goods and services, then you may be interested to hear there can also be penalties for NOT being "green." Consumer suspicion about green claims is at an all time high, as is the expectation that companies will hold to higher environmental standards (e.g. BP is still suffering from the negative PR resulting from their oil spill disaster).
- "It's too expensive"... it's hard to see the immediate economic benefits from some environmental measures like buying eco-friendly products, or installing a bike rack on your property. However, those benefits can often emerge later in the form of that allergen-sensitive customer enjoying your paraben free soap, or the reduced health insurance claims from healthier employees that started biking to work. As sustainability experts, Sundowner can help you see the bigger picture and identify environmental measures that work for you. Combine that with our rebate application service, and you may actually see an immediate impact on your utility bills as well money right back in your pocket!
- "It's too much work"... then hire a professional! With Sundowner's green certification coaching, we handle the auditors, the paperwork, and the work of actually identifying and implementing green measures. Instead of counting light bulbs, toilets, and bins or trying to write an environmental purchasing policy yourself, be smart like our client Ramada Santa Barbara and hire an expert to save you staff time and hassle. (Click here for an article announcing the Green Business Certification they achieved with the help of our coaching services). As long as you have the desire to do better for the environment, we can get you the rest of the way- just contact us today!
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