How To Get Certified

The quickest way to get started is to contact us to schedule an appointment or a time to talk about the program and obtain your free quote and address any questions you may have.

The SBLP is a fee based program which is determined based on your square footage. Once enrolled it follows a six-step process, which is outlined below.  While these steps are standardized and undertaken by every business enrolled in the program, the recommendations generated, action plan developed, and support provided are customized to the needs and situation of each individual business.

Sustainable Business Leader Program: The Six-Step Process

• Step 1: Complete the Sustainability Assessment Form (SAF) and Metrics Collection Form (MCF)The 113 question Sustainability Assessment Form covers the SBLP’s seven key sustainability categories: Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Waste Management, Pollution Prevention & Safe Alternatives, Transportation, Local Purchasing & Local Food, and Sustainability Management.  Your answers to these detailed questions, along with an initial site visit (described below) will form the basis for your sustainability recommendations and action plan.  The Metrics Collection Form helps the SBLP to assess your business’ current resource usage and to track these metrics over time.
• Step 2: Initial Site VisitOnce the initial forms are completed, your SBLP Coordinator will schedule a meeting with you to review the collected information in detail, answering any questions you may have.  In addition, your Coordinator will conduct a thorough walk-through of your business’ space, verifying measures listed in the form and taking additional notes to inform the recommendations.
• Step 3:  Recommendations & Green Team MeetingBased on the completed forms and site visit, your SBLP Coordinator will create an extensive list of recommendations and associated resources (available grant/rebate/other incentive programs, local/green vendors, product recommendations, etc).  At this time, your SBLP Coordinator will schedule a meeting to present and review the recommendations with you in detail, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.  Ideally, you will have formed a “Green Team” (business leaders and/or employees committed to supporting your business’ “green” development) by this point and all members will be present at the meeting.
• Step 4: Develop a Sustainability Action Plan (SAP)You and your Green Team will use the recommendations provided by your Coordinator to develop a Sustainability Action Plan.  The SAP, an easy to use Excel spreadsheet, is where you will list the sustainability action items to be taken, note the person responsible for researching/implementing each item, target dates for completion, notes, etc.  Once completed, your SAP will be sent to your Coordinator for review and approval.
• Step 5: Implementation and Ongoing AssistanceThe Green Team of each company implements the SAP.  Your SBLP Coordinator provides guidance and support and will recommend resources, services, and vendors to achieve sustainability goals
• Step 6: Evaluation and CertificationOnce your Green Team has completed as much of the SAP as possible, your SBLP Coordinator will return for a final meeting and walk through.  At this point, if at least 80% of the action plan has been completed satisfactorily, your SBLP Coordinator will certify you as a Sustainable Business Leader and issue you a certificate of completion, a window decal, and a high resolution logo for use on your website and/or in printed materials.  You will also be invited to attend a formal graduation ceremony with other SBLP graduates.  The SBLP will list you in its online directory of Sustainable Business Leaders and will conduct online and in-print promotion regarding your business’ completion of the program.

Okay, I’m Interested. What should I do next?

Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our SBLP Coordinators!