Process
Our certification process and recommendations are based on 10 sector-specific checklists, each including up to 50 best practices, reviewed biannually and aligned with industry standards.
They are designed to reflect the operational realities and evolving policies within each sector, helping your business take practical steps toward improved environmental and social performance.
Fill out our new member form to tell us about your business. We’ll review this and set up a site visit (in-person or virtual) with one of our Verifiers.
If necessary, a Verifier will provide you with a site visit preparation form. Gather all necessary info and send it to the Verifier prior to the site visit or have it on-hand for the day of the site visit. This helps us ensure a thorough assessment of your operations.
Payment is required prior to your site visit.
Click on your industry to see the checklist the verifier will use: General (goods), General (services), Fleets, Food & Beverage Producers, Grocery Stores, Offices, Restaurants & Cafés, Retail, Spas & Salons & Trades.
Have a Verifier conduct a site visit either in-person or virtually. Site visits usually take 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the size and sector of your business.
Our Verifier will provide you with suggested actions and resources to improve your environmental and social performance and give you 2-3 weeks to take action.
Follow up with your Verifier and provide an update on the newly implemented actions your business has taken to improve your score.
The Verifier will finalize your certification, accounting for the changes you’ve made. You will receive your final score, certification level, digital decals, a physical certificate, window decals, environmental metrics, and more!
We will add you to our website directory and promote your business through social media, newsletters, word of mouth, and wherever else we get the chance.
Use your certification and the marketing assets we provide to spread the word of your businesses accomplishments!
Businesses earn Silver, Gold, or Green certification depending on the number of verified actions completed within their sector’s checklist. Certification is based on verified practices and documented performance at the time of assessment and is valid for one year.
Businesses that achieve Green certification for 3 consecutive years become eligible for the Green Leaders program, which is assessed every two years for ongoing membership.
As part of our partnership with Surfrider Foundation Canada, businesses can also certify as a Water Friendly Business. To earn this additional certification, a business must complete all Water Friendly Business action points included in the sector-specific checklist used during their assessment.