Community efforts toward sustainability cannot be successful without the active engagement of the private sector. A Green Business Recognition Program provides marketing and promotional support to encourage local businesses to implement sustainable practices. Companies can adopt environmentally friendly strategies to increase energy efficiency, conserve resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. Beyond ecological impacts, recognition programs can also encompass social responsibility and commitments to the local economy. A simple Green Business Recognition Program might acknowledge companies that implement green practices while a more comprehensive certification effort could outline a specific set of sustainable business practices and conduct inspections to verify implementation. 

There are two options for the municipality to accomplish this action, depending on how the recognition program is implemented: 

Option 1: Establishing a Green Business Recognition Program for local companies that includes criteria for participation and a marketing strategy to recognize participants. The program may be structured as a general program for all businesses or targeted at a specific business sector (i.e. restaurants, hotels, marina’s or other sectors). The program may be administered directly by the municipality or through other organizations, such as the local Chamber of Commerce or Main Street program. A minimum two businesses must be participating in the Green Business Recognition Program.

Option 2: Incorporating in the Green Business Recognition Program the criteria established by the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry Program (NJSBR), which includes participation in the NJSBR (which is free) as a mandatory element in their Recognition Programs. The NJSBR was developed by the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It is an online registry where businesses can promote their sustainability initiatives and can receive tips and resources to help them grow greener. Sustainable Jersey communities that have decided to adopt the NJSBR are eligible to receive a community page on the website, listing all local registry participants. A minimum three businesses must be participating in the Green Business Recognition Program and the NJSBR.

Why is it important?

The participation of the business community is essential for achieving sustainability. Voluntary recognition programs build partnerships with private companies to reduce environmental impacts, boost economic efficiency, and improve quality of life.

Any business can become greener. While communities can work to attract new “green sector” businesses, existing companies should not be overlooked. A wide variety of sustainable practices can be implemented by conventional businesses with significant room for improvement in almost every industry.

Many businesses are already moving toward greener practices. Across New Jersey, businesses are voluntarily implementing strategies to reduce energy consumption and waste, use sustainable materials, offer greener products, and contribute to the local community. A Green Business Recognition Program publicly acknowledges companies that are leading the way in sustainable business practices, and serves as a challenge for further action.

A Green Business Recognition Program engages the private sector. Social and environmental issues are pressing, and businesses have an important role to play. New Jersey businesses are on the front-line of current and future climate change impacts. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy demonstrate the economic risks associated with inaction. Business owners have an essential role in mitigating climate change impacts in their own businesses to help New Jersey become stronger overall.

Green business practices can save money. Energy efficiency and other sustainable practices frequently offer long term cost savings, allowing businesses to contribute to the community while becoming more economically competitive. Municipalities that support local businesses in becoming more efficient, through local marketing or financial or tax incentives are likely to have a stronger, more resilient local economy.

Many consumers demand green products and services. Consumers are seeking out sustainable products and are often willing to pay a premium for these goods and services. Businesses that become identified as green businesses or offer green products and services increasingly enjoy marketing advantages.

A Green Business Recognition Program raises the community’s green profile. By showcasing private sector commitments to sustainability, a recognition program helps to promote the municipality as a green community. Communities with a green profile and high demand for sustainable products and services are better able to compete for new green jobs and sustainable industries.