Green business certification

Information
The City's Sustainability at Work certification program ended in 2020, but we’ve put together a list of other green business certifications.
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Sustainability at Work certification

The Sustainability at Work certification program ended in 2020. We have converted our certification applications into best practice guides, which you can use as action checklists for your organization.

Other green business certifications

B Corp

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Their website provides details about how to apply, their free online assessment, and annual fees. Explore the directory of currently certified B Corp organizations.

B Local PDX is a Portland group created by and for Portland B Corps. They host introductory sessions to B Corp certification, organize learning events, and foster collaboration between Portland B Corps.

B Corp Certification

EcoBiz

EcoBiz is a free certification program for Oregon automotive businesses (including general repair, body and paint, radiator repair, and car washes), landscapers (design, installation, maintenance, irrigation, and specialty), and public agencies (fleet maintenance facilities and parks departments). Certified businesses meet high standards to reduce toxics, prevent pollution, and protect the environment. Each certified location is visited and evaluated by EcoBiz program staff and certified by the Oregon DEQ. Explore the directory of currently certified EcoBiz businesses.

EcoBiz Certification

LEED certification for existing buildings

LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces, or LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M), offers existing buildings an opportunity to pay close attention to building operations, by supporting whole buildings and interior spaces that have been fully operational and occupied for at least one year.  The certification focuses on tracking performance in energy, water, waste, transportation, indoor air quality, toxin free environment and occupant satisfaction. Learn more about the certification process and fees on their website.

LEED certification for existing buildings

JUST label

The Just program is a voluntary disclosure tool for organizations. It focuses on an organization’s operations, including how they treat their employees and where they make financial and community investments. Learn more about registration and fees on their website.

JUST label

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership certification

Launched in 2021, the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Program provides a roadmap, resources and recognition for organizations as they support the adoption of sustainable modes of transportation at their worksite.

EVAL certification

Partners in Sustainability (law firms only)

The Oregon State Bar’s Partners in Sustainability Program recognizes Oregon law offices that adopt certain practices to reduce the energy, resources, and toxic chemicals required to operate the office. See the criteria and certification benefits on their website.

Partners in Sustainability

Best Green Workplaces in Oregon

Oregon Business magazine runs an annual Best Green Businesses to Work For survey, where employees respond to questions about the sustainability practices of their business. The top 100 scoring employers get shared on the website.

Best Green Workplaces in Oregon

Good Food 100 Restaurants List

A program of the Good Food Media Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Good Food 100 Restaurants™ is an annual survey, list, and industry impact report that aims to measure and spotlight how restaurants are helping to build a better food system by being transparent with their business practices and working to positively impacting every link of the food chain: the environment; plants and animals; farmers, ranchers, and fisherman; purveyors; restaurants; and eaters.

Good Food 100 Restaurants List

Climate Neutral Certified

Businesses estimate the greenhouse gas emissions they create through making and delivering products and services, then buy carbon offsets, and make a plan to reduce emissions.

Climate Neutral Certified

Portland region certifications

If your organization has locations in the greater Portland area, we recommend working with these great programs:

For locations outside of the Portland region, try doing a web search for the name of a city, county, or state and “green business” or “sustainable business” to see if any local certification or assistance programs are available in the area.

This list was last updated in July 2021. Please contact us if you see outdated information.