As businesses continue to seek ways to make their operations more sustainable, they have sought trustworthy certifications to validate their commitment to the environment, employees and local communities. Since 1989, Green Seal® has been authoring environmental standards and certifications for a range of products and services. Ultimately, organizations that advocate Green Seal certified products in their facility maintenance programs – such as energy-saving lighting fixtures, trash liners and general cleaning tools such as mops – display a genuine commitment to being environmental stewards.
In some instances, a complete shift to “green“ purchases, such as Green Seal certified products, helps secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points with the U.S. Green Building Council, which can achieve benefits such as increased profitability and employee well being.
What is Green Seal?
Green Seal’s mission is to “transform the economy for a healthier, greener world.” The nonprofit organization offers numerous certifications for products and services that meet carefully curated standards. Products in the realms of construction, food packaging, cleaning, paper and more can earn Green Seal’s stamp of approval.
Certification demonstrates that a product or service has met science-based criteria in terms of performance, health and environmental impact. Green Seal considers effects from “all stages of the life-cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use and disposal.” In other words, it is a holistic process that takes a broad view of how sustainable a product or service truly is.
The Benefits of Green Seal Certification
Adding Green Seal certified products and services to your cleaning program can help you realize the following benefits:
- Enhanced reputation– nearly 80% of Americans say sustainability is important, and using products certified by Green Seal – such as mop heads, dustmops or other facility supplies – can showcase an organization’s commitment to sustainability. Thus, Green Seal certified products can help boost your reputation as a good corporate citizen, which can lead to greater loyalty, repeat business and favorable word-of-mouth.
- Reduced resource consumption – choosing Green Seal certified products and services can reduce consumption of resources including water, paper, virgin plastic, energy and more. Some products may be manufactured in a way that reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions, while others are designed to deliver resource savings directly to the end user. In the end, a Green Seal certification indicates environmental responsibility and resource-efficiency.
- Stronger bottom line – becoming a more sustainable operation can lead to financial benefits. By reducing resource consumption, some Green Seal certified products and services can help facilities reduce costs tied to waste removal, water usage and energy usage. A 2014 study of S&P 500 companies found that corporations with sustainability strategies perform better financially, and recent researchdemonstrates that companies with higher environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are outperforming those with lower scores during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Sustainable companies can also enhance recruitment and employee retention. Forty percent of millennials have chosen a job because the company performed better on sustainability than other options.
Seal of Sustainable Approval
Green Seal certification elevates the select number of products and services that earn this designation to a new level. Certification through this trustworthy third-party provides visible proof of environmental responsibility and optimal performance. Whether you operate a BSC, restaurant, hotel or hospital, you can gain a competitive advantage by using Green Seal certified products and services within your operation. From improved reputation to increased credibility and reduced costs, the value of a Green Seal certification is clear.
To learn about ABCO’s Natura yarn mop heads, the first ever mop product to earn Green Seal’s Certification of Environmental Innovation, click here or contact us at (888) 694-2226 today.