Measuring Sustainability for Small and Medium Businesses: Is a Single, National Standard Possible? By Vale Jokisch at BALLE conference 2010 Product certifications are everywhere. Walk into Whole Foods and you’ll see packages labeled Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified – the list goes on and on. It can be challenging for consumers to understand exactly what these certifications mean for the products they choose to buy.
The same could be said about sustainable business practices. Across the US, local and national organizations are creating standards and certifications for small to mid-sized sustainable businesses. But what do these certifications actually mean? The B Impact Rating System measures performance in five major impact areas: leadership, employees, community, consumers, and environment. Genevieve King, Director of the Sustainable Business Council in Missoula, MT, agrees. So is there a single solution? Scroll down to see comments. Snohomish County : Focus on Farming : Ag Sustainability. Sustainability. The 21st Century Corporation: The Ceres Roadmap to Sustainability. March 2010 - The Ceres Roadmap serves as a vision and practical guide for integrating sustainability into the DNA of business — from the boardroom to the copy room.
It analyzes the drivers, risks and opportunities involved in making the shift to sustainability, and details strategies and results from companies who are taking on these challenges. The Ceres Roadmap is designed to provide a comprehensive platform for sustainable business strategy and for accelerating best practices and performance. March 2010 - The Ceres Roadmap serves as a vision and practical guide for integrating sustainability into the DNA of business — from the boardroom to the copy room.
It analyzes the drivers, risks and opportunities involved in making the shift to sustainability, and details strategies and results from companies who are taking on these challenges. The Ceres Roadmap is designed to provide a comprehensive platform for sustainable business strategy and for accelerating best practices and performance.