How the Program Works

At the heart of the Watauga Green Business Plan is a certification process that evaluates the breadth and depth of a business' commitment to reducing its environmental impact and supporting a sustainable community.

The basis of the evaluation is the Green Business Scorecard. The Scorecard reflects best practices in eight areas of environmental and community stewardship: regulatory compliance, solid waste management, environmentally and socially responsible purchasing, energy conservation and efficiency, water conservation and quality, protecting and promoting natural and cultural resources, alternative transportation, and community involvement and leadership.

In order for a business to become certified, it must meet specified implementation goals from a minimum number of measures from across these best practice categories. Additionally, participants agree to take certain steps to encourage employee participation and raise the visibility of the program.

Following a self-assessment, an interested business pays a nominal certification fee and arranges for an on-site verification visit by a member of the Green Business Team in order to confirm adoption of best practices and implementation goals.

Based on the level of performance, a participating business is awarded a Level of Green Excellence ranking of one, three, or five stars. Certification is valid for two years.

Businesses just getting started, but still wishing to participate in the program may be awarded provisional certification for up to one year. During this period, the business commits to put best practices in place and meet minimum implementation goals.