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Español  FSC has joined 100+ NGOs supporting the #Together4Forests movement.

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While it seems that more and more businesses are taking steps to become green, there’s one sure way that a consumer can ensure that a business, product, or service is environmentally friendly and ethical. Sustainability certifications are awarded to companies and individuals that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental, social, and economic performance principles.

There are many certifications available today offering comprehensive frameworks to assess an organization’s environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. While each certification is different, they can resonate strongly with consumers who prioritize environmental stewardship in the businesses they choose to associate with.

Here is a list of helpful certification systems available to businesses, plus an array of sustainability certifications and credentials that professionals can take advantage of to successfully position themselves in their careers.  

Seven images of different types of sustainability certifications are shown next to each other.

Table of contents: 

1. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®)

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is an independent organization that promotes the environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. As such, they offer many credible certifications that certify businesses, forest owners, and forest managers to help support responsible forestry. These robust certifications cover the forest itself and the entire value chain, one of which includes the Forest Management Certification.

A photo of trees in a forest accompany FSC's mission statement.
FSC / Jjumba Martin

This certification evaluates forests and the forest owners and managers against strict criteria to ensure that the forest is being sustainably managed. These criteria include:  

  • Compliance with local and international laws
  • Protection of high conservation value areas  
  • Respect for Indigenous Peoples who call the forests home
  • Engagement with local communities
  • Maintenance of forest health and sustainable harvesting
  • Upholding fair labour practices
  • Continuous transparent reporting 

When companies meet these criteria and receive certification, they prove their attentiveness to sustainability and sourcing their timber and wood products from responsibly managed land.

Businesses can also rely on FSC labels, which certify that products and services meet and maintain strict sustainability standards.

Best for: Forest owners, managers, and any company involved in harvesting and producing timber as well as non-timber forest products like bamboo, cork, rubber, and more. Learn more about getting FSC Forest Management certified.

A close-up photo of a wooden dry brush shows the FSC certification engraved into the brush, signifying a type of sustainability certification. 
FSC / Dieter Kühl

2. ISEAL Alliance

The ISEAL Alliance is a global organization dedicated to improving the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability standards. Their mission is to accelerate positive change by improving the impacts of ambitious sustainability systems and their partners.

For instance, FSC is a member of ISEAL and adheres to the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. This partnership signifies FSC’s commitment to rigorous standards and transparency, enhancing the credibility of FSC certifications.

Best for: Organizations seeking to demonstrate their strong commitment to sustainability and to build trust with consumers and other stakeholders. Learn more about becoming an ISEAL Member.

3. B Corporation

A B Corporation, or a Benefit Corporation, is a certification B Lab gives to a for-profit business that is committed to balancing its social, economic, and environmental goals with its financial bottom line.

To become a B Corporation, the business must undergo a rigorous assessment of its practices with an in-depth evaluation of its entire operation. B Lab assesses everything from employee policies to governance, supply chain management to environmental impact, and everything in between.

Becoming a B Corporation can take a long time and may require the company to make internal changes. However, the B-Corp symbol demonstrates a commitment to doing business ethically and sustainably and using it as a force for good.

Best for: Any company in any industry that seeks to create a positive social and environmental impact. Learn more about the B-Corp Certification.

4. Rainforest Alliance 

Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit independent organization with a mission to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainability across the globe. The Sustainable Agriculture Certification Program offers a path to advancing sustainability in agriculture and related industries.

This program has a wide range of sustainability requirements for certification. These requirements mainly focus on environmental and biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, the well-being of farmers and workers, and economic viability.

Like many sustainability certifications, Rainforest Alliance emphasizes the importance of continuously improving and taking active, innovative steps toward a sustainable business.

Best for: Companies across various industries that use various agricultural products like fruit, tea, coffee, and cocoa. Learn more about the Sustainable Agriculture Standard Certification.

5. Green Seal

Green Seal is a United States-based organization that provides third-party certification for products across the globe. It awards certification to products that meet science-based environmental standards. Products with this certification must be evaluated against strict requirements such as their use of resources, environmental impact, and how it affects consumer health.

The Green Seal certification is product-specific. The products that are eligible for the Green Seal must fall within the following categories:  

  • Cleaning solutions 
  • Laundry care 
  • Sanitary paper (paper towels, toilet paper, etc.)  
  • Hygiene products 
  • Floor care 
  • Printing or writing paper

Best for: Companies that manufacture cleaning, hygiene, and paper products. Learn more about earning a Green Seal Certification.

6. Fairtrade 

The Fairtrade certification lets consumers know that the products they are buying are being ethically and responsibly produced and managed.

The goal of Fairtrade is to ensure that products are grown, harvested, manufactured, and traded in a way that protects the environment and improves the lives of those who work with the product at any point.

Fair Trade standards include, but are not limited to:

  • Transparency  
  • Ethical product sourcing  
  • Labour rights  
  • Environmental protection  
  • Product traceability

Best for: Various companies across the agricultural and handicraft industries whose products are sold and traded across the globe. Learn more about the Fair Trade Certification. 

7. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The LEED certification, offered by the U.S. Green Building Council, is primarily awarded to green building projects, but can also be given to entire organizations or companies depending on the circumstances.

This certification proves that the organization’s project, or projects, met various criteria and certifies the building as a green building. A green building is a structure made of sustainable materials and uses environmentally responsible techniques and practices to minimize the project’s environmental impact. Additionally, a green building project must also promote occupant health and well-being.

With this certification, builders can create homes, commercial buildings, and even communities that benefit the environment and the people within them.

Best for: Builders involved in green building construction. Learn more about the LEED Certification.

An illustrated numbered list shows seven sustainability certification systems for businesses.
FSC / Mayank Bhavesh Soni

Steps businesses could take on the way to becoming more sustainable

Even if a business does not carry a sustainability certification, or they are not currently in the position to seek one, there are dozens of steps that a company can take to become more sustainable and earth-friendly.

Here are some actionable items companies must demonstrate to be deemed sustainable. 

  • Reduce carbon footprint: Optimizing energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy, and reducing waste are all viable ways to reduce a company’s carbon footprint.
  • Sustainably sourcing materials: Using ethically sourced raw materials and materials certified for sustainability, such as FSC-certified timber, are two ways to create a more earth-friendly product or service.
  • Use resources responsibly: Water and energy conservation is essential to running a sustainable business. Additionally, businesses should strive to recycle and reuse their materials.
  • Reduce and prevent pollution: It’s no secret that manufacturing and production sites often harm the environment. Our World In Data reports that food production accounts for 26 per cent of all global emissions. This doesn’t even include non-food manufacturing sites. Businesses should implement emissions control practices and wastewater treatment to minimize their negative environmental impact.
  • Ensure fair labour practices: Sustainability goes beyond reducing emissions and a carbon footprint. Sustainability also lies within social equity, such as ensuring fair labor standards like safe working conditions, fair wages, adherence to labor laws, and providing an equal opportunity workplace for all genders and races.
  • Engage with the local community: Companies should engage with the community in which they operate by supporting development initiatives, contributing to social welfare, and having a positive impact on the community’s economy.
  • Abide by ethical business practices: Transparent and ethical practices like adhering to regulatory and legal regulations and upholding ethical codes of conduct are essential to all businesses striving for sustainability.
  • Innovate to develop sustainable products and practices: Businesses should create an innovative and adaptive environment that fosters the development of sustainable products, practices, and services.
  • Report on sustainability performance: Sustainability practices should be transparent to reported stakeholders to demonstrate accountability and identify areas of success and need for improvement. 

Certifications for sustainability professionals

Professionals in the sustainability industry are also eligible for certifications through various certifying agencies. These certifications are ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge, continue their education, and add credentials to their resume.

Many of the below certifications require the professional to complete a program and pass a certification exam. Since there are various career paths a sustainability professional might take, we’ve broken down the certifications into their respective categories.

For climate change and sustainability professionals: 

  1. Certified Climate Change Professional by the Association of Climate Change Officers 
  2. Sustainability Excellence Professional by Green Business Certification Inc. 

 

For green building and roof professionals: 

  1. LEED with AP Specialty by U.S. Green Building Council  

  2. Living Future Accreditation by International Living Future Institute 

  3. Green Roof Professional Accreditation by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities 

 

For ESG and sustainable finance professionals: 

  1. Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential by International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation 

  2. Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance by Chartered Financial Analyst Institute 

  3. Certificate in ESG Investing by Chartered Banker Institute 

 

For circular economy professionals: 

  1. Circular Economy Specialist Certification by Circular Economy Institute 

  2. Certified Circular Economy Professional by Circular Economy Alliance  

 

For city and infrastructure planning professionals: 

  1. Urban Greenhouse Gas Inventory Specialist Certification by City Climate Planner  

  2. Envision Sustainability Professional by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure 

 

For governance and risk professionals: 

  1. Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate by the Global Association of Risk Professionals 

  2. Global ESG Competent Boards Designation by Competent Boards 

 

For energy efficiency professionals: 

  1. Certified Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers 

  2. Certified Business Energy Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers 

  3. Certified Energy Procurement Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers 

  4. Renewable Energy Professional by Association of Energy Engineers 

  5. Certified Sustainable Development Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers 

 

For other sustainability professionals:  

  1. TRUE Advisor Certificate by Green Business Certification Inc.  

  2. SEAM AP Accreditation by Social Equity Assessment Method 

  3. AWS Professional (Foundation, Advanced, and Specialist levels) by Alliance for Water Stewardship 

  4. Biomimicry Practitioner Certificate by Learn Biomimicry  

  5. AIChE Credential for Sustainability Professionals (ACSP) by The American Institute of Chemical Engineers Institute for Sustainability 

  6. Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional by International Supply Chain Education Alliance 

  7. Internal Auditor, Lead Implementer, and Lead Auditor Certifications by ISO 14001 

  8. Sustainable Event Professional Certificate by Events Industry Council 

  9. Life Cycle Assessment Certified Professional by American Center for Life Cycle Assessment 

  10. Certified Professional Product Steward by Product Stewardship Society 

Note that the above certifications are intended for early to advanced career professionals. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of the sustainability certification programs offered to students. 

Sustainability certifications for students and future professionals

While there aren’t as many sustainability certifications offered to students, there are some great options that help students build their resumes and explore different paths within a sustainability career. 

For future limited change and sustainability professionals: 

  1. Sustainability Excellence Associate by Green Business Certification Inc. 

  2. Certified Climate Change – Professional Candidate by Association of Climate Change Officers 

 

For future green building professionals: 

  1. The Green Globes Emerging Professional by Green Building Initiative 

 

For future circular economy professionals: 

  1. Circular Economy Pioneer Program by Ellen MacArthur Foundation 

 

For future sustainability reporting professionals: 

  1. Global Reporting Initiative Professional Certification by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 

 

For future sustainable design and construction professionals: 

  1. Fitwel Ambassador Accreditation by Fitwel 

  2. WELL Accredited Professional by International WELL Building Institute 

  3. LEED Green Associate by The U.S. Green Building Council 

Sustainability Certifications FAQ

Learn more about sustainability certifications with these frequently asked questions. 

What is a sustainability certification for businesses? 

A sustainability certification is a title given to a company, organization, product, or service that has proven its dedication to sustainability by meeting certain standards related to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. These certifications are granted by independent organizations or a regulatory agency, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE).   

What is an ESG certification?

ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance and represents a credential or qualification that an individual or company receives upon demonstrating their knowledge of ESG in institutional investment analysis.

While there is not currently a standardized ESG certification, there are various organizations that offer ESG programs and frameworks to rate agencies based on their ESG performance.

These organizations include:  

Understanding these frameworks helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while continually assessing and improving their ESG performance.  

Are sustainability certifications for businesses worth it?

As a business, a sustainability certification communicates your dedication to the environment to your customers and the organizations with which you work. Additionally, it holds the company and its stakeholders accountable for continuing their work to uphold a sustainable business.

While obtaining any of the above certifications can be a lengthy process, they are worth exploring so that your customers are assured they are making sustainable purchases that will benefit them, the environment, local communities, and future generations.

Explore all of FSC’s certifications and licences to learn more about how your business can make a positive impact on the environment and the world we live in. 

Additional resources 

Read about Environmental Impact in Business and what companies can do to function more sustainably. Learn more about how the World Wildlife Fund works with businesses to address conservation and sustainability. Read about Friends of the Earth International and what they do to protect forests and the biodiversity within.  

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