Green Business Certification
The GOC’s Green Business Council (GBC) has developed the Green Business Certification program for local businesses and nonprofit organizations interested in reducing their environmental impact and gain recognition for their achievements.
Become Certified!
To become green certified by the GBC, businesses must self-certify that the company is conducting certain fundamental environmental practices that help reduce their environmental impacts. Participating organizations are encouraged to improve their environmental performances over time and develop environmental programs and goals that create accountability for progress and achievement. The certification program has two different levels, Green and Emerald. Green requires that businesses meet all the mandatory requirements of the certification and Emerald requires businesses to go above and beyond that by completing a specified number of elite requirements. There is no fee for the program, but the organization should be a GOC member.
Certification Benefits
Becoming certified is a great opportunity to gain recognition for your environmental efforts, differentiate from competitors by promoting your environmental achievements, and save money by reducing use of energy, water and other resources. Becoming a green business also creates a healthier and more comfortable workplace and helps evolve your business for a changing economic environment. Our program is also designed to educate other businesses working to become environmentally responsible by creating a network of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that support and assist each other.
Application Process
Once an organization has chosen to apply for certification, the process begins by completing the online certification application. This requires the company to fill out the required business information, environmental commitment and regulatory compliance agreement, and environmental practices checklist. Once completed and signed off by the company representative, the application is submitted to the Green Business Council Leadership Committee for approval. Once approval has been granted, marketing materials will be provided. Businesses will also have the option to provide their certification information online for so that visitors can view their environmental achievements and certification score along with other related information about the company.
Application Steps
1. Complete online application (must be a Green Business Council member to apply)
2. Submit application via E-mail to Omaha Green Business Council
3. E-mail notification from the council that indicates application has been received and if any errors have been found
4. Acceptance decision from council leadership committee within 30 days (council meets every fourth Wednesday of the month)
5. If approved, Green Business Certification marketing materials will be sent out within 2 weeks of acceptance decision
Green Business Certification FAQ’s
Certification Requirements
Step 1: Environmental Commitment
Step 2: Business Information
Step 3: Regulatory Compliance
Step 4: Environmental Practices Checklist
Step 5: Training Workshops (Emerald Level Requirement Only)
Step 6: Submit Application
Green Business Certification Applications
Please e-mail applications to
If questions, please contact the Green Business Council Leadership Committee at greenbusiness@greenomahacoalition.org
Supplemental Resources for Green Business Certification
Nebraska’s hazardous waste regulation for Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs)
