The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) is thrilled to announce it has earned Green America’s Green Business Certification and has been awarded the Green America Gold Certified Business Seal. Green America’s Green Business Certification is awarded to small to mid-sized businesses that are committed to using their platform for positive social and environmental change and growing the new green economy from the ground up.
PSBA is now a certified member of the Green Business Network® (GBN), a distinguished group of companies that have laid the groundwork for the green economy and for bringing it to scale.
Founded in 1982, the Green Business Network is the first network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses in the country.
To be considered for Green America’s Green Business Certification, businesses must complete an assessment to ensure they meet Green America’s standards for the environment, community, labor and governance. Green America certifies businesses in dozens of different industries using industry-specific assessments.
PSBA was able to achieve this certification by maintaining a socially healthy workplace for employees through implementation of flexible work hours, a family-friendly benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and adherence to a nondiscrimination policy and procedures.
As an organization, PSBA practices fair and transparent governance, provides opportunities for input from internal and external stakeholders, and advocates for green practices in the wider nonprofit and education industries.
The association fosters environmental health by maintaining energy efficiency and sustainability measures at its facilities; utilizing fair trade, recycled and nontoxic products; and reducing waste where possible. Some practical examples of PSBA’s commitment to green standards include installation of solar panels, purchase of electric/hybrid vehicles for required business travel, the Digitally-Well Workplace badge and an inclusive strategic planning process.
“We are excited to earn this coveted Certification,” said Christina Griffiths, PSBA chief operating officer. “It’s one of the most respected symbols for small businesses in the sustainable marketplace and a powerful way for PSBA to stand out as a leader in our field.”
Green America awards Green Business Certification to businesses that are:
- Environmentally responsible in the way they source and manufacture products, and run their operations and facilities;
- Socially equitable and committed to strong practices that benefit the well-being of workers, customers, suppliers, and the greater community; and
- Accountable for their work by continually improving and operating with radical transparency in every facet of their business.
About Green America’s Green Business Network®:
Green America’s Green Business Network® (GBN) is the first network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses in the country. Since 1982, GBN has led and innovated in the green business and social enterprise field. It is home to both rising social and eco enterprises and to the most established green businesses around. GBN provides the tools, the information, and the consumer base to help small green businesses and social enterprises thrive in today’s competitive green marketplace. Learn more at www.greenbusinessnetwork.org.
The Green Business Network is a program of Green America®, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working to build a green and just economy.
To learn more about Green America’s Green Business Certification, visit http://www.greenbusinessnetwork.org/green-business-certification/. To learn more about Green America’s Green Business Standards, visit http://www.greenbusinessnetwork.org/green-business-certification/green-business-standards/.
