Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the face of rapid climate change, and companies are eager to prove their commitment to sustainability. The key is finding an assessment process that is publicly accepted and reliable. Certifications are just exactly the solution! They provide a way for companies to demonstrate that they have met certain standards and achieved certain goals within their sustainability commitments and management approaches. In this blog post, we will explore some of the available certifications and how they help businesses prove their commitment to sustainability. We'll also look at other ways businesses can show their customers that they are taking meaningful action on environmental issues.
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What is sustainability management?

The term “sustainability management” refers to the process of incorporating sustainability principles and initiatives into an organization’s decision-making and operations. The goal of sustainability management is to create long-term value for the organization and its external stakeholders while minimizing its environmental impact and maximizing social and economic benefits.

To be effective, sustainability management must be integrated into all aspects of an organization’s operations, from strategy development to day-to-day decision-making. It requires commitment from senior leaders and buy-in from all employees.

There are a number of different certifications that organizations can pursue to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. The most common certification is ISO 14001, which is an internationally recognized standard that outlines requirements for an effective environmental management system. Other popular certifications include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the Carbon Neutral Protocol.

Why certifications are important

Certifications are important for several reasons. First, they provide independent, third-party verification that an organization is adhering to best practices currently available within sustainability. This can help the organization attract and retain customers, as well as improve its bottom line. Additionally, certifications can help an organization access new markets and build trust with stakeholders. Finally, certifications can serve as a motivational tool for employees, helping to engage them in the organization's sustainability efforts.

The different types of certifications

There are different types of certifications for those working in sustainability management. The two main types are voluntary and mandatory certifications.

Voluntary certifications are not required by law but may be beneficial to those working in the field. They can show that an individual or a company as a whole has a commitment towards their professional practices and is willing to invest in their own development, or the company’s case, the whole business development. Voluntary certifications can also help individuals or companies stand out from the pool of talents and employers.

Mandatory certifications, on the other hand, are required by law in order to work or operate in certain roles or industries.

While there are benefits to both types of certification, mandatory certifications tend to be more expensive and time-consuming to obtain. Therefore, weighing the costs and benefits of each type of certification is important before deciding which one is right for you.

Which certification is right for you?

There are a few different types of certification that you can get in sustainability management. Here is a breakdown of just a few of the most used ones and what they entail:

1.    LEED Certification - A green building rating system that has widespread adoption worldwide. LEED offers a foundation for healthy, highly effective, cost-effective green buildings and is available for almost all building types.

2.    TourCert -  A certification for tourism companies and destinations on their way to sustainable business operations.

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4.    Green Key - A voluntary eco-label certified to more than 3,700 hotels and other establishments in 60 countries.

5.    ISO 9001 - An international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS).

Each certification has its own requirements, so it is important to do your research to see which one would be the best fit for you and your organization. For example, if you are looking to get certified for a specific type of building, like an office space, then you would want to look into the LEED or BREEAM certification. If creating a sustainable and healthy workplace is your goal, then WELL would be the right choice for you. And if you are in the travel or tourism industry, then Green Globe, ToruCert, or Green Key would make more sense. There are also general certifications like ISO 9001 that can be applied to any type of business or organization. No matter which certification you ultimately choose, getting certified demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and shows that you are taking responsibility.

How to get certified

To become certified in sustainability management, there are a few steps you need to take. First, research the various certifications that are available and find one that suits your needs. Next, attend a training course or program that will teach you the necessary skills and knowledge required for the certification. Finally, make the necessary steps to receive your credential.

By becoming certified in sustainability management, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility and social justice. This can give you a competitive edge when competing with other companies in the same field. Many countries now require companies from specific industries to have some level of certification to adhere to the country’s regulations.

Conclusion

The importance of certifications within cannot be overstated. Not only do they provide transparency into a company's environmental and social management practices, but they also assure customers that their purchases are helping to reduce waste and promote sustainable operational methods.
The certification process is an important way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to reducing their impact on the environment and providing quality products that will last for years to come. In so doing, acquiring the right sustainability certification can help a business make a positive impression and gain the trust of consumers who will want to support companies that are doing good for the planet for years to come.

Find out how BeCause can support your business by effectively acquiring the necessary certifications and further management of sustainability-related information!