Building on the development of 30 environmental standards and certification of over 3,500 "green" products and services, Green Seal's pilot program will certify companies as a whole based on their commitment to environmentally-sound business practices and sustainable products, the release stated.
According to the release, recognition of environmental leadership ¡ª at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels ¡ª will be based on corporate-wide practices and environmental impacts, third-party environmental certification of the company's products and life-cycle assessment of the company's key product lines.
Green Seal will factor in greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, biodiversity impact and labor relations, among other requirements, the release noted.
Arthur Weissman, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Green Seal, said: "Today's green-savvy consumers are increasingly wary of corporate greenwashing and are looking for proof that companies and their products are as green as they say they are. Our pilot Company Certification Program makes green corporate claims credible and provides real marketing power as manufacturers brand themselves in a sustainability-minded marketplace."
Once social and environmental impact studies are completed, qualified companies are given a license to use the Green Seal which, in addition to certifying their commitment to the environment for consumers, also provides greenwashing insurance for the business, the release added.
