Business Chief ME+AFRICA Magazine November 2023 | Page 122

1 % for the Planet community volunteers with the Surfrider Foundation
RISE OF ETHICAL , ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS
As consumers vote for increased sustainability with their spending habits , a growing number of companies are leveraging ethical and environmental certifications like 1 % for the Planet to quickly and quantitatively show consumers , vendors , partners and suppliers a commitment to these practices . So what do these mean ?
Fair Trade Certified This seal on a product “ signifies that it was made according to rigorous , fair trade standards that promote sustainable livelihoods , safe working conditions , protection of the environment and strong , transparent supply chains .”
Rainforest Alliance Certified hotels promote environmental , social and economic sustainability in agriculture and forestry for conference locations or employee travel . Fairmont and Hyatt are among certified hotels .
FSC recycled certification An internationally recognised certification system that ensures responsible forest management and promotes the use of recycled materials in the production of paper and other forest-based products .
Climate Neutral Certified A globally recognised standard for carbon accountability . Among the 337 brands that have certified , they measured and offset 1,408,415 tonnes of carbon to account for the impacts of their last year ’ s operations .
LEED certification The world ’ s most widely used green building rating system , LEED certification provides a framework for healthy , highly efficient , and cost-saving green buildings , which offer ESG benefits .
B Corp Established in 2006 by nonprofit organisation B Lab , B Corp certification is the only certification that measures a company ’ s entire social and environmental performance .
Credit : Duft Watterson
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