Company
Required:
- Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.
- Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on its website
Spa Services and Operations
Required:
Treatment products used by staff and available for sale to customers
- Made without synthetic fragrances or musks, dyes, petrolatum, paraffin phthalates, or parabens
- Third party certified as not tested on animals (Third party preferred, products not tested on animals regardless of certification is required)
- For non-spa treatment products available for sale, at least half made with ingredients/materials that are at least 50% local, fair trade certified, or certified organic
Operations
- Install renewable energy water heating systems, i.e. solar, waste heat, geothermal
- Use of sustainable equipment and materials use in operations, including spa textiles and linens, massage tables, vintage and reclaimed furniture, exercise machines, etc.
- Use sanitizers for equipment that do not contain chlorine or triclosan
- Source paper goods with recycled content including office paper, toilet paper and paper towels
- Exclusive use of reusable cups, plates and cutlery for staff and clients (no disposables)
Water
- Sustainable laundering of linens including phosphate, petroleum, and synthetic fragrance free detergents, fabric softeners, and whiteners
- Laundry uses cold water and the least amount of water possible
- Use sustainable, non-toxic, and/or non-chemical water treatment strategies in all water based therapies including swimming pools, hot tubs, nail care (saline instead of chlorine or bromine)
- Install pool cover systems to reduce night-time water and heat loss
- Protocols, employee training, and regular use of non-toxic cleaning and sanitation products
Preferred:
Treatment products used by staff and available for sale to customers
- Made without ethoxylated compounds, petroleum-based chemicals such as dimethcione, butylene glycol, propylene glycol
Policy and Process
- Annual goals/action plans for sustainable improvement projects in service chain and company operations
- Shared documents include regularly updated metrics by which successes and in progress work is measured
- Annual reassessment of priorities/goals/action plans for sustainability improvement projects in service chain and company operations
- Involvement in local community through hiring, sourcing, and supporting activities using volunteer time, financial resources, use of office space, etc.
- Involvement in local or national organization supporting community building
Company Employment
Required:
- Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.
- Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.
- Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.
- Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.
- Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.
Preferred:
- Living wage is paid.
- Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.
Education
Required:
- Use transparent and truthful marketing.
- Advocate for green business practices in your industry.
- Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred:
- Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.
Green Office/Facility
Required:
- HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.
- System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.
- Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.
- Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.
- Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.
- Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.
- Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.
- Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.
- Compost all food waste.
- Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
- Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.
- Use of green or local caterers for events.
- Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.
