Interview with Marcos Cordero, Founder of the Green Business Bureau

Quick 411 On Marcos Cordero

Marcos co-founded the Green Business Bureau to promote and support the green business philosophy throughout North America. He is a LEED-accredited professional. In addition, he has extensive experience in the environmental and photovoltaic industries.

Marcos earned a mechanical engineering degree from MIT. In addition he followed by an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Marcos is also currently the vice president of the Harvard Business School Club of Houston.

Why was the Green Business Bureau started?

The Green Business Bureau was founded in 2008 by a group of environmental and business professionals. People who recognized a need for a national, trusted green certification program. One that offered sustainable resources, guidelines and also instructions. That’s for small-to medium-sized companies.

Why should a business go green?

Tangible benefits come from taking a company green. That’s for businesses that do so can save money, impact the environment. Also attract new customers, bring employees together.  Moreover, showcase a real marketing edge. In addition, the GBB also works to keep members informed. Especially of the newest regulations affecting green business practices.  Moreover, in various industries.

Is the Green Business Bureau a government agency?

The Green Business Bureau is a private, for-profit, third-party independent organization. One that provides tools, resources and certifications to assist businesses in their sustainability goals. 

What is green business certification? 

Green business certification identifies a company that follows ongoing, environmentally-sustainable business practices in the office and on the client side of the business.  How does the Green Business Bureau certification differ from other green certifications? Our green business certification certifies that the business operations of a company meet the required standards for sustainability. Others main certification bodies and what they certify include:

Products

Green Seal

Buildings

The U.S. Green Building Council LEED Green Building Rating System

Energy Efficient Products: Certified by the U.S. Government ENERGY STAR Program

How were the GBB initiatives developed? 

Our standards are developed, monitored, and administered by a panel of experts associated with the Green Business Bureau. This panel includes members of LEED, individuals in the legal and compliance arena. Also folks with experience in renewable energy.  Our goal was to maximize the benefits for businesses. Moreover for the environment by combining standards and guidelines set forth. That’s by the EPA, USGBC LEED System, government agencies, industry-specific certifying entities, and other third party, independent performance labeling organizations into a single source for green business initiatives. 

Each initiative is evaluated for its relevance on the GBB membership community and is ranked in three areas

1. Investment Level
2. Effort Level
3. and Environmental Benefit

A point value is assigned to each initiative based on these three criteria. All content is monitored consistently. In addition, regular updates to our standards are made as appropriate (usually monthly).

What businesses are eligible for green business certification?

First off, The Green Business Bureau serves small- and medium-sized businesses across all industries in the US and Canada. In addition, we have created Eco-Industries Programs (EIPs) that incorporate our standard menu of green initiatives. That’s along with industry specific initiatives developed by the EPA and trade-related bodies.

Their current list of EIPs includes:

Janitorial and Cleaning Services

Dry Cleaning

Landscaping

Office Supplies Vending

Building and Construction

Horticultural Nurseries

Retail

Hotels and Lodging

and Restaurants.

How do you track the success of your members? 

Through our exclusive partnership with Green Irene. For our members receive third party auditing to verify completion of initiatives. This onsite verification gives consumers the confidence. Especially to know that a company has actually done the work to call themselves green. 

In addition, we offer a best-in-class membership seal for member websites. When a customer clicks on the seal, the entire list of initiatives completed by the company is displayed — giving total transparency into the member’s green efforts.