# Green Business Bureau: Leading the Way in Sustainability - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/green-business-bureau-leading-the-way-in-sustainability/ - Published: 2015-05-15T13:35:00-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## _**Quick 411 On Marcos Cordero**_ Marcos co-founded the Green Business Bureau to [promote and support](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/gbci-renamed-green-business-certification-inc/) the green business [philosophy](https://www.greenbusinessbenchmark.com/) 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/harvard-and-brown-fail-on-climate/) 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 ## Interview with Marcos Cordero, Founder of the Green Business Bureau ![Modern office with Green Business Bureau Certified signage, indoor plants, recycling bins, and natural light. Employees collaborate in a bright, sustainable space.]( https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2033D29D-03C6-4FE7- 8AEA-2326DB381E3D.png?resize=736%2C491&quality=50&ssl=1) The Green Business Bureau helps companies [build sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/02/monique-f-leroux-at-the-canadian-club-of-montreal-canada-must-be-at-the-forefront-of-green-technologies/), certified workplaces that reduce waste, save energy, and inspire teams. #### Quick Overview of Marcos Cordero Marcos Cordero is a LEED-accredited professional and the co-founder of the Green Business Bureau. He has a mechanical engineering degree from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Marcos is also the vice president of the Harvard Business School Club of Houston. With his extensive experience in the environmental and photovoltaic industries, Marcos is dedicated to promoting and supporting the green business philosophy throughout North America. #### The Green Business Bureau’s Mission The Green Business Bureau (GBB) was founded in 2008 by a group of environmental and business professionals who recognized the need for a national, trusted green certification program. The GBB offers sustainable resources, guidelines, and instructions for small to medium-sized companies looking to adopt environmentally-friendly practices. Its mission is to help businesses save money, impact the environment positively, attract new customers, foster employee engagement, and gain a marketing edge. Additionally, the GBB keeps its members informed about the latest regulations affecting green business practices across various industries. #### Benefits of Going Green Going green offers tangible benefits to businesses. By adopting environmentally- sustainable practices, [companies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/green-business-certification-program-explained/) can save money, reduce their impact on the environment, attract new customers, and foster employee engagement. Going green can also provide a marketing edge, as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. The GBB works to keep its members informed about the newest regulations affecting green business practices, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve. ## Understanding Green Business Certification Green business certification identifies companies that follow ongoing, environmentally- sustainable practices in their office operations and client interactions. The Green Business Bureau’s certification sets it apart from other green certifications by certifying that a company’s operations meet the required sustainability standards. Other main certification bodies include Green Seal for products, the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Green Building Rating System for buildings, and the U.S. Government ENERGY STAR Program for energy-efficient products. ## Development of GBB Initiatives The GBB develops its initiatives through a panel of experts associated with the organization. This panel includes members of LEED, legal and compliance professionals, individuals with experience in renewable energy, and other industry-specific certifying entities. The goal is to maximize the benefits for businesses and the environment by combining standards and guidelines from various sources, such as the EPA, [USGBC LEED](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/usgbc-leed-a-game-changer-for-global-green-building/) System, government agencies, and third-party organizations. Each initiative is evaluated based on investment level, effort level, and environmental benefit, with regular updates to the standards. #### Eligibility for Green Business Certification The Green Business Bureau serves small- and medium-sized businesses across all industries in the US and Canada. To cater to industry-specific needs, the GBB has developed Eco-Industries Programs (EIPs) that incorporate their standard menu of green initiatives along with industry-specific initiatives developed by the EPA and trade-related bodies. Some of the EIPs include janitorial and cleaning services, dry cleaning, landscaping, office supplies vending, building and construction, horticultural nurseries, retail, hotels and lodging, and restaurants. ## Tracking the Success of GBB Members The Green Business Bureau partners with Green Irene to provide third-party auditing for its members. This auditing verifies the completion of initiatives and gives consumers confidence that a company has actually implemented environmentally-friendly practices. Additionally, the GBB offers a best-in-class membership seal for member websites. When customers click on the seal, they can see the entire list of initiatives completed by the company, providing transparency into the member’s green efforts. ## Conclusion Marcos Cordero, as the co-founder of the Green Business Bureau, has been instrumental in promoting and supporting the green business philosophy throughout North America. The Green Business Bureau offers sustainable resources, guidelines, and certifications for small to medium-sized businesses looking to adopt environmentally-friendly practices. Going green not only benefits the environment but also provides tangible advantages for businesses, including cost savings, attracting new customers, and gaining a marketing edge. With its panel of experts and industry-specific initiatives, the Green Business Bureau ensures that its members meet the required sustainability standards. By partnering with Green Irene for third-party auditing, the GBB verifies the completion of initiatives and provides transparency to consumers. Overall, the Green Business Bureau plays a [crucial role](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/los-angeles-goes-green-business-and-green-seal-at-the-same-time/) in driving and certifying green business practices across various industries.