Company
Required:
- Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.
- Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on its website
Preferred:
- Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.
- Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.) that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.
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 the spas 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.
- Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).
- Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.
