Why You Should Hire a Green Earth–Green Plants Certified Business

Whether you are a building owner/manager; office manager; hotel manager or home owner, you want to deal with interior plantscape companies who are green certified, and this accreditation program for interior plantscape businesses gives the assurance that our Certified businesses are operating in an eco-friendly way.

This program was developed by a LEED AP and is based on an assessment similar to the LEED program for green buildings, this program is administered by Johnson Fediw Associates, a non-partisan third party consulting firm specializing in the interior plantscape industry.  It has been featured in many trade association newsletters (OFA, PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) and PIA (Plantscape Industry Alliance) ) and is featured on Green Plants for Green Buildings’ website.

This program was developed by Kathy Fediw, LEED AP, CLP, CLT and is grounded in solid research results and published industry standards, including some of the LEED criteria for green buildings.  It has been peer reviewed and approved by a committee of volunteer industry leaders representing their trade associations.

Certified businesses must go through a vigorous assessment and earn assessment points for every earth-friendly practice in place.  They also receive tips on easy, inexpensive changes to make their operations more “green” so they can earn more points to attain certification. The assessment includes:

1.  Horticultural practices (as outlined in the book “Green Plant Care Tips for Techs”):  Includes watering practices, pesticide usage and other practices.

2.  Transportation and vehicles:  reducing the carbon footprint by using hybrid and alternative vehicles, routing efficiency, using public transportation, etc.

3.  Facilites: indoor and outdoor:  energy-efficient lighting and heating; water-saving practices; reducing indoor VOC’s; establishing a wildlife habitat, etc.

4.  Recycling and reuse:  reducing landfill waste by recycling glass, plastics, etc., and composting plant debris.

5.  Staff education and training:  educating staff members on eco-friendly practices.

6.  Social responsibility: giving back to the community and industry

Green Earth–Green Plants Certified Businesses may opt for either an onsite audit or must provide documentation for each credit they are claiming.  In the process they also learn about other practices they can incorporate to make their businesses even more eco-friendly.  Many of these practices also save a company a substantial amount of money and improve their safety practices.

To find a Green Earth–Green Plants Certified Business in your area, click here  or fill out our  easy contact form.

This program also includes Project Certification for existing and new eco-friendly interiorscape accounts such as small and large offices, atriums, shopping malls and hotels.  See for details.