You may already be running your practice with the environment in mind. If so, you should get recognized for your efforts. A host of organizations help you find ways to protect the environment and gain recognition for your practice in the community.

Across the US, local and national organizations are setting up criteria, information and directories for practices like yours (and many other businesses) to be certified and recognized for implementing environmentally-friendly standards and business practices.

You can find local organizations promoting and certifying local businesses using the list below or by contacting your local city or county environmental agency.

How to apply for certification

Contact a representative from your local certification organization or one of the national or regional groups listed below. The list is representative of such groups, but it is not complete. You can find additional organizations by searching the Internet for listings specific to your area using search terms such as “green, environment, certification, dental” and your city or state.

Once you have selected the organization to work with, you will need to obtain its guidelines and identify any necessary changes to your office to meet them. Certification is based on general and, sometimes, industry-specific regulations or recommendations.

Typically, you will complete an application and pay a fee. A local representative from the designated organization may visit to verify your efforts. Signage, logos and certificates are issued for your use, and online directories list your practice so that consumers can see you have met the organization’s requirements. Participants are often featured in newsletters, local press coverage or other promotional events. Many organizations require that you maintain certification status through annual reassessments to confirm compliance with their requirements.

Pioneering groups such as The Bay Area Green Business Program (nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area) or the Sustainable Business Network of Washington (D.C. metropolitan area) are examples of local groups that have programs in place to verify that local businesses meet their standards of environmental performance. Utilizing a partnership of government agencies and utilities, these groups typically help local businesses comply with all environmental regulations and take actions to conserve resources, prevent pollution and minimize waste.

Values that help your business

Beyond the obvious reduction of waste and proper care of hazardous materials, showing leadership in environmental issues can strengthen your bottom line by:

• Improving patient relationships by showing a commitment to environmental stewardship
• Providing operational efficiencies and cost savings
• Conserving energy and water
• Increasing employee participation and retention by involving staff members in creating a healthy work environment

Use the resources below to find guidelines for your area or tips about reducing the impact of your practice on the environment. Your local and state government and utilities may also have a program in place.

Get your building certified

For practices that are planning to build a new facility or refurbish an existing property, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM certification provides independent verification that a building project meets their green building and performance measures. Certified projects receive a LEED plaque for public recognition.

The organization suggests that LEED-certified buildings:

• Can lower operating costs and increase property value.
• Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
• Conserve energy and water.
• Provide a healthier and safer workplace.
• Help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• Likely qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances or other incentives in many cities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues.

There are costs involved in obtaining this certification and should be considered as part of your overall development budget. Contact the U. S. Green Building Council for more information.