Environmental certification schemes

Environmental certification schemes include voluntary and involuntary certifications that give companies and utilities the opportunity to demonstrate compliance with industry, environmental, and legislative standards. Certification and a good track record with the certifying authority often translates into less intervention from regulatory bodies, fewer incidents that result in liability and cost savings from resource conservation and waste minimization. Problems arise when smaller businesses are not able to compete because they either cannot afford to apply for certification or they are unaware of industry standards or how to meet them. Many governments, regional and international organizations provide grants and financial assistance to smaller companies to pay for certification and education schemes through awareness seminars that address industry standards and the importance and benefits of certification.

Case Studies

Sustainable tourism fuels Dominican economy La Romana-Bayahibe, Dominican Republic | March 24, 2004 Despite devastation wreaked by Hurricaine George in 1998, the Dominican tourism industry has grown dramatically over the past decade. USAID and its partners are helping Dominicans capitalize on this growth. Learn more

Filipino Power plant seeks ISO status

Standards: Opportunity or obstacle?

Demonstrating patience vanilla farming in Uganda

Bolivia's eco-certified forest grows

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