Sustainability Programs and Certifications
Programs that recognize laboratories for their sustainability efforts
This is a program developed by My Green Lab, a non-profit organization focused on promoting sustainability in laboratories. My Green Lab Certification is considered a gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices. The program helps labs identify areas for improvement and provides them with resources to implement sustainable practices.
This program is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and recognizes laboratories that demonstrate superior energy performance. To qualify for ENERGY STAR® certification, laboratories must meet strict energy efficiency standards.
Programs that recognize cannabis producers for their sustainability efforts
Standardized sustainability certifications specifically for cannabis production facilities are still evolving. However, there are a few options that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
This is a well-established certification program for cannabis cultivators in the US and Canada. While it doesn't solely focus on sustainability, it incorporates rigorous standards for environmentally friendly practices like:
- Prohibition of synthetic pesticides and herbicides
- Water conservation measures
- Soil and nutrient management practices
- Waste reduction strategies
Earning Clean Green Certification assures consumers that the cannabis was grown using sustainable and responsible methods.
This California-based certification program focuses specifically on sustainable cannabis cultivation. Sun+Earth Certified facilities are evaluated on a range of criteria including:
- Renewable energy usage
- Water conservation practices
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Soil health and organic amendments
- Waste management and recycling
Sun+Earth Certification provides a comprehensive assessment of a facility's sustainability efforts.
Local or Regional Sustainability Programs
Some states or regions with established cannabis industries might have their own sustainability programs or certifications. These programs often focus on compliance with local environmental regulations and encourage best practices for sustainable cultivation. Researching programs in your specific area can be helpful.
Independent Sustainability Verification
Some cannabis producers might choose to undergo independent verification of their sustainability practices. This can involve working with a qualified organization to assess their operations against a set of sustainability criteria. While not a formal certification, independent verification provides valuable transparency for consumers interested in supporting sustainable cannabis production.
Other programs that recognize sustainability efforts
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification
This program, offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a rating system for green buildings that include laboratories and production facilities. To achieve LEED certification, facilities must meet specific criteria related to energy efficiency, water use, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems
This is the most widely recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to identify, manage, and minimize their environmental impact. By achieving ISO 14001 certification, a facility demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility.
ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems
Designed to support organizations in all sectors, this ISO standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS).
ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement Management System
Provides guidance to organizations, independent of their activity or size, on integrating sustainability within procurement.
ACT Environmental Impact Factor Label
Designed to address the need of both scientists and procurement specialists for clear, third-party verified information about the environmental impact of laboratory products. By emphasizing Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency (ACT) around manufacturing, energy and water use, packaging, and end-of-life, ACT makes it easy to choose more sustainable products.
