DEVELOP CERTIFICATION OR
PLEDGE PROGRAMS

INSPIRE YOUR COMMUNITY

Certification programs, pledges, or other voluntary programs are an effective way to support your member businesses.

By establishing voluntary standards and incentives for sustainability efforts, clean energy, or climate action, you can help businesses commit to goals like reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and utilizing renewable energy sources.

These programs not only enhance environmental performance but also boost business reputation among consumers and partners who prioritize sustainability. Additionally, certification programs often provide resources, support, and recognition, fostering a community of like-minded businesses that collectively drive broader systemic change toward a sustainable economy.

Ideas for certification and pledge programs:

  • Create a set of criteria for sustainability or advancement of clean energy or climate goals that local businesses can select from that they have already implemented or commit to adopt.

  • Recognize companies that have taken the pledge on your website by providing them a web badge, framed certificate, or annual recognition.

  • Use the pledge as a recruitment tool for new members.

  • Recognize LEED Certified new builds or retrofits for their energy efficiency and clean energy inclusions. Such an award can be given individually to an architect, engineering firm, or building owner or as a collaborative award between any combination of the three (or other).

CHAMBERS IN ACTION

Click below to see examples from around the country.

  • The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce partnered with the City of Coral Gables and the City's Sustainability Advisory Board to create a certification program to recognize businesses committed to reducing energy usage, water usage, fuel consumption, and waste. In support of private sector efforts, the City is committed to increasing recycling efforts, alternative transportation, and sustainability education and outreach.

  • In 2024, the Greater Houston Partnership launched a 10-week professional development program designed specifically for mid-career professionals in the energy and supporting sectors. Participants can gain deep insights into Houston's pivotal role in the energy transition while building the knowledge and skills necessary for significant career growth. The cohort will explore the complexities of the energy landscape, understand key innovations and develop practical solutions to current challenges.

  • The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Certification offers three content-specific certifications, one for each of three unique pathways, and an overall certification that's awarded for completion of all three content-specific certifications. Licenses cost $750 and the certification program is accessed through an online learning platform.

    Certification Pathways:

    • Corporate Sustainability Transformation

    • Capital Markets, Responsibility and Regulation

    • Climate Risk and Decarbonization

  • The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce’s Nevada Green Business Program utilizes GreenBizTracker, an online platform that makes it easy for businesses to register and get started, track their efforts, and become certified. The program offers a checklist of best practices that businesses can implement, and we certify businesses that meet minimum thresholds of environmental performance. Progress is tracked across seven different categories: general, energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater, and water. 

    Once certified, the chamber offers the following support:

    Once a business registers, a green business coordinator will reach out to offer:

    • A site assessment and technical assistance

    • Connect businesses to incentive programs

    • Recommend low- and no-cost solutions and help businesses save money

    • Provide useful resources

    • Review and evaluate completed checklist

  • The Salt Lake Chamber and its business, government, and community partners host an annual Clear the Air Challenge. The Challenge is a month-long competition designed to encourage Utahns to reduce their vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone.

    “Just as each of us contributes to emissions that lead to poor air quality, we all have an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference. We recognize that there are no perfect answers to keep our air clean, but there are practical solutions that can help us achieve meaningful results. By choosing to educate ourselves on the issue and reduce our impact we can improve our air quality.” Derek Miller, Salt Lake Chamber President & CEO

  • The Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainability Pledge program fosters a growing community of businesses committed to – and taking steps towards – reducing their environmental footprint, while managing resources and cutting costs. Their website includes a pledge directory and actionable energy savings tips by category including travel, water, waste, and purchasing.

  • Saving water, conserving energy, reducing waste, and buying or selling green are all sustainable steps that improve the health of our community and environment. Businesses who take these steps to lower their environmental footprint find that they save money while protecting and preserving resources.

    In Thurston County, businesses who take one or all of these stewardship steps receive recognition for their efforts when they become a Thurston Green Business. The application is easy and free to join. Benefits include sharing best practices, a Green Business directory, news, and an annual Business Awards & Expo.

Want help developing a certification or pledge program for your chamber?

Reach out to info@chambersforinnovation.com for personalized assistance.