In today’s market, a company can differentiate itself from the competition by focusing on sustainability. Although almost any firm can declare itself to be environmentally conscious, green certifications assist companies in demonstrating their actual positive changes.
One such company, Charlie & Echo, a little winery in San Diego, recently underwent a demanding certification process. It is Southern California’s first winery and tasting room to get the California Green Business certification.
“It’s great that there is a certification because, after all that, it is nice to have some recognition,” owner Eric Van Drunen said to Spectrum News 1. I truly completed the entire procedure and completed this task.
The certification process includes lots of little changes designed to make sure businesses are following sustainable practices. For example, businesses may install water filtration systems and switch to toilet paper made from recycled materials. Businesses can request an evaluation from the California Green Business Network to learn about how their current practices are impacting the environment and get tips for how to make positive changes.
Robert Carr of the California Green Business Network helped Charlie & Echo through their process. He told Spectrum News 1, “You can’t really fix anything you don’t measure so I think going in there and getting the audit and understanding what you’re doing so far and things you can do, it gives them kind of a benchmark on what they can do.”
Now, Charlie & Echo is one of more than 4,700 California businesses that have become certified Green Businesses over the past year. But since it’s one of the only companies with this designation in its specific niche and location, this certification may ultimately help the winery stand out with eco-conscious consumers.
Although almost any company can claim to be “green” or “eco-friendly,” customers are starting to become sceptical of these claims. People who genuinely care about sustainability want companies to support their promises. Obtaining third-party certifications such as this one might serve as one means of demonstrating your dedication to sustainability.
