Sustainability | Green Plus
The COSE Sustainability program is designed to provide your business with the resources you need to become more responsible and more profitable through sustainable business practices and efforts to conserve energy and become more efficient. COSE has proudly partnered with Green Plus™ to become the first business association to offer sustainability education and certification program to Ohio’s smaller enterprises.
A limited number of Green Plus scholarships for Cleveland-area small businesses are available through the Generation Foundation. Contact COSE at energy@cose.org to take advantage!
What is Sustainability?
COSE Sustainability Definition: "Sustaining and supporting the small business community through improved economic, environmental, and community design strategies leading to increased implementation of energy conservation, recycling, and employee wellness programs."
Green Plus: Bottom Line Savings. Top Line Growth.
Green Plus™ offers a comprehensive business improvement program that helps businesses get ahead of the curve and gain an advantage in an increasingly competitive market. Designed specifically for small- and medium-sized employers, the program provides a fresh way of looking at your business’ offerings and operations. The program will help you cut costs and reinvest these savings to position your business for long-term success.
Currently, small businesses in Northeast Ohio can take part in Green Plus for no charge. Full scholarships are available through the Ohio Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant and a grant from the Generation Foundation.
Get started with Green Plus Today!
What does Green Plus include?
- Employers take an online assessment which evaluates their management, environmental, employee and community engagement practices. The diagnostic scores businesses on everything from revenues to employee benefits to use of renewable/alternative energy.
- Participants become part of an online network that enables them to network with other businesses taking part in Green Plus. You will also be connected to a graduate fellow who can work with you one-on-one to develop your sustainability plan.
- Businesses that achieve an 80% overall score on the Green Plus™ assessment become Certified Green Plus™ businesses, recognizing their efforts and providing exposure to customers and business partners throughout the U.S. and Canada.
City of Cleveland Bid Advantage
Recently, the City of Cleveland announced that it was launching its Local and Sustainable Business bid advantage program. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, provides area businesses with a 4% advantage on bids for city contracts if they are registered with Green Plus.
COSE Members' Stories of Success
Three COSE members have achieved Green Plus certification. Read the stories of these three green businesses nad their impressive sustainability efforts:
The Taylor Companies become Certified Green Plus
Lube Stop achieves Green Plus certification
Pantek Greens the IT Industry