Are sustainability certifications worth it?

By: Genevieve Carlton, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson

Published: May 7, 2025

Sustainable development, farming, and fashion are more than buzzwords. Sustainability can make or break a business — and in several industries, sustainability certifications can provide a market advantage. But are sustainability certifications worth it for your goals? Read our guide to explore program benefits.

What kind of organizations offer sustainability certifications?

You can find sustainability certifications across nonprofit, government, and for-profit organizations.

Because sustainability is a major concern for consumers and clients, you can find certifications across industries like construction and manufacturing, retail, consumer products, and business services.

Reputable certifying bodies often work closely with third-party auditors, standards organizations, and other partners. This process provides oversight and transparency on the process and value of sustainability certifications.

Top sustainability certifications

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Offered by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is a global sustainability rating that recognizes green building, design, operations, and development projects.

LEED offers certification in multiple areas, including:

• Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
• Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
• Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)

LEED-certified buildings follow the best practices to protect natural resources, promote sustainability, and reduce global climate change.

B Corporation

For-profit businesses that meet sustainability and transparency guidelines can become a B Corp. B Corp Certification, offered by the nonprofit organization B Lab, recognizes sustainability efforts across dozens of industries. Companies must complete a rigorous assessment of their social and economic performance, accountability to stakeholders, and environmental impact to qualify.

According to B Lab, earning B Corp certification can strengthen trust with consumers, suppliers, investors, and communities. Certified B Corps must complete a verification process every three years.

Green Seal

Ecolabelling has been used to recognize environmentally friendly products and services for decades, and Green Seal has been a global pioneer in the field. As an independent, third-party organization, Green Seal issues certifications for sustainable products, including cleaning, plastic, and personal care products.

Products that carry the Green Seal label use responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, and low-impact manufacturing.

Green Seal also certifies services and spaces that meet their standards, leading to safer and more sustainable consumer products.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

The International Organization for Standardization, an independent organization that sets standards for products, services, and practices, evaluates sustainability.

ISO does not certify businesses — rather it creates the standards that many certifying bodies use. Following ISO benchmarks can help you earn certification and may build trust with clients and customers.

Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a nonprofit organization, promotes responsible forestry practices through its certifications. Manufacturers who rely on forest materials can pursue chain-of-custody certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable sourcing. Architects and builders can earn project certification to show that their projects meet FSC standards.

More than 60,000 organizations in diverse industries, including construction, fashion, retail, and furniture, currently hold FSC certification.

Green Business Benchmark

Green Business Benchmark (GBB) is a private business that specializes in creating sustainability management software. In addition to sustainability assessments and initiatives, organizations can also pursue certification through GBB.

Offered at several levels, certification provides external assurance of a company's investment in sustainability. GBB conducts audits and verification to ensure organizations follow external standards and demonstrate sustainable results. Certified businesses can also access sustainability advisory services through GBB.

Fairtrade

Fairtrade Certification recognizes products that meet sustainable farming guidelines and follow ethical practices. Offered by Fairtrade America and globally through Fairtrade International, this sustainability certification requires producers and their buyers to follow standards on their production, supply chain, and work practices.

Rainforest Alliance

Farmers and companies can apply for a sustainable agriculture certification offered by the nonprofit organization Rainforest Alliance. Products that carry a Rainforest Alliance Certified Seal demonstrate their commitment to environmental conservation, social fairness, and economic sustainability.

Certified farms must follow the best practices for fighting climate change and protecting the environment. Organizations complete a verification process that assesses their sustainability processes.

Is getting one or more sustainability certifications worth it?

Getting more than one sustainability certification can be worth it for some businesses.

For example, products that carry ecolabels may attract buyers who prioritize sustainability — and consumers may even be willing to pay a premium for certified products. These markers can help some businesses and products stand out in a crowded market.

Earning a sustainability certification can also showcase your organization's values. In many industries, investors increasingly look at an organization's environmental, social, and governance practices and sustainable development goals.

If a sustainability certification makes sense for your business, the next step is to research the leading certifying organizations in your field to start the process.