Eligibility
GreenCode offers a pathway to accreditation for organisations that understand their responsibility to do better
At GreenCode we take a very positive and proactive stance on environmental sustainability. We want to help as many businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations as we can, sharing our knowledge, applying the GreenCode Standards and providing accreditation wherever it's deserved. Let's make sustainability something to shout about!
As such, GreenCode members include startups, SMEs and large corporations from a wide variety of different sectors. With each new organisation we work with, we're able to broaden our experience, refine the advice we give and expand the GreenCode community.
We recognise that our approach typically attracts two types of organisations – individual companies, as well as institutions with numerous constituent parts. When working with an individual company, we work to understand the organisational structure, products, services, history and strategic aims moving forward, as well of course as any environmental practices that have already been embedded within the culture. From there we can clearly map out a programme that can be undertaken.
With institutions the approach is slightly different, as we aim to understand the network of businesses that you govern, and ensure that our programme is tailored to you in such a way that the GreenCode sustainability standards are achievable and applicable across your framework.
Unlike some other sustainability accreditation schemes, GreenCode cannot be used to greenwash businesses whose activities are exacerbating the climate crisis and damaging Earth's fragile ecosystems.
This is why we don't work with fossil fuel and energy companies that inhibit progress towards Net Zero, nor do we work with the institutions that finance their activities. Animal agriculture is a huge contributor to emissions – we don't touch this area, along with non-vegan foods. Alongside energy and food, emissions from transport continue to increase, and we don't work with airlines using fossil fuels or ICE engine manufacturers. Mining, chemical, plastic and water companies continue to damage the environment and release pollutants, and are not eligible for GreenCode Accreditation.
Find answers to commonly asked questions below
GreenCode will help you measure and improve the sustainability of your organisation. Achieving accreditation means you’ll be able to display the GreenCode mark, communicating your green credentials to customers, suppliers and your community.
When you sign up, you’ll receive login details for our dashboard, where you’ll take our self-assessment questionnaire, which takes 15-20 minutes. This will give us a good idea of your current sustainability status. Based on your score, you’ll join one of our accreditation tiers and receive an action plan that clearly outlines the steps you need take to advance to the next GreenCode tier, and you’ll have a one-to-one with the GreenCode team to discuss your plan. Implement the measures within 12 months, submit your achievements, and you’ll be able to step up through the tiers towards full GreenCode accreditation. When your score is 76 or above, your organisation will be audited by Energise, our external auditor, to independently confirm that you meet the GreenCode Standards.
After you complete the questionnaire, we’ll produce an action plan for your organisation within 14 days. The time it takes to achieve full GreenCode Accreditation varies from one organisation to the next. Typically, the journey takes one to two years, depending on your starting point and the challenges of your particular industry.
When you achieve accreditation, you’ll be able to display the GreenCode mark for a period of 12 months will be a GreenCode Member during this time.
Membership is reserved for organisations that achieve Green-tier GreenCode Accreditation.
Typically, the cost is just £895+VAT per annum, but this may vary for larger organisations; we’ll inform you prior to signing up.
The Standards have been in place for over 25 years in the Green Britain Group, which encompasses businesses in multiple sectors – from food production and energy to a professional sports club and large-scale manufacturing. The Standards are continually reviewed and developed by the GreenCode Standards Board to ensure they remain current, robust and progressive.
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