Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has relaunched its Green Business Certification Program, a voluntary recognition program designed to encourage businesses and other organizations to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint.   

This program is a continuous sustainable journey where businesses achieve recognition through tiers, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, by implementing and documenting their green practices. The program is now managed by Bethesda Green, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable business and living practices. 

“Through the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program, we are empowering local businesses to embrace sustainability demonstrating that economic success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Bethesda Green’s experience with helping eco-entrepreneurs develop and grow for-profit businesses makes them uniquely positioned to manage the Green Business Certification Program and take it to the next level.” 

The mission of the Green Business Certification Program is to: 

• Empower businesses to green their operations through the provision of tools, incentives, inspirational ideas, collaboration and leadership opportunities. 
• Encourage local consumers and other businesses to consider Certified Green Businesses when making purchasing decisions.  
• Create a supportive community of business leaders to share best practices and learn from each other. 
• Provide equitable access to all businesses seeking certification. 

The Green Business Certification Program, originally established to recognize and support businesses committed to environmental sustainability, has been revitalized to better serve the evolving needs of the County’s business community.  

“The Green Business Certification Program is designed to empower and inspire small businesses across Montgomery County to embrace sustainability and drive positive change,” said County DEP Director Jon Monger. “It’s exciting to be leveraging Bethesda Green’s expertise and resources to relaunch this terrific program.”