Green Business Benchmark gives cleaners a way to measure, document and improve their environmental practices. 

You can have all the good intentions in the world when it comes to running an environmentally responsible business. But how do you prove to your customers that you’re actually doing it? 

One option is Green Business Benchmark (GBB), a program that helps businesses measure and document their environmental practices. America’s Best Cleaners™ has partnered with GBB, so we asked ABC Executive Director Chris White to explain how the program works. 

Environmental responsibility means taking real action, reporting honestly on what you’re doing, and showing measurable progress over time. That’s why America’s Best Cleaners™ (ABC) and Green Business Benchmark (GBB) have partnered to help textile care operators turn their environmental goals into measurable operating practices. 

Measuring What You’re Already Doing 

ABC focuses on operating excellence in garment care. GBB provides an independent system for measuring a company’s environmental practices. GBB isn’t limited to textile care. Businesses in healthcare, technology, manufacturing and other industries also use the program to measure and improve their environmental performance. 

Rather than simply awarding businesses a green seal, GBB asks them to document specific environmental practices and progress. Operators can track their progress in areas such as energy efficiency, water reclamation, safer chemistry and waste reduction, with documented results they can share with customers. ABC itself holds Platinum certification through GBB. 

As an example from the cleaning industry, Jan’s Professional Drycleaners also has a Platinum-certified Green Business Benchmark Profile. You can see what that looks like for an individual operation here: Jan’s Professional Drycleaners – GBB Platinum Certification.

Chris has advised GBB since the program began, helping develop and update standards for the professional textile care industry as equipment, practices and regulations change. 

Beyond Making a “Green” Claim

It’s easy for a business to say it’s environmentally responsible. Independent measurement gives customers something more concrete than a marketing claim. ABC affiliates use GBB not simply to earn a certification, but to track their progress and identify additional ways to reduce their environmental impact. 

For cleaners already working to reduce energy use, water consumption, chemical impact and waste, a benchmarking program can provide a way to measure those efforts and show customers what has actually been accomplished. 

Learn more about these benchmark standards and affiliate practices at America’s Best Cleaners Sustainability. For details on Green Business Benchmark standards or the America’s Best Cleaners™ affiliate network, visit americasbestcleaners.com/sustainability or contact info@americasbestcleaners.com.

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