With climate change projected to have an imminent effect on our planet, we are all looking for real solutions on how we can lighten our environmental footprint. The Vancouver Island Green Business Collective (VIGBC) is here to help turn your sustainability goals into tangible actions! VIGBC is a regional certification program that supports the efforts of local businesses that are working to reduce their environmental impact. The annual cost of being a VIGBC member is $275.
Key Benefits:
- Guidance on greening your operations
- Reduced operational costs
- Member recognition through VIGBC and Surfrider VI websites, social media, and newsletters
- Access to the Vancouver Island green business network
Living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, we recognize there is a need for change when it comes to how our actions impact the planet. To be part of the Collective, businesses partake in the sustainability driven certification program. To do this, a VIGBC Verifier will come to your place of work and work through a checklist to assess your business in seven categories:
- Building and Operations
- Waste
- Water
- Transportation
- Purchasing and Products
- Climate Action
- Social
The Verifier will then follow up with suggestions on how a business can green its operations, focusing on impactful, cost-reducing solutions. This one-on-one model allows the Verifiers to tailor their recommendations to each business. Based on how many actions a business completes you will be certified as Silver, Gold, or Green for the year. Through the VIGBC program businesses also have the opportunity to become certified with Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island as an Ocean Friendly Business by completing actions that focus on single use plastic reductions.
VIGBC can currently certify these 5 types of businesses: restaurants, offices, retailers, spas and salons, and fleet and trade based businesses. Check out our Resources section below for the list’s of requirements.
To become SFVI Ocean Friendly Business certified, please contact
To see a current list of all the businesses who have been certified, click the button below. With over 125 businesses in the collective and growing fast, you can find hair salons, accounting firms, bicycle shops, great restaurants, local retailers and more!
