EnviroStars
EnviroStars Cooperative
Recognize Washington businesses for green practices and connect them to environmental resources
The EnviroStars costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Free to participate — no application or membership fees
- Provides free technical assistance and connects businesses to rebates
- Recognized businesses listed in public Green Business Directory
- Covers a wide range of small business types across Washington State
- Backed by a cooperative of local governments, utilities, and agencies
- Marketing toolkit provided to help businesses promote their recognition
Ideal For
EnviroStars is best suited for small businesses in Washington State that want to demonstrate environmental responsibility without significant cost. It is particularly valuable for small-quantity hazardous waste generators — such as auto repair shops, dry cleaners, restaurants, and similar service businesses — that want practical guidance on compliance, waste reduction, and sustainability improvements while gaining public recognition.
Target Audiences
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Product Categories
Overview
EnviroStars is a free environmental recognition and assistance program run by the EnviroStars Cooperative for small businesses in Washington State. The program is designed to help businesses reduce their environmental footprint by providing free technical assistance, connecting them with rebates and other resources, and guiding them through a clear path toward more sustainable operations.
Businesses that meet the program's environmental standards are awarded recognition and listed in the EnviroStars Green Business Directory, which signals their commitment to sustainability to customers and employees. The program is particularly focused on small-quantity hazardous waste generators — businesses producing less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month and storing no more than 2,200 pounds on site at any time.
EnviroStars is well suited for small Washington businesses looking for practical, no-cost support in improving their environmental practices and gaining credible public recognition for doing so. It serves as a centralized resource for navigating environmental compliance, incentive programs, and sustainability initiatives at the local and state level.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Conformity with EnviroStars's standard is verified by our own organization (second party).
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
Businesses are assessed through a second-party review process conducted by EnviroStars staff or member agency representatives. Applicants document their environmental practices across relevant categories (waste reduction, hazardous materials management, energy and water conservation, etc.) via the EnviroStars web portal. A program representative reviews submissions and may conduct a site visit or follow-up to verify compliance with program standards before recognition is granted.
Consider Alternatives If...
Businesses outside Washington State cannot participate, as the program is exclusively regional. Organizations seeking a nationally or internationally recognized certification with rigorous third-party auditing may find EnviroStars' second-party verification model less credible for broader marketing purposes.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Credential
English, Spanish
1995
Available
Cost Breakdown
How to Use This Label
Credential Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
Related Certifications
EPEAT Climate+ Champions
Global Electronics Council® (GEC)
Global Green Tag certification Personal Products
Global GreenTag
CertiPUR-US
Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc
KCMA Certified Quality Tested Cabinet
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Platinum
Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Inc
Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Gold
Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Inc
Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
Program WebsiteEnviroStars CooperativeLast verified Mar 11, 2026