This fits in with what we are doing at Green America.

People are raising the important issue of maintaining accountability in these certification schemes. One way to manage this would be for the City to establish very narrowly defined -- but high profile -- certification schemes tied to specific City goals. I am thinking, for instance, of a conspicuous City recognition program (colourful decals in windows) that City food services vendors of all sorts would earn when they have an organics diversion/composting program in place. Quickly those who do NOT have this decal would stand out.

This is a great idea. Leveraging existing certifications, for example http://www.bcorporation.net/ could help small business in Vancouver connect with broader networks.

The City of Philadelphia is providing certified B-Corps with tax breaks and it looks like Portland and Washington DC could follow. See: http://www.bcorporation.net/publicpolicy

Better yet, create a green tax scheme to go along with it (general breaks, something based on reportable green expenditures, etc.). It needn't be overwhelming, either.

Also, in partial response to Pradeep's information, certification using trusted, arms-length proxy would go a fair ways toward combating some of the issues noted.

Christina and other supporters of Certification must realize the narrow circumstances to which this would be applicable. Please review the essay on A case against official state controlled eco-ranking or certifications at http://vsrbc.web.officelive.com/ERC.aspx

My attempts at green business certification scheme through Vancouver Sustainable Dining Bylaw applicable only to the restauarants was met with serious resistance by the City. We need a more agressive council and mayor to do such things.

This is a fabulous idea! A consolidated and qualified certification system would benefit businesses and people (as consumers) alike - it would make it easy for companies to show that they are being sustainable, and easy for consumers to seek out sustainable businesses. Even better would be an international standard.... think big, start small.