FAQs

I've already made a commitment and have a Carbon Reduction Plan, what should I do?

That's great, achieving The Green Charter is already going to be a lot easier for you as you will have created most if not all the required documents already.

Is the price a one off fee or an annual fee?

It is an annual fee so the digital certificate can be retained on the public database. Levels can be completed within 12 months of each certificate to extend by another 12 months. Full details of how levels and pricing works can be found in the T&Cs.

What do we do if we are a small company and it is not viable to make some of these changes due to costs & other factors? e.g. switching energy supplier or introducing a hybrid car.

Companies will be provided with a "Not applicable" template to use. As the majority of questions require evidence to be uploaded, this document can be uploaded in place of actual evidence. Here, you will have the opportunity to explain the reasoning why the requirement is not applicable to your business. If you use this for over 50% of the requirements, this will be deemed a fail. More info is available in the T&Cs on this.

How much does it cost?

The levels are designed to be applicable for your size and type of business. Once you are certified charges for renewal of the same level are discounted by 50%.

See pricing in Products page

How long does certification last?

Certification lasts for one year from the date of approval. We will contact you around three months prior to expiry to allow you time to begin the process for resubmission.

How can I advertise my Green Charter certification?

The Green Charter certification page, can be linked to your own website or linked media showing your status. Here they can learn more about the Green Charter. Your certification information is also held and displayed on a public facing database that is accessible directly from the Green Charter site. Digital assets appropriate to your level will also be supplied.

Is it worth getting Green Charter accreditation if we are B-Corp certified?

Yes and you have probably done a lot of the work already. Depending on the Green Charter level you need to achieve (based on your company size and revenue) being B-Corp certified may already be enough to achieve your Green Charter. If your appropriate Green Charter level is Acorn, Leaf or Bronze you will have already created the required evidence so simply submit the documentation plus your B-Corp certificate.

We are a small business and don't have the available resource to manage a sustainability programme – is the Green Charter for us?

The levels are designed to be appropriate for your size of business with an appropriate amount of work in each. We don't expect small companies to be held to same level of responsibility as a larger one with more resources. We understand the pressures of everyday business but also want you to have some simple guidelines for making a meaningful impact. Part of your submissions are a Statement of Commitment that is signed by a company Director. To maintain your certificate, we also provide a list of recommendations of changes you can make within your business to improve your green credentials.

Is this just for suppliers to the optical industry?

No, we are working closely The College of Optometrists and ABDO to include and invite their members to join the program too.

How do I promote my Green Charter status on my website/social media channels?

We'd actively encourage you to do that! You can post your levels logo, link to your certification page, use hashtags, post links.

Can we recommend any companies to work with for our Carbon Reduction Planning?

If you require a CRP for your submission we can recommend the following companies.

MyCarbon - mycarbon.co.uk
Carbonology - carbonologyhub.com

Can you recommend any companies for Carbon Offsetting or Credits?

If you require carbon offsetting or carbon credits advice.

Carbon Neutral Britain - carbonneutralbritain.org
Climate Partner - climatepartner.com

What simple changes can I make to my business to help me move from Acorn to Leaf?

If you want to progress from Acorn to Leaf or maintain your current Leaf certificate, here are some recommendations that might help introduce measurable change to your business.

Make video conferencing available to all departments and use wherever possible
Include sustainability in Management meetings
Provide your GHG figures from a self-assessment tool
Introduce policies to commit to;

Switching to green or sustainable energy providers when possible
Using LED lighting
Turning off devices at night
Using sustainable stationery
Using greener / sustainable suppliers where possible
Reducing the use of plastics
Commitment to recycling where possible

FSC or 100% recycled cardboard boxes for dispatch
Ensure efficient parcel wrapping / low volume / minimum waste packaging
Use eco-friendly tape where possible
Recycle all paper and cardboard in product supply chain
Consolidate shipments where possible
Consolidate customer orders where possible

Use more sustainable POS materials
Introduce training to product development teams on eco-materials included in the OSA Sustainability Committee Glossary
Produce accessible digital product/services catalogues and work towards a reduction in print and an increase in digital media

Last updated on 21 Feb 2025