Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) operates the Green-e^® certification and is responsible for the implementation of all current and future standards. The Green-e^® certification programs is overseen by an independent board called “The Green-e^® Governance Board” (Board).

CRS uses the following procedures when developing certification standards:

To guide the development of new standards, CRS assembles an Advisory Group at the beginning of the standard setting procedure. This group is be composed of a variety of representatives in the fields related to the new standard, such as environmental advocates, policy experts, and standard setting organizations.

Before the standard setting process begins, CRS develops a Terms of Reference document and posts online. The Terms of Reference include the following:

Any interested party is allowed to comment on the Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference is also discussed with the Advisory Group, and the Advisory Group makes the final recommendation as to whether to go forward with development of the new standard.

CRS invites all stakeholders to comment on draft standards during the development process.  Stakeholders are identified by CRS in various ways, including public outreach through press releases, industry coverage press engagement, and direct communications . Please contact CRS to express interest through using the Contact page.

CRS holds two 60-day public comment periods in the development of every new standard. Stakeholders will be notified by CRS in advance of a comment period and provided a standard comment form. In addition, comment period information will be available online. At the conclusion of a comment period, CRS reviews all comments and determines what, if any, revisions to make to the draft standard; it may also consult with the Advisory Group. CRS additionally reviews comments with the Green-e^® Governance Board. CRS does not publish individual comments; it will only provide comments upon request and reserves the right to withhold personal or other information.

CRS posts a summary of material issues raised during comment periods, as well as explanations of how such issues have been addressed. Notification is sent when this information is posted.

CRS refers decisions on substantive issues concerning draft standards to the Green-e^® Governance Board.

Green-e^® certification standards are reviewed at least every five years. During these full reviews, CRS holds two public comment periods, although the second comment period may be shortened from 60 days to 30 days upon recommendation of the Green-e^® Governance Board. CRS may conduct also interim reviews of existing standards, in which case it holds one 60-day public comment period, followed by additional 30-day comment periods as necessary.

Any party can submit a comment on any standard at any time. For more information or to comment, send an email to info@green-e.org.

CRS publishes its standard review work program on this Green-e^® website to provide information about upcoming comment periods and development of or changes to Green-e^® standards.

For all comment periods, CRS sets participation goals based on the scope of the review. Specifically, CRS identifies groups that may be affected by potential changes and engages in outreach with those groups to solicit their participation in commenting.

CRS reviews the procedures for setting Green-e^® standards and governing certification at least every five years. These reviews are conducted like the reviews of the standards themselves. Parties are also invited to comment on CRS’s standard setting and governance process at any time by emailing info@green-e.org.

Parties wishing to make a complaint to CRS concerning Green-e^® certification can email to info@green-e.org.