Getting Started
The trademarks and logos owned by GBCI are important expressions of our brand identity. Help protect these brands by following these guidelines carefully, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
General Brand Guidelines
Green Business Certification Inc.™ (GBCI®) owns trademarks for its brands--including Arc™, Parksmart℠, PEER®, SITES™ and TRUE--including words, phrases, designs, symbols, and other distinctive features associated with its programs and services. These trademarks are referred to as a "mark" or the "marks" in the guidelines:
Do:
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Comply with our Terms of Use.
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Always use the ®, ™ or ℠ symbol in connection with the mark’s first and most prominent usage[1].
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Accompany the mark with an acknowledgment of GBCI ownership, either as a link to www.gbci.org, as a footnote next to the user’s copyright notice, or at the end of a printed document. For example:
GBCI® and its related logo are trademarks owned by Green Business Certification Inc.™ and are used with permission.
Don’t:
- Use the marks as part of your organization's name, logo, domain name, brand name or similar content. The marks shouldn’t be used as a verb or be incorporated into another word.
- Use the marks on products, labels, and packaging. This includes online resources, virtual products, educational offerings, LEED certification resources, etc.
- Use GBCI’s marks to suggest or imply partnership, sponsorship or endorsement by GBCI or any of its organizations. GBCI does not review, certify, or endorse third-party products or services.
- Modify or alter any mark, including the color, shape, proportion, or orientation.
- Use the mark with any disparaging statements about GBCI, its products and services, or statements that otherwise reflect poorly on GBCI.
- Directly or indirectly attempt to re-sell, redistribute, syndicate or otherwise commercialize the marks.
General Logo Guidelines
When designing with our trademarks:
Do:
- Only use artwork files provided by GBCI.
- Provide as much clear space around the asset on all sides. Clear space around our assets keeps them uncluttered and prevents elements from encroaching on our marks.
- If you make it small, make sure it's still legible. A general rule is no smaller than 50px on its shortest side.
Don’t:
- Make the mark the most prominent visual element on business and marketing materials. The user’s name and logo must be significantly larger than the marks.
- Distort or alter the marks' shape, proportion, color, or orientation. Keep them only as they appear in their original files.
- Wrap additional text around the marks, integrate them into other logos, or enclose them in another graphic. The marks are intended to stand alone.
While this policy generally outlines third-party usage of GBCI marks in permitted and limited ways, GBCI retains the right to revoke such permission in its sole discretion. Any unauthorized use of a GBCI proprietary mark may result in legal action.
GBCI
GBCI’s identity is comprised of two marks that can be used interchangeably depending on the application: one that includes the full Green Business Certification Inc.™ signature and one
that consists of the abbreviation GBCI®.
GBCI Logo
Logo with signature
| Black | PMS 3395C |
White |
Logo with abbreviation
| Black | PMS 3395C | White |
Do:
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don’t:
- Use the logo without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
GBCI: In Text
When using GBCI in text:
Do:
- Use the official organization name—Green Business Certification Inc.™ and the official acronym—GBCI® on subsequent references.
- Use articles such as “the” or “a” when using GBCI as an adjective. For example:
Contact the GBCI Marketing Department.
Contact a GBCI team member.
- Omit articles when using GBCI as a noun or in the possessive. For example:
GBCI works rigorously to maintain quality control on the project certification through global green building standards.
Arc
The Arc™ performance platform, owned by GBCI®, measures and benchmarks sustainability performance, helps users achieve LEED certification and manages portfolios.
| Black | White |
Do:
- Only use the mark in relation to your organization’s use of the Arc platform, and include the following acknowledgment:
The Arc™ logo is owned by Green Business Certification Inc.™ and is used with permission.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's marketing department with any questions.
Don’t:
- Use the logo without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
Arc: In Text
The performance score generated through the Arc platform does not replace a project's LEED® certification level earned through initial certification. Instead, it is an indicator of current performance. LEED-certified projects using Arc should reference their most recent LEED certification (or recertification) level.
LEED-certified buildings can use Arc to improve and benchmark with their peers everywhere and verify LEED performance annually to keep their certification current. Non-certified buildings can use Arc to make incremental sustainability improvements to eventually achieve LEED certification.
Do:
- Include descriptive text. For example:
Arc™ is a state-of-the-art digital platform that allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it. Learn more at arcskoru.com.
- When referencing LEED-certified projects using Arc, say:
This LEED® [certification level – Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum] project is using Arc™ to manage its building performance.
- When referencing non-certified projects using Arc, say:
This [building/community/city/district] is using Arc™ to track and improve its continuous improvement efforts.
LEED Proven Provider
The LEED® Proven Provider™ recognizes and rewards organizations that demonstrate excellence as LEED project administrators. Created for organizations with LEED experience that routinely submit high-quality documentation, this offering grants participants direct communication with a LEED reviewer and faster certification.
| PMS 312U and 60% black |
Do:
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Only use the mark in relation to your organization’s active LEED Proven Provider status. Using the mark independent from the program is not acceptable.
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Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the logo without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
LEED Proven Provider: In Text
- Include the following acknowledgment when representing your LEED Proven Provider status on marketing materials:
LEED® and its related logo are trademarks owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and are used with permission.
- Include the LEED rating system family or families you have been approved for when representing your status. For example:
[Organization name] has been recognized as a LEED® Proven Provider™ for the [rating system family name] rating system family by GBCI®.
Parksmart
Parksmart is the world’s only rating system defining and recognizing sustainable practices in parking structure management, programming, design and technology.
Parksmart Program Mark
The Parksmart℠ program mark comprises a sans-serif wordmark and a linear graphic.
| PMS 414U and 381U | Black |
Do:
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's marketing department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the program mark without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's marketing department to request permission.
Parksmart: In Text
Parksmart is a registered trademark of GBCI.
- When referencing Parksmart, include descriptive text. For example:
Parksmart℠ is the world’s only rating system to advance sustainable mobility through smarter parking structure design and operation. Learn more at parksmart.gbci.org.
Parksmart Certification
Parksmart Certification Mark
Once a project has been Parksmart certified, the Parksmart certification mark appropriate to the year and certification level may be used to represent the associated project’s achievement. These marks may be included in collateral, other marketing materials, and physical installations such as plaques and banners.
| Black | |
Do:
- Before designing a physical installation using the Parksmart certification mark, such as a plaque, decal, or banner, contact GBCI's marketing department to request permission. At its discretion, GBCI may grant you a limited license for a specific, one-time use of the artwork or logo, provided that the design conforms to usage criteria.
- All plaque designs must be 5" or larger.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the Parksmart certification marks on anything other than promoting your Parksmart-certified project.
- Use the Parksmart certification mark if your project is confidential or private.
Parksmart Projects: In Text
When a project achieves certification, it should be referred to as a Parksmart℠-certified project, a Parksmart℠ Pioneer project, a Parksmart℠ Bronze, a Parksmart℠ Silver or a Parksmart℠ Gold project.
Registered Parksmart projects have been registered to earn Parksmart certification once completed. When describing these projects:
Do Say:
- [Project name] is Parksmart℠-registered and will apply to become Parksmart-certified once completed.
-
[Project name] is registered under the Parksmart℠ rating system.
Don't Say:
- [Project name] is Parksmart℠ compliant, designed, certifiable, or any wording other than Parksmart-registered.
Parksmart Advisor
The Parksmart Advisor certificate program offers a deep dive into the specific management, programmatic, technological, and structural elements of Parksmart certification. Offered by the International Parking Institute (IPI) in partnership with GBCI, Parksmart Advisors lead clients through the certification process by evaluating parking facilities’ sustainable attributes and preparing their applications for certification submission.
Parksmart Advisor Program Mark
| PMS 414U and 381U |
Do:
- The Parksmart Advisor mark is only available to active certificate holders.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Parksmart Advisor: In Text
GBCI owns the Parksmart Advisor certificate program, and individuals who successfully meet all certificate program requirements are authorized to use the Parksmart Advisor designation during the certificate term. Individuals must discontinue using the designation at the end of the certificate term until they take the updated certificate program.
PEER
The PEER® certification promotes reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems, enhancing tracking to prevent failures.
PEER Program Mark
The PEER® program mark includes the logotype and double E mark.
| PMS 2995U, 635U, 301U, 637U, 424U | Grayscale |
White |
Do:
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the logo without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
PEER: In Text
PEER®—an acronym for Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal™—is a registered trademark of GBCI®.
Do:
- When referencing PEER, include descriptive text. For example:
PEER® is a comprehensive, consumer-centric, data-driven system for evaluating power system performance. Learn more at peer.gbci.org.
PEER Certification
PEER certification is based on a point system—the number of points that a project earns determines the certification level it receives. There are four incremental levels of certification: PEER® Certified, PEER® Silver, PEER® Gold, PEER® Platinum.
Once a project has been PEER certified, the PEER certification mark appropriate to the year and certification level achieved may represent the associated project’s achievement. These marks can be included in collateral, other marketing materials, and physical installations such as plaques and banners.
PEER Certification Marks
| PMS 2995U, 635U, 301U, 637U, 424U | |||
Do:
- Before designing a physical installation using the PEER certification mark, such as a plaque, decal, or banner, contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request a license. At its discretion, GBCI may grant you a limited license for a specific, one-time use of the artwork or logo, provided that the design conforms to usage criteria.
- All plaque designs must be 5" or larger.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the PEER certification marks on anything other than promoting your PEER-certified project.
- Use the PEER certification mark if your project is confidential or private.
PEER Projects: In Text
When a project achieves certification, it should be referred to as a certified PEER® project or a PEER-certified project.
Registered PEER projects have been registered to earn PEER certification once completed and are referred to as PEER-registered or registered PEER projects. When describing these projects:
Do Say:
-
[Project name] is PEER®-registered and will apply to become PEER-certified.
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[Project name] is registered under the PEER® rating system.
Don't Say:
- [Project name] is PEER® compliant, designed, certifiable, or any wording other than PEER-registered.
PEER Partner™
Organizations that engage with GBCI to further sustainable power system performance as a PEER Partner may use the phrase PEER Partner and the PEER program mark on marketing materials to promote their channel and content.
Do:
- Include the following acknowledgment when referencing your organization's PEER Partnership:
PEER Partner™ is a mark owned by Green Business Certification Inc.™ and is used with permission.
SITES
The Sustainable SITES Initiative®, or SITES®, is a program that offers a systematic, comprehensive rating system designed to define sustainable sites, measure their performance, and ultimately elevate the value of landscapes.
SITES Program Mark
The SITES® program mark symbolizes affiliation with the SITES rating system and GBCI.
| PMS 3115C |
Black |
White |
Do:
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the program mark without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
SITES: In Text
The Sustainable SITES Initiative®, or SITES®, is a registered trademark of GBCI®.
Do:
- Include descriptive For example:
SITES® is the most comprehensive system for developing sustainable landscapes. Learn more at sustainablesites.org.
SITES Certification
SITES certification is based on a point system—the number of points that a project earns determines the certification level it receives. There are four incremental levels of certification: SITES® Certified, SITES® Silver, SITES® Gold, SITES® Platinum.
Once a project achieves SITES certification, the SITES certification mark appropriate to the year and certification level can be used to represent the project's achievement. These marks can be included in collateral, other marketing materials, and physical installations such as plaques and banners.
SITES Certification Marks
| PMS 3115C | Black | White |
Do:
- Before designing a physical installation using the SITES certification mark, such as a plaque, decal, or banner, contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request a license. At its discretion, GBCI may grant you a limited license for a specific, one-time use of the artwork or logo, provided that the design conforms to usage criteria.
- All plaque designs must be 5" or larger.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the SITES certification marks on anything other than promoting your SITES-certified project.
- Use the SITES certification mark if your project is confidential or private.
SITES Projects: In Text
When a project achieves certification, it should be referred to as a SITES®-certified project or as a SITES® Certified (or SITES® Silver, SITES® Gold, SITES® Platinum) project.
Registered SITES projects have been registered with the intent of earning SITES certification once completed. When describing these projects:
Do Say:
-
[Project name] is SITES®-registered and will apply to become SITES certified once completed.
-
[Project name] is registered under the SITES® rating system.
Don't Say:
- [Project name] is SITES® compliant, designed, certifiable, or any wording other than SITES-registered.
SITES AP
The SITES® Accredited Professional, or SITES® AP, establishes a common framework to define the profession of sustainable landscape design and development.
SITES AP Mark
| PMS 3115C | White |
Do:
- The SITES AP mark is only available to active certificate holders.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
SITES AP: In Text
The SITES® AP credential is a trademark owned by GBCI® and is awarded to individuals under license by GBCI. It can only be used by professionals who have earned the SITES AP designation.
TRUE
The TRUE certification program enables facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals, cutting their carbon footprint and supporting public health.
TRUE Program Mark
The TRUE program mark design echoes a non-traditional interpretation of a continuous cycle.
The cycle shape, paired with the logotype, forms the program mark for the TRUE certification
program.
| PMS 310C | Black | White |
Do:
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the program mark without express written permission from GBCI. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request permission.
TRUE: In Text
TRUE is a registered trademark of GBCI®.
Do:
- When describing TRUE, include descriptive text. For example:
TRUE is a zero waste certification program for businesses to assess performance in reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Learn more at true.gbci.org.
TRUE Certification
TRUE is an Assessor-based zero waste certification program that rates how well facilities perform in minimizing their non-hazardous, solid wastes and maximizing their efficiency in the use of resources. Certification is based on a point system—the number of points a project earns determines the level of certification it receives. There are four incremental levels of certification: TRUE Certified, TRUE Silver, TRUE Gold, and TRUE Platinum.
Once a project achieves TRUE certification, the TRUE certification mark appropriate to the year and certification level achieved can represent the project's achievement. These marks can be included in collateral, other marketing materials, and physical installations such as plaques and banners.
TRUE Certification Mark
| PMS 310C | PMS 625C |
| PMS 2312C | PMS 400C |
| White | |
Do:
- Before designing a physical installation using the TRUE certification mark, such as a plaque, decal, or banner, contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request a license. At its discretion, GBCI may grant you a limited license for a specific, one-time use of the artwork or logo, provided that the design conforms to usage criteria.
- All plaque designs must be 5" or larger.
Don't:
- Use the TRUE certification marks on anything other than promoting your TRUE-certified project.
- Use the TRUE certification mark if your project is confidential or private.
TRUE Precertified Projects
Do:
- Use the TRUE program logo on project materials, marketing collateral and temporary signage at a facility or construction site. Contact GBCI's Marketing Department to request artwork.
- Include descriptive text when designing the TRUE program logo to promote your precertified project. For example:
[Project name] has achieved TRUE precertification.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
Don't:
- Use the TRUE certification mark until officially certified.
In Text
- When a project achieves certification, it should be referred to as a TRUE-certified project or a TRUE Certified (or TRUE Silver, TRUE Gold, TRUE Platinum) project.
- Registered TRUE projects have been registered with the intent of earning TRUE certification once completed.
Do Say:
- [Project name] is TRUE-registered and will apply to become TRUE certified once completed.
- [Project name] is registered under the TRUE Rating System.
Don't Say:
- [Project name] is TRUE compliant, designed, certifiable, or any wording other than TRUE-registered.
TRUE Manufacturing Mark
| Black | White |
Do:
- Use the TRUE manufacturing mark to promote products manufactured within TRUE-certified manufacturing facilities.
- The mark may be used on websites, product packaging or labels, advertising, and marketing to promote a product manufactured in a TRUE-certified facility.
- If you make it small, make sure it's still legible. A general rule is no smaller than 50px on its shortest side.
- Follow all guidance detailed in this resource's Getting Started and Using Our Logos and Trademarks sections, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
TRUE Advisor
The TRUE Advisor™ certificate program provides a comprehensive curriculum for individuals who want to learn about zero waste policies and programs and help projects participating in TRUE certification.
TRUE Advisor Program Mark
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|
|
| Black and PMS 200C | Black |
Do:
- The TRUE Advisor mark is only available to active certificate holders.
- Follow all guidance detailed in the Getting Started section of this resource, and contact GBCI's Marketing Department with any questions.
TRUE Advisor: In Text
GBCI owns the TRUE Advisor certificate program, and individuals who successfully meet all certificate program requirements are authorized to use the TRUE Advisor designation during the certificate term.
Certificate program holders can include TRUE Advisor information in their email signatures and LinkedIn profiles. For example:
Jane Smith, TRUE Advisor™
[1] Using the symbol repeatedly within a single publication after every use is unnecessary. However, the symbol should appear at least once in short promotional materials. For longer materials, repeating the symbol in each section is advised. On websites, the symbol should be used prominently on the first instance of each page.