JUPITER, FL, UNITED STATES, November 12, 2024 – (press release) MagikFlame LLC, a Nashville, TN-based producer of the world’s premier electric fireplaces, is strengthening its commitment to sustainability by pursuing the Edenark Group ISO 14001 environmental sustainability certification. In an era where environmental credentials are highly valued by consumers, MagikFlame’s decision reflects its dedication to genuine, measurable environmental responsibility.

“As a company offering electric fireplaces, MagikFlame is focused on creating eco-friendly home heating solutions that reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy efficiency. With the rising importance of sustainability, MagikFlame is taking steps to align its operations with global environmental standards, ensuring that its practices meet the highest criteria for responsible business conduct. As a leader in our industry, we want to provide a path for others to follow. We also want consumers to feel confident MagikFlame’s electric fireplaces are developed under an environmental sustainability program that is certified and verified,” said Howard Birnbaum, President of MagikFlame.

The Edenark Group ISO 14001 is the world’s premier environmental sustainability certification program and includes 3rd party verification. It allows SMEs (small to mid-sized enterprises) the ability to validate their environmental / sustainability / green / eco-friendly actions via a program designed and priced specifically for them. The program, which allows companies to progressively improve at a pace that works for their needs, helps the organization define how it interacts internally, externally, and with the environment. It incorporates energy/waste/water, employee health and performance enhancement, community involvement, procurement and suppliers, compliance and regulations, emergency/security, and stakeholder engagement. Benefits include creating a culture of continual improvement, stakeholder engagement, lower costs, higher revenues and profits, improved employee performance, and…… doing the right thing for the environment and current and future generations.

“Greenwashing, or making exaggerated or misleading claims about environmental impact, is a growing concern among consumers and regulators. When an organization pursues, and attains, the Edenark Group ISO 14001 sustainability certification, they are not just doing it to see their costs go down and revenues and profits go up. They are setting a higher bar for their organization and sending a message to all those around them that may be claiming to be environmentally supportive, but do not validate their actions with a globally recognized, 3rd party validated, certification,” says David Goodman, CEO of Edenark Group. “Organizations that hold this certification are agreeing to adhere to the world’s Gold standard for sustainability certification; are allowing their actions to be reviewed; are choosing to be a leader and part of the solution, not the problem; and are joining an elite fraternity of over 300,000 organizations, in over 150 countries, that have committed to continually improving in every way.”

MagikFlame LLC can be reached at +1 615.844.3330

Edenark Group can be reached at +1 561.512.2257

Press Release

Affordable Environmental Sustainability Certification for SMEs: How Edenark Group Makes Sustainability Accessible

In today’s business landscape, sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. As customer demand for eco-friendly practices grows, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure to prove they have adopted sustainable practices. However, many SMEs are often deterred by the perceived high costs and complexities of proving their sustainability claims via environmental certifications like the ISO 14001.

At Edenark Group, we understand the unique challenges SMEs face. Our mission is to provide affordable sustainability certification solutions that are tailored specifically for smaller businesses and deliver a positive ROI. With our streamlined approach, we help SMEs achieve internationally recognized certifications without the hefty price tags or time-consuming processes typically associated with sustainability programs. In this article, we’ll show how Edenark Group makes sustainability accessible, affordable, and advantageous for SMEs, ensuring that your business can grow sustainably while reaping tangible benefits.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by SMEs

For many SMEs, sustainability certification feels out of reach. Common perceived barriers include high certification costs, time-consuming processes, concerns about greenwashing, disappointment that there is not a people-piece to help employees, and the fear that the SME may not be able to effectively market the  certification to its stakeholders. Many traditional sustainability certifications can cost tens of thousands, leaving small businesses excluded from the conversation. SMEs often worry that getting certified will distract from their core operations and require extensive resources. There’s also a fear that adopting sustainability initiatives without proper verification could lead to accusations of greenwashing, potentially damaging reputations. Then, given that for most SMEs, employees are its most important asset, there is frustration that the sustainability program does not integrate employee health, happiness and performance into its design. Finally, many SMEs feel lost when it comes to promoting their sustainability credentials after achieving certification, missing out on potential business benefits. At Edenark Group, we not only empathize with these challenges, but we also offer solutions that address them head on.

Edenark Group’s Affordable Environmental Sustainability Certification Program

Edenark Group offers a unique sustainability certification program designed specifically for SMEs. Simply stated, we deliver more services and a lower price.  Our pricing model ensures that our services cost just a fraction of what other competitors charge.  We have many one-person businesses as clients, proving that we can deliver a world-class certification at a price every SME can afford.

Second, we handle the majority of the work, using a simplified process that minimizes disruption to operations and allows SMEs to focus on their day-to-day tasks.

Third, our certifications include independent third-party verification, which addresses government compliance and mandates, helping to protect you from greenwashing claims. This gives your sustainability claims credibility that resonates with stakeholders.

Fourth, through Edenark Group, SMEs can achieve the globally recognized Edenark Group ISO 14001  sustainability certification, as well as the Edenark Group ISO 14065/14001 carbon neutrality certification and net zero certification.  Edenark Group even helps you develop your ESG program. This provides you a one-stop shop for synergistic and cost-effective layering of all your environmental needs, as your organization grows.

Fifth, a unique and powerful part of the Edenark Group program is ROI-enhancing certification marketing support, that commences pre-certification (right after the SME signs the contract) and generates advertising value that can exceed the cost of the certification.  This is included in the price of the Edenark Group program and remains in place for the life of the contract.  Specifically, Edenark Group helps the SME with the creation and publication of narrative that maximizes the promotion of the newly gained credentials. This added support helps the SME differentiate from competitive peers by using sustainability as a marketing tool, increasing visibility and credibility, translating to revenue-side gains from a historically cost-sided tool.

Finally, another unique feature of our program is we offer the integration of employee wellness.  The Edenark Group program provides access to Edenark Group’s initiatives that enhance team health, happiness and productivity, positively impacting overall company performance and insurance costs.

By removing the typical barriers to sustainability certification and adding marketing and employee components that enhance revenue and profit, Edenark Group enables SMEs to gain a significant competitive edge while building a sustainable future and enjoying positive ROI.

Practical Impact and Expected Outcomes

Achieving sustainability certification with Edenark Group brings measurable benefits across multiple areas of business operations. Certification signals to customers, investors, and partners that the business is committed to responsible practices, building a strengthened reputation that often leads to increased customer trust and loyalty. This enhanced brand reputation gives the SME a distinct advantage in competitive markets. The certification process also identifies key areas where operations can improve, such as reducing energy use or health insurance costs. These changes result in operational efficiencies that lead to cost savings.  When added to the revenue-generating programs discussed above, The Edenark Group program is a positive move in both reputation and profitability. Furthermore, employees are often more motivated and prouder to work for a company that prioritizes sustainable practices. The Edenark Group ISO 14001 sustainability certification can foster a positive workplace culture, driving productivity and encouraging long-term retention.

In today’s environmentally conscious marketplace, verified sustainability credentials help SMEs stand out and win business. These credentials appeal to eco-conscious customers and position the business as a forward-thinking leader in its industry. With Edenark Group’s certification program, SMEs can achieve meaningful change, cultivating stronger customer relationships and setting themselves apart from competitive peers.

Addressing Common Concerns and Questions

We understand that SMEs may still have concerns about the certification process. Some worry about the time commitment, while others question the affordability of sustainability programs and the tangible benefits they bring. Edenark Group addresses these objections directly. Our streamlined process requires minimal input from your team, allowing you to focus on daily operations while we handle the heavy lifting. Our services are priced with SMEs in mind, costing a fraction of what other certification bodies charge. We believe that sustainability should be affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, the benefits of certification go beyond the environment. Many of our clients have enjoyed a positive ROI even before we get them certified, driven by the pre-certification marketing support.  All our clients have reported measurable improvements, from cost savings to increased revenue, as a direct result of their Edenark Group ISO 14001 sustainability certification. The certification process typically takes a few months, driven by Edenark Group’s recognition that the Day Job for SME staff comes first.  Zoom meetings and application progression is always scheduled at the convenience of the SME.

Taking the Next Step with Edenark Group

If you’re ready to take the next step in making your business more sustainable and profitable, contact Edenark Group today for a free consultation. Our team is here to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of achieving the Edenark Group ISO 14001 sustainability certification. The importance of sustainability is only growing; don’t let your business fall behind. Act now and position your company as a leader in the environmental business movement. Reach out to us via email, phone, or our website, and let’s get started on your journey toward a greener future.

Contact us today and start your sustainability journey with Edenark Group.

Per studies by Merkle and Ginger, Corporate Sustainability and Wellness are going mainstream

• 70% of adults (18-55) care more about sustainability than they did a year earlier
• Further, companies are looking for ways to help employees address mental health
• 99% of CEOs are concerned about employee mental health
• 87% of employees report weekly stress, with 55% of this group reporting high/extreme stress
• 80% of CEOs believe poor employee mental health is negatively impacting worker productivity
• 59% of CEOs are concerned about the potential risk of a stress issue in the workplace
• 65% increase in employee use of technology-driven mental health-care tools in past year
• 76% of employees receive mental health support virtually

Edenark Group believes sustainability MUST include employee performance and wellness.  The Edenark Group ISO 14001 program is the world’s top environmental sustainability certification / carbon neutrality / ESG program for small to mid-sized enterprises and includes, via its A Better World Starts With Me program, a way for employers to help their employees become happier, healthier and more productive.

We appreciate Jessica Bird, Managing Editor, and Jessica O’Connor, Senior Reporter, asking us to write an article for their magazine, The Intermediary.

Our article is on page 60 of the October edition.

Point is, if you are making environmental, eco, green, sustainable claims, odds are, you are greenwashing.

What do you do now?

Start by reading the article.

The 8 Essential Components of an Effective Environmental Sustainability Program

In today’s business landscape, environmental responsibility is more than just a buzzword—it’s a vital part of a company’s success and reputation. Customers, investors, and employees are increasingly looking to engage with organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.

But how do you find the right program and what to look for in an environmental sustainability program?

At Edenark Group, we specialize in not only helping you develop your commitment to sustainability via providing the top environmental sustainability certification program; but also helping you use and promote that certification, to stand out and grow.

As part of our service, we recommend everyone read this guide on what to look for in an environmental sustainability program.

You want to find a program, by us or someone else, that has the below eight key elements.  These eight elements, in combination, form an effective sustainability certification program.  If you find a program with these eight elements, we believe you will be happy and your business will be greatly enhanced.

1. The Program Must Prioritize Employee Well-Being and Performance

Sustainability starts with your team.

Your employees are your most valuable asset. Focusing on their health, happiness and performance not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and reduces costs associated with illness, medical insurance, Worker’s Comp, absenteeism and turnover. Every company suffers from the Big 5 – worker insomnia, stress, anxiety, physical pain and mental acuity.  The combined damage from the Big 5 on your profits is roughly 5% per year.

Benefits:

• A sustainability program that has a ‘people piece’ that addresses the Big 5 will help your team become happier, healthier and more productive.
• This will help your company become more profitable.

As to the Edenark Group Program:

• The Big 5: Our program has a people-piece that addresses the Big 5 and helps  your employees become happier, healthier and more productive.
• Training and Development: We help you train your team on both sustainability and wellness programs.
• Profit: We help you develop and maintain a healthy work environment that will reduce the Big 5 and improve overall well-being; leading to increased profits.

2. The Program Must Certify Your Business, Not the Building

Focus on what the market is demanding; and what can positively impact your brand.

While the energy-efficiency of your building is critical to an overall environmental sustainability program, and our program includes it, it is not what consumers or governments, or any of your stakeholders, are wanting to hear from you on.  They want to hear what your business is doing; they do not want to hear you talk about what the building you have space in is doing.

Benefits:

• Compliance:  The various compliance programs that governments are turning into law will focus on your business, not the building you are in.
• Client Mandates:  Your B2B clients will be demanding, via their Scope 3 requirements, that your business be sustainable.  Their mandates will not tie directly to the building you have space in.
• Brand Enhancement: Position your company as a leader in environmental responsibility by focusing on your brand, not a building you are in.
• Customer Trust: Consumers want to hear directly from your company about what it is doing.
• Competitive Advantage: This allows your company to stand out in your industry by showcasing your efforts, not the efforts of the building you are in.
• Foundation for Other Programs:  You may ultimately want to pursue carbon neutrality, net zero and ESG.  If you want the flexibility to expand with these, you want to certify your business.

As to the Edenark Group Program:

• Business Certification:  We certify your business.
• Compliances and Mandates:  The program is designed to satisfy compliances and mandates, maximizing your benefit.
• Business-Wide Assessment: As part of your business certification, we evaluate all aspects of your operations, including the space you are in.
• Promotion of your Brand/Business:  We help you use the certification to promote your business, not the building you are in.

3. The Program Must Include Independent Third-Party Verification Audits

Satisfy compliances and mandates; and build trust through transparency.

An effective sustainability certification must involve verification by an independent third party to ensure credibility. This process validates your efforts and assures stakeholders that your commitments are genuine.

Benefits:

• Greenwashing:  Many companies, looking to cash in on consumer demand, are exaggerating their environmental sustainability claims (ie, greenwashing).  You want to be removed from this.
• Compliance and Mandates:  As your corporate clients and governments demand proof of your claims, 3^rd party verification of your sustainability certification provides same.
• Brand Integrity:  You want to project strength in your sustainability certification claims and 3^rd party verification provides same.
• Marketing:  Combining your certification with 3^rd party verification provides you defined parameters of what you can comfortably state in your marketing.
• Internal comfort:  Having a 3^rd party verify your sustainability certification actions and claims provides internal comfort that all is well.
• Stakeholder Confidence: 3^rd party verification demonstrates not only your dedication to the standard but the confidence you have in your program.  This gives your stakeholders confidence in your claims and how your company is run.

As to the Edenark Group Program:

• 3^rd Party Audit Verification:  The Edenark Group ISO 14001 is required to have a 3^rd party auditor validate/verify your certification.
• Transparent Reporting: The 3^rd party auditor provides a letter that you can share with stakeholders, if you wish.

4. The Program Must Align with Global Sustainability Standards

Ensure your efforts satisfy the broadest expectations possible.

If you decide to spend time and money on becoming environmentally certified sustainable, and you are also trying to grow your company, you want a program that meets your current needs and your future needs.  You do not want to spend time and money today and later learn the program is not able to satisfy your needs tomorrow.  Select a large, globally respected, program that is recognized and accepted wherever you might go.

Benefits:

• Credibility:  You want a program that is recognized and credible wherever you might go.
• Brand enhancement:  You want a program that enhances your brand wherever you might go.
• Regulatory Compliance: You want a program that stays ahead of all the global requirements, not just local requirements.
• Foundation for Other Programs: You want a program that provides the foundation for you to add other programs (carbon neutrality, net zero and ESG), should you wish.

As to the Edenark Group Program:

• Our Standard: We use the ISO 14001, which is the largest and most respected standard in the world.
• Foundation for Other Programs:  Should you wish to expand into other programs, we can also deliver carbon neutrality certification, net zero certification and ESG design and planning, using the Edenark Group ISO 14001 as a foundation.  This is the most cost effective and powerful way to expand into those other programs.
• Ongoing Updates: Our program continues to adjust to global changes.

5. The Program Must Help You Promote Your Sustainability Certification

Your Program Provider Must Help You Promote Your Achievements.

Consumers are demanding companies prove their environmental commitment.  It is the #1 thing they look for when they visit your website and marketing materials.  Studies show 7 out of 10 consumers will leave their existing vendor if they find a vendor they believe is sustainable.  This is why so many companies are greenwashing.  If you spend the time and money to become environmentally certified sustainable, you want to align with a program provider that also helps you craft and deliver messages to the market about your certification and actions as a certified sustainable company.  The market does not know what you have done if you do not talk about it, so you want an expert to help you say the right things and deliver them to the market.

Benefits:

• Growth:  Certified sustainable companies are growing up to 20x faster due to market demand.   You want to talk about it.
• B2B Clients and Prospects: Your B2B clients and prospects need certified sustainable vendors.  Promoting your sustainability certification will help you maintain and grow your existing accounts and win new accounts.
• B2C Clients and Prospects:  Consumers will move their business if they find a certified sustainable option. You want to promote your sustainability certification via all your media and messaging.
• Hiring and Retention:  Your ability to hire and retain employees improves when you can promote that you are a certified sustainable business.
• Cost of Money:  Your cost of debt and equity can go down when you can prove you are a certified sustainable company.  You want to be able to promote your sustainability certification to your money sources.
• Community:  You want to promote your sustainability certification to your community to show the kind of company you are.
•  Market Differentiation: You want to set yourself apart from competitors who are not certified sustainable.  Incorporating your sustainability certification into all your marketing and advertising will help you differentiate and take market share.

As to the Edenark Group Program:

• Pre-Certification:  The first thing we do after you sign your contract, well before you are certified, is start the promotion of your pursuit of the certification.  We write it, you edit/approve it, and we both publish it.  This generates market interest and excitement even before you are certified.  Further, it has advertising financial value that helps you achieve a positive ROI.
• During Certification Process:  We continue proposing, writing and publishing (after you have edited and approved) articles and posts about your actions.
• Certification:  When you become certified, we write an article that you edit/approve, and we both publish it.
• Post-Certification:  For as long as you are a client, we help you talk about your sustainability certification and actions.
• Marketing Materials: We will review and provide guidance on all your external documents to ensure they maximize the promotion of your sustainability certification.
• Your Team:  We will have video meetings with your team, explaining how to discuss and explain your sustainability certification to the clients, vendors and community they interact with.
• Success Stories: Whenever you have an environmental story you want to highlight, we will help you write and publish it on your media and our media.

6. The Program Must Commit to Continuous Improvement 

You want a program that lets you be you.

Every company is different in what its needs are; and every company starts from a different point in its sustainability journey.  You want a sustainability program that recognizes this and lets you start from where you are and grow with actions that are important to your company and its needs and goals.  You do not want a program that establishes the same bar for everyone.  A program that follows the concept of ‘continuous improvement’ allows you to start from wherever you are and continually improve from that starting point.

Benefits:

• Customized to you:  Continuous improvement allows you to start and progress with a program that is designed for your company and needs.
• Team Commitment:  This allows your team to establish projects that are important to them.
• Enhanced Performance: Customized programs and a committed team usually leads to enhanced performance.
• Innovation: When you focus on things that the team has interest in and experience with you have a higher likelihood of an innovation breakthrough.
• Long-Term Success: A happy, engaged team seeing positive results typically translates to a team that wants to continue a program.

The Edenark Group Program:

• Program Design: We follow continuous improvement with all our clients.
• Client Selects Projects:  You will select projects that are most important to you.
• Success:  Our clients are happy with the process and see the success it brings.

7. The Program Must Require Annual Certification Updates

Current = Credible.

Sustainability is not static.  It requires continual effort.  You do not want a program that does not have an annual date attached to its certification.  Annual updates to your certification ensure that your sustainability actions are continuing. This process demonstrates your ongoing commitment and keeps your business aligned with evolving standards.

Benefits:

• Accountability: Regular reviews encourage consistent effort.
• Compliance and Mandate Adaptability: Annual recertification provides proof of being current with regulations and market expectations.
• Stakeholder Assurance: It shows investors and customers that your program is legitimate. 

The Edenark Group Program:

• Annual Review:  At the end of every year, we audit the projects of that year and work with our client to schedule projects for the next year.
• Annual Certification:  Based on the annual review and go-forward project list, the client is re-certified for the next year.

8. The Program Must be Affordable and Deliver a Positive Return on Investment

Enjoy a Positive ROI on Your Efforts.

Sustainability must make sense for your bottom line. A sustainability program must be affordable and provide tangible financial benefits for you to continue with it.

Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Reduced expenses through reduced resource use.
• Revenue Growth: Attract customers that are willing to move their business to a certified sustainable company.
• Risk Reduction: Avoid costs associated with environmental fines or reputational damage.
• Growth in Profit:  By driving lower costs and higher revenues, your sustainability program should be profitable for the company and pay for itself many times over.

The Edenark Group Program:

• Designed for SMEs:  The Edenark Group ISO 14001 program is designed for SMEs, with sensitivity on time investment, cost and ROI.
• Revenue-side Focus:  A unique aspect of the Edenark Group program is the revenue-side promotional support that helps highlight the differentiation your sustainability certification provides.  This helps drive new business.

Contact us for more information.

Summary of the Above

Pick a program that provides the above and you will be happy.

The Edenark Group team would love to work with you.  But even if you do not work with us, select a program that has the above eight elements, and you will be happy.

In this article we explained: “What to look for in an environmental sustainability program.”  We are available, to answer your questions and help you better understand the benefits of being an environmentally certified sustainable company.

We are confident you will be happy with the decision.

We appreciate Kyle Alexander of Car Wash Magazine interviewing our CEO on the topic of when to consider becoming environmentally certified sustainable.

Professional Car Wash & Detailing Weekend Update highlighted Edenark Group and Unlimited Auto Wash (from 1:40 – 2:50) in this video segment.

Greenwashing is rampant as companies try to cash in on consumer demand.

As we have been reporting and as this article discusses, the EU is finalizing its Green Claims Directive (the GCD) and the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (the ECGT) to commence at the beginning of 2025. 

These laws serve as the foundation of other EU laws and standards (including ISO standards that we deliver).

In short – Explicit environmental claims will need to be verified under certification schemes – before being made publicly available or displayed. More specifically, an independent third-party which is not engaged in any activity that may conflict with their judgement or integrity – would need to verify the claim. 

Other governments have passed similar laws that connect certification + 3^rd party verification. 

In effect, if you are making green or environmental or sustainable or eco claims and are not certified and 3^rd party verified under a globally-respected standard, you are deemed to be greenwashing and at risk of lawsuits and fines.

If you want to satisfy consumer demand but not be called out for greenwashing, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.

Leading Peers asked Edenark Group CEO, David Goodman, to give this masterclass webinar on Using Sustainability Certification to Differentiate.

We hope you find it beneficial for future decisions for your organization.

Should you have questions, please contact us here.