Rhode Island § 5-89-2 - Transparency and Sustainability Standards for Rhode Island Businesses Act

§ 5-89-2. Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that:

(1) The state of Rhode Island is committed to initiatives designed to support sustainability practices by providing a platform for manufacturers and businesses to demonstrate their corporate commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

(2) The Rhode Island department of environmental management has a suite of voluntary green certification programs for the hospitality and tourism industry, landscapers, golf courses, and other industries.

(3) In recognition of the increasing interest from investors, customers, and employees for greater transparency in sustainability practices, this legislation provides Rhode Island businesses a means to demonstrate to their customers, investors, and employees that they are committed to sustainability that embodies business practices and systems that are designed to foster innovation and long-term profits as well as environmental and societal benefits.

(4) Rhode Island’s program shall be implemented by way of voluntary enabling legislation and applies only to those who seek to become certified as reporting entities. There is no single blueprint for best practices in sustainability among or within industries, and this legislation shall allow businesses to craft a sustainability blueprint that meets their specific needs, provided that the entity’s governing body approves its standards and assessment measures and that they are made publicly available.