Getting your business certified green has many benefits, but as companies are discovering, the simple act of choosing which program opens up a world of complications.

In a move playing out largely behind the scenes but gaining quick momentum, law firms are using simple and inexpensive tools to evolve from notorious resource hogs (think a half-ton of paper per lawyer, per year) to models of eco-stewardship.

When a company, large or small, decides to assess and improve its environmental performance, having employees on board to support and extend the project can make the difference between success and failure.

The Western Climate Initiative unveiled a draft plan Wednesday for what will become North America's largest carbon cap and trade system set to go into effect in 2012. The coalition of seven states and four Canadian provinces will use the cap and trade system in its bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

Former Vice President Al Gore called on the U.S. to make an Apollo-like leap to produce all of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources within a decade to bolster national security, the flailing economy and avoid the worst effects of a warming planet.

The continent's largest photovoltaic testing facility opened its doors in San Jose Monday. The development holds the promise of helping solar technologies reach the market faster and accelerating the growth of green collar jobs in the region.

Rachel Patterson of San Francisco's Hanson Bridgett law firm offers a snapshot of the year it took her company to become a certified green business.

Frank Marquardt, author of the Green Careers Insider Guide from Wet Feet publications, joins GreenBiz Radio to discuss the paths people take to landing a job related to the environment or sustainability.

Attorney David Scott joins GreenBiz Radio to discuss the Green Guide for Lawyers and the ways in which his law firm is making its operations more environmentally friendly.