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Requirements Summary :: Steps in the Certification Process

The GreenFaith Certification Program Requirements

The GreenFaith Certification Program is organized into a 5-step process that includes a number of requirements. Participating institutions must complete each of these steps and their accompanying requirements to be recognized as a GreenFaith Sanctuary.

The following is an introductory list of these steps. Institutions will be given a more detailed and comprehensive list of requirements when they join the Program, along with extensive resources to help with fulfilling them. Institutions will also be given some flexibility to choose requirements that best fit their setting and goals.

STEP 1: Apply to the Program

1. Complete the Application Forms
2. Create a Green Team and Sign the Commitment Form
3. Make a Formal, Public Commitment by the Ordained Leader and Governing Board
4. Pay the Application and Tuition Fees

STEP 2: Getting Started

1. Write a Mission Statement
2. Write a Communication Plan
3. Conduct a Comprehensive Audit
4. Develop an Action Plan

STEP 3: Implement your Action Plan
(See Activity Requirements below for content to be included in your Action Plan)

STEP 4: Submit Progress Reports Twice Yearly

STEP 5: Become a GreenFaith Sanctuary

Activity Requirements

Your institution’s Action Plan consists of a number of activities which you carry out over the course of the Program. The following is a list of activities which participating institutions must complete to earn Certification.

These activities are divided into four categories – Spirit, Justice, Stewardship, and Communications.

Spirit Requirements

1. Worship
   • Conduct three services per year for two consecutive years focused on ecological themes
2. Religious Education
   • Offer 3 classes of religious-environmental education/year for adults, teens and children
   • Conduct religious-environmental education for Ordained Leaders
3. Spirituality
   • Offer an annual written and spoken recommendation to members from the ordained leader about spending time outdoors
   • Conduct one interfaith religious-environmental activity/year involving members of at least three religious traditions (e.g. Christian, Jewish, Muslim)
   • Conduct one intergenerational religious-environmental program/year for two years

Environmental Justice (EJ) Requirements

1. EJ Education
   • Conduct three educational programs over two years on environmental justice.
2. Building Relationships with EJ Leaders
   • Hold at least one meeting/year for two years with a local/regional EJ leader to identify ways that your institution can support Environmental Justice initiatives.
3. Advocating for Environmental Justice
   • Conduct at least one Environmental Justice Advocacy Campaign per year for two years.

Stewardship Requirements

1. Energy & Transportation
   • Conduct activities to reduce energy use and encourage sustainable transportation practices at your institution.
   • Educate and mobilize your members to undertake energy conservation and adopt sustainable transportation practices at home.
2. Food & Water
   • Integrate environmentally-sustainable food practices into your institution's events and meals, and conduct activities to conserve water.
   • Educate and mobilize your members to make sustainable food choices and conserve water at home.
3. Waste & Toxics
   • Conduct waste reduction, recycling and toxics reduction efforts at your institution.
   • Educate and mobilize your members to undertake waste reduction, recycling and toxics reduction efforts at home.
4. Grounds Maintenance
   • Conduct sustainable grounds maintenance activities at your institution.
   • Educate and mobilize your members to undertake sustainable grounds maintenance practices at home.

Communication Requirements

1. Carry Out a Communications Plan
   • Carry out the Communications Plan that was developed to publicize your leadership to your members and community.
2. Carry out Internal Communication
   • Publicize your efforts to your members by publishing items on your website and in your newsletter.
3. Carry out External Communication
   • Publicize your efforts to external audiences, through newspapers, list serves and other media outlets.