Certification Overview

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There are two levels of certification, bronze and silver.  The requirements for each are listed below.  Bronze certification means a municipality has made a commitment to sustainability and succeeded in implementing the first significant steps. Silver certification means a municipality has made significant progress in a number of categories toward sustainability and is a statewide and national leader.

 

What Evidence is Needed for Certification?

All actions submitted by municipalities to earn points toward certification must be accompanied by documentary evidence and will be reviewed by subject matter experts. Only efforts that meet the standards described in the actions will be accepted and counted toward certification.  Actions include ordinances, programs, policies and procedures, and facility improvements.  Each action has detailed resources and step by step “how to” directions for completing the action. 

How Long is Certification Good For?

Once your municipality is certified, the certification is good for 3 program years, at which time a municipality will need to recertify.  For example, if a municipality is certified on September 20, 2025, its certification will expire December 31, 2028.  This means the municipality will need to apply for certification by the initial 2028 deadline to avoid a lapse. 

However, a municipality may recertify at any point prior to this third year to maintain momentum and increase its certification level.  Municipalities can recertify at current or next certification level.

Note about actions: Individual approved actions in the application expire independently of the certification. Expired actions need to be updated to continue to earn points for them when recertifying. Municipalities can recertify at either bronze or silver level and do not need to advance to, or retain silver certification.

Additional Questions?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.