Climate Showcase Communities
   Local Climate and Energy Program
                                Effective Practices for Implementing Local
                                Climate and Energy Programs:
                                Award and Certificate Programs
 Lessons Learned by Communities for Communities
 The views expressed in this document are those of the Climate Showcase Communities grant recipients. U.S. EPA does not endorse any
 products or commercial services mentioned.
WHAT IS IT?
Award and certificate programs publicly recognize and reward organizations that meet
criteria for achieving sustainability goals or win a competition among organizations.
WHY DO IT?
•   Make program participants feel appreciated.
•   Create opportunities to engage the media and increase the visibility of actions that
    participating organizations are undertaking.
•   Inspire healthy competition among businesses and organizations.
WHAT WORKS?
    Create a set of clearly defined criteria for awards or certificates.
    Develop a consistent process for nominating and choosing recipients and/or selecting
    winners of competitions.
    Announce award recipients in a public setting and to the media. Regularly highlight
    "star" organizations.
    Ask local businesses to donate incentive prizes.
    Hold networking events for recognized organizations to share information.
    Provide window decals or other signage for participating organizations.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR?
•   Avoid loose or inconsistent certification requirements.
•   Ensure that certificates and awards are for meaningful action.
•   Consider using a professional printer to produce high-quality certificates. Lower-quality
    certificates may not convey the intended value to recipients.
WHAT RESOURCES HAVE PROJECTS FOUND TO BE USEFUL?
•   North Carolina Green Schools Recognition Program: www.ncgreenschools.org
•   Sustainable Jersey: www.sustainableiersey.com
•   Salt Lake City e2 Business Program: www.slcgov.com/slcgreen/e2
                                                                  "Businesses want
                                                                  recognition for their
                                                                  accomplishments. These
                                                                  programs identify them to
                                                                  the community."
                                                                  Janet, Denver Energy Challenge,
                                                                  Colorado
                                                                  "Hold a public ceremony
                                                                  and give out attractive,
                                                                  professional certificates.''

                                                                  Annie, Mpower ChaMpions,
                                                                  Madison, Wisconsin
£EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
                                         April 2015
EPA-430-F-15-008

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