Why get certified?

By being awarded the HFC Green Grounds Certification, you join a national network of like-minded individuals fighting for a future where the grounds of educational institutions are free of toxic, synthetic, chemicals. We are excited to welcome and lift up all of the professionals across the country who work so hard to manage grounds. As a certified campus you will:

• Be listed on the HFC National Certification Map and Directory
• Get additional accreditation through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) STARS reporting system, with the number of AASHE points received correlated to your certification level.
• Be able to highlight your campus grounds’ sustainability via your certification status and its accompanying physical and digital signage to display on campus
• Participate in promotional events to highlight your campus’ dedication to sustainable land management
• Be spotlighted in email blasts, social media, and networking events

How can i apply?

Fill out this application form. If you are the Facilities Manager, you may need the help of the Sustainability Director, and vice versa. We encourage you to get a student(s) involved in the process if you need help collecting data and/or filling out the application! Go to our website for help on getting a student involved.

What is the application process like?

HFC staff will review fully completed and submitted applications on a rolling basis. As we review your application, we may reach out to you to clarify any questions that arise.Then, we will contact you to go over the level of HFC Green Grounds Certification your campus has been awarded. We will provide signage, marketing materials, and educational information that you can use to promote your sustainable landscaping methods and to improve your current practices and certification level. Certifications are valid for two years after they are issued. Certified schools can reapply every two years at a reduced cost.

How much does it cost to get Certified?

The initial cost of becoming certified is $500. An already certified can reapply for$250.

Why synthetic-pesticide free?

• Pesticide use becomes an issue when the substances used to eliminate pests cause more harm to human and environmental health than the protection they provide. Synthetic pesticides-- man-made substances that are inorganically derived– have proven to be especially dangerous to human and environmental health. Many of the chemicals found in these synthetic herbicide formulations can and have impacted the human body and our environment in a number of adverse ways. The herbicide used most prevalently around the world, glyphosate, , has been deemed a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization, with the U.S. using almost 300 million pounds per year.
• Synthetic pesticides, man-made chemicals designed to kill pests, pose a direct threat to human health. Research shows that synthetic pesticides contribute to cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, asthma, and many other diseases. Derived from fossil fuels, pesticides contribute to climate change by altering the soil’s ability to sequester carbon. In addition, synthetic fertilizers cause algal blooms and dead zones when they reach lakes and oceans. (The term pesticides encompasses herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, all designed to kill pests, including weeds, insects, fungi.)

Why synthetic-fertilizer free for Gold and Platinum Levels?

Synthetic fertilizers contribute very little to soil health, to the ecosystem or structure of the soil. Many synthetic fertilizers actually decrease soil fertility due to chemical nitrogen stimulating excessive microorganism growth, which, over time, depletes organic matter in the soil. Synthetic fertilizers can also runoff and leach into local waterways and contribute to algal blooms.

Why include soil testing?

Soil testing is key to understanding the soil microbiology. Soil bacteria can have a huge influence on the soil’s ability to retain water, fight off pests, and keep plants healthy. To maximize soil health, you must first test your soil to see if there are any nutritional deficiencies or alterations that should be made to ensure the soil is as healthy as possible. Healthy soil is key to synthetic pesticide-free landcare!

Why increase native plants on campus?

• Native plants do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than lawns.
• Native plants require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion.
• Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding.
• Native plants help reduce air pollution.
• Native plantscapes do not require mowing. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air.
• Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.
• Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.
• Native plants are beautiful and increase scenic values!

Why do you include a standard on an electric procurement policy?

Lots of equipment used in landscaping/facilities management run on fossil fuels. Through a sustainable procurement policy, a school can slowly transition away from equipment that runs on fossil fuels towards electric technology. This will help to reduce the schools carbon footprint, as well as improve the overall sustainability of the grounds practices.

I dont keep track of what is sprayed on campus in a spreadsheet, do you have a pesticide usage tracking sheet that I can use?

Please feel free to refer to this PUR tracking template if you do not already have a template to record what chemicals you are using. Feel free to download this template for future record keeping. For the Green Grounds Certification, you will be required to upload PURs.