1. Landscape management and Operations accreditation Program
A New Standard for Grounds Excellence

2. Session Outline Purpose Benefits of Accreditation
An Environmental Management System (EMS) Approach
Key Principles
Best Practices
Steps for Accreditation
Site Evaluation
Accreditation Determinant
Accreditation Report
Maintaining Accreditation

3. Purpose
To provide organizations that have a landscape services or grounds component with an evaluation of strategic Grounds Management principles and practices that produce and guide in the delivery of properties that are attractive, healthy, sustainable and of high quality.

4. Benefits of Accreditation
Provides a systematic approach in performing an objective assessment of an organization’s Grounds Management component by a nationally recognized independent entity
Provides a means of evaluating the grounds program against industry standards and best practices to improve performance
Evaluates the Grounds program relative to established benchmarks for Grounds excellence and environmental awareness
Determines if the Grounds Management area within the organization is properly set up to best implement existing and new stewardship and sustainability initiatives
Provides the Grounds program with the necessary information on tools and procedures to meet current and evolving maintenance challenges
Reinforces Grounds Management focus on productivity and effectiveness through critical evaluation of programs and services

5. Integrates activities that exhibit a proactive approach to ensuring the success of Grounds related projects
Demonstrates that the organization is dedicated to the continuous improvement of Grounds Management practices
Promotes predictability and consistency in achieving Grounds Management obligations
Generate information for Grounds adaptation measures that align with the organization’s capacity to meet Grounds maintenance requirements
Obtains stakeholder feedback and participation in meeting Grounds component goals and objectives
Increases the organization’s ability to realize the highest return on its Grounds investment
A site visit and analysis by a team of Grounds professionals typically possessing an average of 90+ years of experience

6. An Environmental Management System Approach
Sustainable Strategic Management
Developed around a concept put forth by The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a United Nations study completed in 2005, this program evaluates the organization’s strategic Grounds Management principles and practices that promote the economic, environmental and social performance within the Grounds functional area.
Economic Performance
Environmental Stewardship
Social Responsibility

7. Environmental Stewardship
Best Practices
Key Principles
Ecosystem services value included in organization's mission and vision statement
Grounds management strategies designated by zones
Complete inventory and mapping of both man-made and natural resources
Publicizes environmental connection to maintenance activities
Records and monitors sustainable projects
Natural resource management plans have been developed
Waste management plan has been developed
A site appropriate fertilization program has been developed
Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program
Land use maps have been prepared
Irrigation zones and water conserving devices are designed and installed in landscaped areas
Data on materials consumed is documented and retained
Educational/informational notices are posted at project sites
Periodic audit process in-place for natural resources and conservation activities
Provide leadership and effective communication.
Value ecosystem services.
Manage resources within natural limitations.
Evaluation of existing natural resources to preserve and conserve.
Establish environmental policies and evaluation processes.
Implement environmentally sustainable initiatives.

8. Economic Performance Key Principles Best Practices
Evaluating the use of alternative fuels and vehicles within maintenance operation
Resource conservation plans have been developed
Evaluating different staffing models
Utilizing remote site monitoring systems
Analysis of materials, supplies and equipment needs is conducted
Practice zero-growth budget exercise
Completed equipment inventory and replacement plan
Retrofitting existing landscapes
Metering water use in landscaped areas separately
Evaluating multi-year contract potential for materials, supplies and equipment
Grounds damage recovery plans have been developed
Reducing landfill cost
Use renewable and sustainable resources.
Eliminate or reduce the use of resources that are difficult or impossible to renew.
Improve grounds management performance through policies and programs.
Investigate the use of advanced and emerging technologies.
Conduct life cycle assessments and costing.
Produce contingency plans that reflect budget reductions.

9. Social Responsibility
Key Principles
Best practices
Employing sustainable maintenance activities
Incorporating events management plan with grounds maintenance strategies
Identifying and meeting regularly with stakeholders to inform and educate
Employees encouraged to participate in relevant trade organizations and educational opportunities
Staff developmental goals are prepared
Conducting regular safe work training sessions
Parameters of work areas have been defined
Maintenance plans for Grounds component have been outlined and developed
Optimizing site accessibility
Chemical/pesticide exposure is limited
Community out-reach programs have been developed
Cultural and historically significant sites are identified
Ecosystems are safe, healthy and productive.
Natural processes and human activities co-exist.
Involve stakeholders to define and link long-term maintenance strategies.
Find new resources and technologies that enhance the user's quality of life and the environment.
Routine assessment of training and development needs is being performed.
Workplace environment is responsive to employee’s health, safety and welfare needs.

10. Steps for Accreditation

11. Site Evaluation
The site evaluation phase involves a visit by a PGMS team for first hand observations and to gauge the Grounds operation’s status on the implementation of best practices.

16. Accreditation Report Prepared after the site visit
Combines the evaluation team’s perspectives, observations and notes
Details the applicant’s response to best practices associated with each management system category
Provides recommendations in areas for improvement
Presented to Accreditation Committee with accreditation level recommendation
Forwarded to applicant with letter of accreditation

17. Accreditation Determinant
Applicant status on best practices:
No activity
Evaluating best practice
Developing plans to attain best practice
Implementing best practice
Best practice in-place, monitored and reviewed

18. Levels of Accreditation
Rating system
Points Required
1 Star
2 Stars
3 Stars
4Stars
Accreditation will be awarded based on a 200
point evaluation and 4-star recognition system.
114 – 127 points
128 – 141 points
142 – 165 points
166+ point

19. COST
The fee structure has been established to factor in the organization’s size, the complexity of the grounds operations and the costs of the on-site evaluation. An estimate of total accreditation costs determined by the characteristics of each organization will be provided to applicants upon the completion and review of the site survey questionnaire.

20. Maintaining Accreditation
3 year re-accreditation cycle
Re-accreditation will require written verification on the continuation of best practices
Evidence supporting accreditation upgrade request can be submitted
Accreditation Committee determines if another site evaluation is warranted
A small re-accreditation fee will be applicable

21. How To Get Started Contact: Professional Grounds Management Society
720 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone
Web –

22. Questions ?
Joe Jackson, CGM, ASLA PGMS Past President EcoGrounds Management Systems phone number – web –