TAFU Green Accreditation Requirements
The TAFU Green Accreditation is a mark of excellence awarded to schools, institutions, small businesses, and large corporations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. This accreditation is a rigorous process that requires full compliance with TAFU’s standards and policies, including site visits and comprehensive evidence to prove adherence to each requirement.
To apply to become accredited, email us at contact@tafu.info!
General Requirements for All Applicants
- Commitment to Sustainability
– The organisation must demonstrate a clearly defined sustainability mission statement that aligns with TAFU’s principles, publicly available on their website or other official materials.
– A designated Sustainability Officer must be appointed to oversee and ensure continuous improvement in sustainability practices within the organisation. - Environmental Policy & Management
A robust and detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) must be in place, covering all operations. This plan should outline:
– Energy efficiency initiatives.
– Waste management protocols, including recycling targets.
– Reduction of water and energy consumption.
– Measures for minimising carbon footprint.
– Biodiversity conservation actions (where applicable).
The organisation must provide quarterly reports showing progress towards sustainability goals, including energy, waste, and water consumption reductions. - Compliance with Legal and Environmental Standards
– All local, national, and international environmental regulations must be met or exceeded. Proof of compliance, including any certifications or environmental impact assessments (EIA), must be provided.
– Organisations must ensure ethical sourcing and procurement of materials and services, with preference given to sustainable, fair-trade, and environmentally friendly suppliers.
Specific Requirements by Category
Schools & Educational Institutions
- Sustainability in Curriculum
– Evidence of sustainability and environmental education being integrated into the curriculum across all levels and subjects.
– A dedicated sustainability module or series of projects must be in place, actively involving students in real-world environmental challenges. - Student & Staff Engagement
– Active student and staff participation in green initiatives, with a Green Team established to lead sustainability projects.
– The institution must organise at least one sustainability-focused event per term (e.g., a clean-up drive, tree planting, energy conservation campaign). - School Grounds & Facilities
– The institution must have green spaces that support biodiversity (e.g., gardens, tree planting areas).
– Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems must be installed and maintained across the entire campus.
– Clear evidence of waste segregation and recycling practices across the school, with recycling bins available in all high-traffic areas.
Small Businesses
- Sustainable Operations
– Proof of sustainable practices in all operational areas, including energy-efficient equipment, reduced packaging, and use of renewable energy where possible.
– Evidence of a waste minimisation strategy, including a 50% reduction in plastic use and a 75% recycling rate within 12 months of applying for accreditation. - Green Supply Chain
– The business must show a commitment to using local, sustainable, and eco-friendly suppliers wherever possible. Documentation of sustainable procurement policies must be submitted for review. - Employee Engagement
– Staff training on sustainability must be mandatory, and the business should hold regular sustainability workshops or information sessions to engage employees in green practices.
– A monthly sustainability report must be submitted to TAFU, detailing actions taken to reduce environmental impact, including energy and waste reductions.
Large Corporations
- Corporate Environmental Responsibility
– Corporations must have a documented and measurable Sustainability Strategy, approved at the executive level, with clear sustainability targets across all operations.
– Comprehensive carbon footprint assessments must be conducted annually, with a commitment to reduce emissions by at least 20% year-on-year for the next five years. - Third-Party Certifications
– Corporations must hold recognised third-party certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), or equivalent, to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. - Employee & Stakeholder Engagement
– Large corporations must implement and maintain a Sustainability Training Program for all employees and supply chain partners.
– Regular internal and external sustainability reports must be published and publicly available, showing detailed progress towards environmental goals, including energy consumption, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions. - Sustainability Audits
– Independent third-party audits must be conducted annually to assess compliance with sustainability standards.
– The corporation must facilitate an annual TAFU site visit to inspect their operations, where they must present evidence of all ongoing sustainability efforts.
Site Visits & Compliance Checks
- TAFU Visits: All organisations applying for accreditation must undergo at least two on-site inspections during the accreditation process – one before approval and one during the accreditation period. TAFU’s auditors will evaluate the implementation of sustainability practices, review the provided documentation, and interview key personnel.
- All site visits must include:
– Tours of facilities to verify compliance with sustainability measures.
– Review of documented evidence, such as energy usage reports, sustainability plans, and employee engagement programs.
– Interviews with key stakeholders, such as sustainability officers, employees, or students.
Proof of Compliance
- Applicants must provide a comprehensive report with clear documentation of all sustainability measures, including but not limited to energy usage records, waste management logs, carbon footprint analyses, and procurement policies.
- Failure to provide accurate and verifiable documentation will result in disqualification from the accreditation process.
Renewal and Review
- Accreditation is valid for two years, after which a re-assessment is required.
- TAFU reserves the right to perform surprise visits to ensure continued compliance with the green standards set forth in this document.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Any organisation found to be non-compliant during the accreditation period will be given 30 days to rectify the situation. Failure to comply within this period will result in the immediate revocation of the TAFU Green Accreditation.