What is accreditation?

The number of environmental and sustainable development awards has grown dramatically over the past few years. This has led to problems for potential sponsors and entrants who are often unsure of the quality and validity of schemes and in turn for the organisers.

The RSA Environment Awards Forum has established an Accreditation Scheme to help tackle this problem. The main aim of the scheme is to improve the design, operation and efficacy of award schemes. Accreditation will give recognition to those schemes which meet the standard of organisation and operation as set out in the RSA 'Guide to Good Practice - Organising and Sponsoring Environmental and Sustainable Development Awards' (see related document).

How to get accredited

The main aims of the accreditation scheme are twofold:

• To improve the design, operation and efficiency of award schemes. Accreditation will give recognition to those schemes which meet the standard of organisation and operation, as set out in the RSA Guide to Good Practice 'Organising and sponsoring environment and sustainable development awards'.
• To provide good quality feeder schemes for the European Business Awards for the Environment

If you think your scheme complies with the criteria set out in the Guide and would like to apply for Accreditation then there are three easy steps to follow.

1. Download the application pack which consists of Application Form; Arrangements for Accreditation and a Score Sheet.
2. Read the documents thoroughly, and then complete the application form and score sheet making sure you clearly indicate where documentary evidence can be found to substantiate your answers.
3. Send your completed forms to us along with 4 copies of the brochure or details of your award scheme and a cheque.

Your application will be assessed by a team of three independent auditors who will make recommendations to the Forum Secretariat who will decide if Accreditation will be granted.

The whole process should take about 4 weeks from when you have submitted your forms.

Full information on how the process works and what happens if your scheme does not meet the criteria can be found in the Application Pack.

Find out more about current accredited award schemes:

• BCE Awards ( http://www.bceawards.org/)
• Biffawards ( http://www.biffaward.org/)
• Edie Awards ( http://www.edie.net/awards/index.asp?channel=0)
• Green Apple Awards ( http://www.thegreenorganisation.info/)
• Green Awards (http://www.greenawards.co.uk)
• Green Business Awards (http://www.greenbusinessawards.com)
• Living Wetlands Award (http://www.ciwem.org/awards/living_wetlands)
• Rushlight Awards ( http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/)
• Sustainable Cities Award ( http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Sustainability/Sustainable_City_Awards/)
• VIBES Awards ( http://www.vibes.org.uk/)
• Water Efficiency Awards (http://www.water-efficiency-awards.org.uk)