Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) is an education and certification program that helps organizations and businesses protect our environment while enhancing their bottom line. The "plan-do-check-act" approach of the program offers information and guidance to implement an environmental management plan that improves efficiency, conserves resources, and promotes conservation efforts.  Audubon International awards certification to publicly recognize and reward the environmental achievements and leadership of ACSP members.

Green the environment and your bottom line...

“The projects we have completed have helped us save money by lowering our use of energy and reducing some of our maintenance costs. In addition, they have helped us make the Park a more interesting and beautiful place for people to visit." Andrea Vittum, President White Haven Memorial Park Pittsford, NY
ACSP Members include:
Cemetaries Corporate Parks Community Colleges Churches	Manufacturing Facilities Municipal and State Parks Resorts Retail Stores

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program
Getting involved is easy.  After joining the program, your next step is to take stock of environmental resources and areas to improve, and then develop an environmental management plan that fits your unique setting, goals, staff, budget, and time.  Audubon International provides a Site Assessment and Environmental Planning Form to provide guidance, as well as educational information to help you with:

Based on your site assessment, we provide a site-specific report and work with you to implement your plan.  By implementing and documenting environmental management practices in these areas, a business is eligible for designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, improving its stature and reputation. Recertification is required every two years.

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Get involved and get results!
Members receive A Guide to Environmental Stewardship At Your Business, an attractive membership art print, a subscription to our newsletter, Stewardship News, and a Certification Handbook to help plan, organize, and document environmental efforts.  Membership also includes certification review and Audubon staff support and direct consultation via telephone, written communication, and e-mail.  Site visits are available on a fee-for-service basis.

Most important, ACSP members get results.  They improve environmental performance and community relations, reduce liability, save money, and contribute to the conservation of our environment.

Member Benefits
Being a responsible environmental manager is a key part of running a successful business, but, if you are like many people, you may not have the time or expertise to investigate and plan environmental strategies suited to your business. Audubon International can help. We understand that in order for you to green your business it has to be done a way that greens your bottom line. Below are just a few of the ways you can do that:

• Improved Image and Reputation–Proven environmental performance can help a business differentiate itself from others in a crowded market and add value by improving public relations and marketing opportunties that attract new customers.
  
  
• Customer/Employee Satisfaction-Enhancing the nature of your business can enrich customers' experience and employee attitudes.
  
  
• Financial Performance-An effective environmental management program can result in reduced insurance premiums, as well as reduced costs for energy, water, pesticides, fertilizers, equipment wear, and labor.
  
  
• Worker Safety and Reduced Liability-Best practices for chemical management reduce exposure and liability risks associated with storing, handling, and applying chemicals.
  
  
• Improved Efficiency-Proper environmental management cuts down on waste and promotes efficient operations.
  
  
• Environmental Quality-The environmental management practices required for certification help businesses to improve the quality of our land, water, and air, and to conserve natural resources for future generations.

Audubon International Steward Network
Members of the Audubon International Steward Network serve as a source of knowledge, good advice, enthusiasm, and encouragement. They provide invaluable, on-the-ground assistance to members of the ACSP and others interested in protecting and improving the environment in their region. Stewards answer questions about getting started, achieving certification, finding resources, and more. Feel free to contact the following Audubon Stewards for assistance or information regarding their participation in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. You can filter the list by typing in your state and pressing apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does certification take?
Most organizations achieve certification within one to three years, depending on how quickly they plan, organize, implement, and document their environmental practices.

How does Audubon International verify that the member is meeting certification standards?
Written and photographic documentation is required to achieve certification. If required information is missing or management practices are not in place, Audubon International places a “pending” status on the certification request. This enables the member to provide the needed documentation or further develop its management strategies.

On-site verification by a qualified third party is required prior to certification. Recertification is required every two years to ensure that members continue to uphold certification standards. Members that do not submit the appropriate documentation or are no longer meeting program requirements are decertified.

Who can achieve certification?
Properties enrolled in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program may apply for certification. There are no restrictions on the types of organizations that are eligible.