The STMA Environmental Committee is introducing its version three (V3.0) of the Environmental Facility Certification Program, which will launch this summer.
The current version, V2.0, requires the sports field manager to self-assess 10 areas of environmental best management practices utilized within the facility. V3.0 includes two more sections: Managed Landscape and Open Space and Synthetic Surfaces. These two sections will be added to Stormwater Management; Fertilization; Pesticides/Integrated Pest Management; Recycling; Composting; Mowing; Energy Conservation; Shop Buildings and Storage Areas; Irrigation, Water Quality and Water Conservation; and Educational Outreach.
An 80 percent passing percentage must be achieved for each section before advancing to the second stage of the certification program: attesting. The attesting process involves a walk-through of the facility by a Certified Sports Field Manager with the applicant to validate that the stated environmental practices are in place. Once the attestor certifies these practices are being utilized, the facility will be awarded the designation of Environmental Facility Certification.
This certification will need to be renewed every three years through a streamlined process that only asks three questions.
To apply to take the assessment click here.