Texas A&M University (managed by SSC Services for Education) has been re-accredited with a 4-star rating as part of the Professional Grounds Management Society’s (PGMS) Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation.
This accreditation process and subsequent follow-up measures combine to exemplify a commitment to continuous improvement. The PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation is initially awarded for three years. An accredited facility must then seek to be re-accredited through a mandatory update report provided by the organization that verifies the continuing conformance to best practices and the adherence to the principles of the accreditation.
“Four stars is the highest level of accreditation and the Accreditation Committee commends Barbara Hatchel, CGM, CGT and her team for their extensive re-accreditation documentation, highlighting Texas A&M University’s commitment to sustainability issues and incorporation of innovative technology such as GIS mapping,” stated Michael Loftus, CGM, PGMS Accreditation Committee Chair.
The PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program is a dynamic evaluation tool designed to be used by facilities and organizations that have a landscape services or grounds component. Through peer expertise, the program evaluates strategic grounds management principles and practices that produce and guide the delivery of properties to an attractive, healthy, sustainable and high quality state. The accreditation focuses on three categories: environmental stewardship, economic performance, and social responsibilities. The program has four levels of accreditation (1, 2, 3 and 4–star.) It is designed to not only recognize excellence but to provide a means by which facilities can measure growth and improvements in meeting the goals of best practices. For more information on the accreditation program please visit https://pgms.org/page/Accreditation.