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Environmentally Certified Landscape Industry Professionals (ECLIPs)
SGA runs a well-established environmental certification program for garden centres that includes an external audit process. In 2007, SGA received funding from the Victorian Government's Sustainability Fund to establish a similar certification program for landscape professionals. SGA has worked closely with the Landscape Industries Association of Victoria (LIAV) and other industry professionals on its development. This industry sector includes landscape architects and designers, contractors, parks and gardens staff, and garden maintenance operators.
Overview of Certification
Key Areas of ECLIPs
To design, construct and maintain landscapes that;
Minimise water use
Minimise chemical use
Enhance biodiversity
Compliment natural systems
Minimise invasive plants
Benefits to Practitioners
By achieving ECLIPs certification the business will be:
Publicly recognised as a business leader committed to the environment
Identified as environmentally certified on the SGA website, which averages 30,000 visits per month
Provided with ECLIPs promotional material
Provided with a media kit of pro-forma environmental articles that can be adapted for individual use and released to local media organisations
Given ongoing information on current and proposed environmental legislation and requirements
Assisted with ongoing staff development and training on environmental issues
Guided in complying with environmental best practice guidelines
Notified of new environmental products and market opportunities
Invited to participate in an ongoing information exchange network with other ECLIPs members and landscape industry professionals
Offered the opportunity to be involved in SGA developed environmental promotions that link practitioners with the community
Part of the future solution to amending the environmental mistakes of the fast
Certification
To become an ECLIPs certified business you need to fill in and submit the Expression of Interest form at the bottom of this page. An SGA staff member will then contact you to fully discuss the process and answer any questions you may have.
In order to achieve ECLIPs certification the following requirements must be met:
1. Become a subscriber to SGA and apply for ECLIPs membership. See the subscription page for the rates.
2. Undertake SGA Industry Training for all permanent full-time and part-time members of staff. (This includes any casual staff or sub-contractors employed for a period greater than 15 days in total per year where they manage, supervise or work independently onsite.) SGA Industry Training is available online or via face-to-face training workshops. A fee applies to undertake this training.
3. Conduct your business according to the ECLIPs Membership Charter making amendments to your current business practices where necessary.
4. Commit to ongoing compulsory Professional Development in the area of sustainability and landscaping to ensure that your business and your staff are up to date with the latest practices and products. Non-SGA training is recognised where appropriate.
5. Submit to Random Audits of your business practices that may be carried out at any time. Prior notification will be given and you will be provided with the audit document, so you are fully aware of what the audit process will involve. There is no cost for any audits, as this is covered in your subscription.
ECLIPs Marketing Material
Certification automatically provides you with the following:
Listing on the SGA ECLIPs website
Use of the ECLIPs logo as agreed under the Terms and Conditions of Use provided by SGA
Sustainable Garden Assessment Report Materials (pad of 100)
ECLIPs stickers
Media release templates (2)
ECLIPs brochures for your clients (50)
If you think you and your business are ready for the challenge and the rewards, please complete the ECLIPs Expression of Interest form below and we will be in touch with you soon.