The Certification Process
Step 1: Commit
Restaurants commit to our Core Concepts* via signing the Commitment Form:
- Ban Styrofoam.
- Implement single stream recycling.
- Phase in energy efficient lighting and efficient ballasts.
- Set waste reduction and diversion goals so that you and the GDA can assess your progress.
*What are these? The basics. We’ve established this baseline for green restaurants in St.Louis – one that is within reach for the small and large businesses in our region.
Step 2: Walk-Through Audit
Restaurants schedule and undergo our GDA Certification Audit. It’s an affordable, face-to-face sustainability consultation, serving as a 3rd party certifying agent to verify your practices for your customers. You can give yourself a practice audit to prepare by following this link.
We focus on 7 major categories of sustainability:
- Recycling & Waste Reduction
- Sourcing & Procurement
- Water Conservation
- Energy Conservation/Efficiency
- Chemical Use
- Awareness & Education
- Innovation
Certification Fee
GDA membership and fees are based on an annual cycle. First-time certification costs $250, subsequent annual re-certifications cost $200. Fees are paid at the time of the audit.
Step 3: Membership
A restaurant that commits to the GDA Core Concepts and scores 2 stars or higher becomes a GDA Certified Member; a recognized leader in the region.
Members are eligible for member perks, advertised in Sauce Magazine and The Healthy Planet, and access to GDA staff as a resource to establish personalized and cost-effective goals for future improvement.
Get recognized for all you do.
Get Started Today
In the restaurant business, you’ve got a lot on your plate.
That’s why the GDA is a personalized, high-impact program, and we focus on making sustainability accessible. The GDA brings sustainability within reach by using the most cost-effective solutions – and a local, holistic approach to your business’ greening process.
Between the GDA and our parent organization, earthday365, we offer expert resources and specialists that evaluate your new or existing business’ needs and identify solutions. To get the conversation started, email the GDA Manager below to request a consultation and we will be in touch.
