Best Certifications for Sustainable Landscapes & Wildlife Habitat

Sustainable Sites Initative

Green Business Certification Institute

The most comprehensive rating system for sustainable landscapes and outdoor spaces. SITES evaluates water, soil, vegetation, materials, and human health across development and managed landscapes.

SITES AP

Green Business Certification Institute

Demonstrates expertise in sustainable land design and development. SITES AP professionals can advise on and manage SITES-rated projects for landscape architecture and urban planning.

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification

Audubon International

Certifies golf courses, parks, and properties that maintain and enhance wildlife habitat. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program focuses on water conservation, chemical reduction, and habitat management.

Certified Wildlife Habitat

National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation's certification for gardens and landscapes that provide food, water, cover, and nesting sites for native wildlife. Over 200,000 habitats certified across the US.

Certified Backyard Habitat Program

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Certifies residential and commercial landscapes that support local wildlife and native plants. Evaluates habitat features, water management, and chemical-free maintenance practices.

Certified Wildlife Friendly®

Wildlife Friendly® Enterprise Network

Certifies products and land management practices that coexist with wildlife. Wildlife Friendly evaluates habitat conservation, species protection, and community engagement across agricultural and wild lands.

Salmon-Safe

Salmon-Safe Inc.

Certifies farms, vineyards, urban developments, and parks that protect Pacific salmon habitat. Salmon-Safe evaluates stormwater management, erosion control, and riparian buffer zones.

Bird Friendly Coffee

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center at the National Zoological Park

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's certification for shade-grown coffee that protects bird habitat. The only coffee certification backed by peer-reviewed scientific research on bird conservation.

David Bellamy Conservation Award

UK Conservation Foundation

Recognizes holiday parks and caravan sites in the UK that demonstrate excellence in conservation and habitat management. Evaluates biodiversity, landscaping, and environmental education programs.

Effinature

IRICE

France's certification for developments and infrastructure projects that achieve net-positive biodiversity outcomes. Evaluates ecological impact, habitat restoration, and biodiversity offsetting measures.