After years of development, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has launched the Landscape Industry Accredited Company designation. As Landscape Industry Certified is the mark of excellence for individuals in the industry, the new Landscape Industry Accredited Company designation is the mark of excellence at the company level.
A Landscape Industry Accredited Company differentiates itself from the competition and its employees share in that mark of professionalism. Accreditations and certifications help in the bidding process, help attract top employees, and help clients understand that the accredited team is well educated and trained on the latest best practices, according to the NALP.
According to the association, companies receiving accreditation are:
- Knowledgeable: employs well-trained, Landscape Industry Certified employees;
- Safe: participates in the NALP Safe Company program or the SHARP safety program;
- Ethical: provides clear client communications and ethical operating procedures; and
- In compliance: complies with state, local, and federal codes, statues, and licensing and insurance requirements.
The program requires that companies:
- employ at least 10 percent Landscape Industry Certified staff, including at least one person on staff who holds the designation Landscape Industry Certified Staff Manager;
- participate in a national safety program;
- conduct responsible and ethical business practices;
- complete the Pledge of Excellence;
- submit three Customer Reference Verification forms; and
- complete the application.
To apply for the program, companies will follow these steps:
- Complete and submit an application and necessary documentation along with the application fee;
- Complete and submit the Pledge of Excellence form;
- Submit three Customer Reference Verification forms (these should be returned directly from your customers to the NALP headquarters);
- Upon review of application materials, NALP will notify applicant of their status (this could take 30-60 days); and
- Upon approval, Landscape Industry Accredited Companies will receive a certificate, rights to use the Seal of Approval, and marketing materials to help promote their company accreditation.
