Table of Contents
1. How does the self-assessment work?
The self-assessment is made up of 24 questions. You must answer a number of core questions, and a number of operational questions. The core questions and operational questions you choose to answer will determine the level you can achieve. See the question “What are the different levels of Green Accord?” below for more detail on the levels.
To answer the question, tick the box to confirm that you meet the criteria of the question, and can provide evidence if required by the question. It is essential that you provide the correct evidence and this matches that clarified below each requirement. The evidence provided must relate solely to the question applied for (i.e. do not attach large documents where the evidence is hidden amongst surplus information).
As you tick the various requirements, the self-assessment will automatically display the level of Green Accord accreditation achieved.
Guidance is provided for all questions, with links to resources providing additional expert information and help to introduce new practices. This can assist you in obtaining a higher level of accreditation where applicable.
Payment is necessary to submit your application for assessment and covers the cost of a full and robust audit of the information you provide.
2. What are the different levels of Green Accord?
There are three levels of accreditation available to your company: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The different levels of accreditation are designed to encourage businesses to strive for higher levels of accreditation and introduce more sustainable practices to further reduce their environmental impact.
| Level | Core Questions | Operational Questions |
|---|---|---|
 | Questions 1 & 2 | 5 or more questions from 9 to 24 |
 | Questions 1-6 | 6 or more questions from 9 to 24 |
 | Questions 1-8 | 11 or more questions from 9 to 24 |
We would advise you answer more operational questions than the minimum number required for that level, in case you don’t pass every question. The number of questions answered determines the level achieved.
3. How long will my application take?
If you have all the evidence ready to upload, it is simple process to upload evidence or add comments for your chosen questions.
Once you’ve started an assessment, you can save progress and come back to it another time. There is no time limit once you start an assessment. If, whilst reading the guidance, you think of new actions you could implement, feel free to go away and carry out these actions and upload evidence once ready.
4. How long until we hear back the results of our application?
Our team of auditors will aim to audit and provide feedback on your application within 10 working days following submission.
If you fail to meet the requirements of the application the first time round and you choose to make a second submission (included free of charge), this will also take 10 working days to be audited upon receiving the second submission.
5. How long does it last for?
2 years. You will receive an email 1 month before your accreditation is due to expire, to remind you to re-apply.
6. How much does the accreditation cost?
1-5 Employees
5-250 Employees
>250 Employees
The cost of accreditation is the same regardless of what level you achieve; it is dependent on company size.
This fee covers a full and robust audit of the assessment, plus a second audit if amendments are required. Please note if you application fails to meet the requirements of the accreditation after the second audit; you will not receive a refund. Any further applications will incur a new payment, as this is classed as a new submission.
7. Are there any ongoing costs?
No, just the upfront payment upon submission of your self-assessment.
8. What if my submission is not successful?
If you have not achieved the level you applied for you, will receive an email asking you to log into your account. There you will be able to view the questions that were not accepted, and feedback from the auditor explaining why. You are advised to submit new or extended evidence for the questions you did not pass, to allow a second amended audit to be carried out at no extra cost.
In cases where you aim for Silver or Gold status but do not meet the requirements but still meet the requirements of a level lower, you can simply accept the lower level and secure your accreditation.
Any further submissions or applications will incur a new payment as this is classed as a new submission.
9. Can I choose new questions if I don’t pass my first submission?
If you don’t pass your first submission you will have the option to submit new or extended evidence for the questions you did not pass, but you cannot choose new questions.
Therefore we advise ensuring that you choose questions you are confident you can provide evidence for. We also advise you answer more questions than the minimum number required for that level, in case you don’t pass every question.
10. Do I have to start with Bronze accreditation before I can achieve Silver/Gold?
You do not need to work your way through the levels – any business can apply for any level regardless of whether they’ve ever held the Green Accord previously.
11. If I already hold a Green Accord accreditation with the old levels (Select, Superior, Premier), is this still valid?
Yes. The Green Accord was rebranded in March 2023 and this included the renaming of the 3 levels. Previously the 3 levels were Select, Superior and Premier. If you were accredited prior to March 2023, your accreditation will be valid until its expiry date. When this expires you are then able to reapply to the rebranded version of the Green Accord.
