What are the Audubon Signature Programs?

The Audubon Signature Programs are education and certification programs that provide comprehensive environmental planning assistance to new developments.  The programs help landowners, developers, and managers to follow sustainable resource management principles in a comprehensive manner when developing and then managing properties. 

The programs aim to integrate environmental protection and improvement – focusing on wildlife, water, waste, energy, and pollution prevention — with the economic and social objectives for new developments. The Audubon Signature Programs’ long-term goal is to foster a stewardship ethic that leads landowners and managers, consultants, and the community to internalize environmental, rather than just economic, costs and benefits in their decision making and to apply these environmental values routinely in land management.

What kind of new developments are eligible for participation in the Audubon Signature Programs?

Projects in the planning or design stages or earliest stages of development may apply for membership.  Gold Program members must join prior to the completion of the design of the project.  Audubon Signature Program members currently include golf courses, residential communities, churches, schools, and multi-faceted developments (e.g., commercial, residential, and recreational components).

What are the benefits of certification as an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary?

• “Green appeal” marketing edge- Certified Audubon Signature properties have a market advantage in attracting the growing number of people looking for “green” developments in which to live and recreate.  Certification offers a distinct marketing edge over the competition that often supports increased or faster sales, increased sales prices or member fees, and lower marketing and holding costs.
   
• Operation and maintenance cost savings- Most members find that in achieving certification, they have learned and put into practice more cost-effective ways to develop and manage their properties, thus saving money, as well as natural resources. 
   
• Reduced risk- Following best management practices outlined in the NMRP reduces the risk of harm and potential liability from the use of hazardous materials and reduces the potential for on- and off-site pollution.  Reduced risks in turn lower insurance and worker’s compensation costs, potential for adverse regulatory action and harmful publicity, and lost worker time.
   
• Recognition for environmental leadership- Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuaries gain local, national, and international recognition for leadership in environmental stewardship.  A certified Signature property stands as a model providing encouragement and good example for other landowners and managers, consultants and the community at large to make future land management decisions based on the environment, not just the economic, values of the land.
   
• Environmental protection and enhancement- Owners and managers of certified Audubon Signature properties can take great pride in doing their part to further sustainable resource management and protect and preserve the environment for this and future generations.

What are the primary differences between the various Audubon Signature Programs?

There are three Audubon Signature Programs: the Audubon Gold Signature Program (Gold Program), the Audubon Silver Signature Program (Silver Program), and the Audubon Bronze Signature Program (Bronze Program).  The differences among the three programs depend  primarily on how early the property is registered and the degree to which Audubon International and its partner for the programs, Audubon Environmental Services, Inc.* (AES), are involved in the planning, education, and oversight of the development and management of the project.

All three programs must meet the Signature Programs’ general minimum requirements—including preparing and implementing a Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP)—plus additional site-specific requirements determined on a case-by-case basis.

• The Gold Program provides the most comprehensive degree of project support by Audubon International.  Staff of Audubon Environmental Services take the environmental lead as participants in design, construction, and management of the project, and assist Audubon International staff in education and oversight. AES staff prepares an Environmental Master Plan for the project, which guides siting, design, and management decisions relative to environmental impacts. They also prepare the NMRP and offer extensive environmental education and on-site technical advice and assistance in sustainable development and best management practices.
   
• The Silver Program provides resource management and education assistance to foster more sustainable development.  Staff of Audubon Environmental Services prepare the NMRP and assist Audubon International staff by contributing additional educational support, as well as on-site technical advice and assistance to the land or facility manager and owners. 
   
• The Bronze Program is an education, review, and audit-based program.  A consultant not associated with Audubon International prepares the NMRP and revises it in response to Audubon International’s comments, until it meets Audubon International’s approval.  The Signature Program Office works primarily with the land or facility manager for educational purposes and coordinates Audubon International staff review of the externally-prepared NMRP in order to make final certification determination.

*Audubon Environmental Services, Inc. is a for-profit company that partners with Audubon International as the exclusive provider of environmental services to members of Audubon International’s Gold and Silver Signature Programs and Classic Program.

How far into the planning stage of a project should I proceed before contacting Audubon International to apply for Audubon Signature Program membership?

The sooner Audubon International becomes involved, the more assurance there will be that the project is able to maximize environmental results and program benefits, as well as meet the requirements for Audubon Signature certification.  Gold Program projects must register prior to initial siting and design, and preferably before a project designer (such as a golf course architect) and other consultants are engaged.  For the Bronze Program or the Silver Program, the project must be registered before construction begins.

How much should I budget for Audubon Signature Program fees?

Fees and expenses vary among the three programs and specific information is available in the descriptions for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Programs.  Each program requires budgeting for registration fees, annual membership, costs for site visits and technical work, travel expenses, and any additional consulting work.

Does Audubon International promote golf course development?

Audubon International would prefer that natural lands remain natural.  However, we recognize that many properties will be developed for a variety of purposes, including golf, whether we prefer it or not.

Our extensive work with golf courses has proven that when properly sited, designed, and managed, golf courses can be one of the lowest impact forms of development, especially when compared to other types of developments, such as shopping malls, residential communities, and industrial facilities.  Golf courses can be developed in ways that provide wildlife habitat, protect natural resources, and offer community and recreational values.

Ultimately, we support the concept of sustainable development, and know of no other way to promote and implement it than to work with people who are planning to develop land.  Therefore, we try to educate, guide, assist, and offer incentives to people who are going to develop land to do so with environmental stewardship in mind. 

For more information, contact Nancy E. Richardson, Audubon Signature Program Director, at nrichardson@auduboninternational.org, or (270) 869-9419.