The Sustainable Forestry Institute released a new standard for Urban and Community Forestry during the summer of 2023. This community-based standard is the first of its kind and prioritizes nature-based solutions for resilience against climate change. The values of urban trees are simultaneously enhanced and maintained by the Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability Standard. The Sustainability Standard is perfect for campuses, but it also applies to land managers of all sizes and in all climates.

Governments and municipalities, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, community groups, and healthcare, educational, and corporate organizations responsible for urban and community forests can apply for Sustainability Standard certification from SFI. Certification is valid for five years and is audited every year by a third party. This verification process creates added integrity by proving the industry standard is being met by the certified organization.

An organization can apply for certification under at least one of the four themes mentioned below:

  1. Community well-being and human health
  2. Environmental and Conservation Leadership
  3. Climate and Disaster Resilience
  4. Urban Forest Improvement

The cost of certification ranges from $550 to $3,300. Getting certified provides structure and support that benefits forest management. It helps address pressing issues that urban and community forests face, such as fire risk, climate change, extreme heat, and many more outlined within the 16 objectives of the Sustainability Standard. It also supports proper management of urban forests, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks. Furthermore, certified organizations prove their commitment to the local community by creating space for diverse values and creating opportunities for community engagement.

The Sustainable Forestry Institute’s Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard does not compete with other recognition programs such as Tree City USA or the Arbor Day Foundation. In fact, Arbor Day Foundation partnered with SFI to develop its new Sustainability Standard. These programs are designed to work in a complementary fashion.

If an organization begins with SFI certification, they may find they can easily add Tree City, Tree Campus, or other recognitions of their efforts. If an organization already has Tree City status, they may want to apply for the Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability certification.

To view the standard in full, please visit the SFI Website and download the PDF.