Applications are open to any Eco-Congregation Scotland member. There are three award level: Bronze, Silver and Gold. You can start at any level. Awards assess quality and depth, not the number of relevant actions taken, so all 3 levels should be equally accessible to congregations, large or small. The awards are valid indefinitely, but congregations are encouraged to reapply when they feel they have met the criteria for a higher-level award and to progress towards the gold award over time.

You can explore all our award winners on our interactive map. It also includes congregations that achieved a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or continuing award under our old award scheme.

How the Awards are Assessed

Once your application form has been received it be reviewed by an Eco-congregation Scotland member of staff. Once satisfied that the application is complete and appropriate, two volunteer assessors will be appointed. These assessors will arrange to visit the congregation at a mutually agreeable time to discuss the application. This visit may be in person, or via an online meeting depending on your location and assessor availability.

After the visit, the assessors will submit a report to Eco-Congregation Scotland indicating whether the award should be made and at what level. The report will also identify particular areas for commendation, and recommendations for ongoing action. The outcome of the assessment will then be communicated to the congregation. Depending on the evidence presented, assessors may recommend an award at a different level than the one applied for.

If you have any questions about your award application or would like to appeal a decision, please contact us.

How to Apply

The first step is to use the self-assessment checklist to decide which award to apply for. You can then read through the criteria for your chosen award level.

Congregations applying for an award should complete and submit the appropriate application form and may also submit relevant supporting evidence. Congregations may submit information on projects undertaken both prior to and since registering as an eco-congregation.

Application forms should be emailed to our Administrator.