Recertification Requirements
For assistance in completing the 2026 recertification criteria, contact Michelle at manewell@mcgtn.net or call 931-245-1867 to learn more about this opportunity.
To be eligible for recertification, organizations must complete the following criteria:
REQUIRED: Organizations must demonstrate continuous improvement by completing each of the following:
Recommitment Statement – To reduce paper waste, all recommitment statements will be submitted electronically.
Submit a short description stating the reason(s) your organization remains committed to the Green Certification Program and the natural resources of Montgomery County.
Confirmation of ongoing education with employees regarding environmental policies/practices.
A short write-up explaining what you do, or provide copies of materials/messages distributed to your employees.
Updated environmental plan that includes goals for the next two years.
Continued Improvement – Showcase one improvement or educational campaign your organization has completed or is in the process of completing over the past two years. You may arrange a site visit, submit a short video, or send a write-up with photos of your improvement.
Complete the point system spreadsheet.
All recertification materials are due by December 1, 2026. Organizations that recertify will receive an updated data plate and will be recognized at the annual banquet. Organizations that obtain a higher level on the point system spreadsheet will also receive a plaque acknowledging their advancement at the banquet.
Clarksville High School (CHS) is the first high school in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) to complete the Program.
The Certification efforts were led by Zander Daigle, a junior at CHS, and Melissa Nolan, CHS’ AP Environmental teacher. In the fall of 2021, Mr. Daigle, with oversight by Ms. Nolan, created the CHS Environmental Club, the first club of its kind in CMCSS. The Club now has 74 students who participate in meetings and events such as community clean-ups.
To complete the Certification process, Mr. Daigle researched and completed a baseline account of current CHS sustainability efforts, such as LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, paper usage, and maintenance procedures. After reviewing current practices, the school was able to join the Program at the silver level.
During the ceremony, Mr. Daigle gave a short speech and said, “Whenever I first took it upon myself to found the first-ever environment club for CHS, I did not realize that a small high school club would be able to accomplish so much in our first few months of existence. I dedicate this ribbon-cutting ceremony to serve as an inspiration to the younger generation, not only those surrounding me but also to the entire Clarksville-Montgomery County area. I hope that my actions will serve as inspiration and that even one student in a large high school can make such an immense change. I hope that this change has a domino effect to ensure future generations have a safe environment to live in.”
In addition to their work at CHS, Mr. Daigle and students from the Environmental Club have been attending the City of Clarksville Sustainability Board Meetings and plan to assist the Board Members in the future as they promote sustainability initiatives throughout the City and County.
The green ribbon cutting ceremony was also attended by: Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett; Interim Director of CMCSS Dr. Angela Huff; Chief Operating Officer of CMCSS Norm Brumblay; CHS Principal Bryan Feldman; Green Certification Program Manager Carlye Sommers; Green Certification Board Members Bill Harpel, Rose Melton and Sierra Allison; and Officers of the CHS Environmental Club Avery Dueker, Maia Skinner, Lydia Lewis, Betty Kilfe, Karmina Sidhom and Carly Surgeon.
During the ceremony, both Mayor Durrett and Dr. Huff congratulated the students and thanked them for the work they have done not only for the school but also for the community.
TDEC Creates Waste Audit Instructional Video
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has created a short video to demonstrate how to complete a waste audit. Audits are a great way to determine how to reduce your overall waste through recycling or changing your purchasing behaviors. And remember, if you aren't sure this is something you want to tackle alone, the Green Certification Program provides free waste audits to any organization.
Click here for the video.
Tennessee Environmental Council Waste to Jobs Video
A 2025 Nashville Film Festival Short Documentary nominee, this video was created to show the possibilities of recycling in Tennessee and beyond. Created by TEC C.E.O. Jeffrey Barrie, Communications Expert Shelby White, and TEC Videographer & Photographer Ryan Scott. Learn more by signing up for updates at the official Tennessee Waste To Jobs website: www.tnwastetojobs.com