CRS Green events adhere to principles set forth in five categories: waste, climate, materials/equipment, community/outreach, and health promotion. One credit is awarded for each standard met, and three additional credits are available for innovative practices not defined in the standard. Out of a possible 40 credits, events can qualify for the following levels of sustainability:

Evergreen	36+ points
Gold	31-35 points
Silver	26-30 points
Certified	21-25 points

Your feedback is requested to facilitate objectivity, transparency, and inclusivity. Please comment on these standards by contacting us here.

Prerequisites

• General: Event must create a written plan for addressing environmental and social sustainability.
• General: Event must notify the public that certification is being pursued and which credits are targeted.
• Waste: Event must recycle (with on-site stations) at least one of the following: cardboard, paper, metal, plastic, or glass.

Standards (version 1.0)

1) Waste
Credit 1.1: Recycling of cardboard
Credit 1.2: Recycling of glass
Credit 1.3: Recycling of plastic water bottles
Credit 1.4: Recycling of aluminum cans and metal
Credit 1.5: Recycling of paper
Credit 1.6: Food waste composted or donated to local food charity
Credit 1.7: Less than 2 lbs/participant of landfill waste
Credit 1.8: Less than 1 lb/participant of landfill waste
Credit 1.9: Ten percent reduction (per participant) in landfill waste from previous year

2) Climate
Credit 2.1: Renewable energy sources for 50% of power consumed
Credit 2.2: Race site accessible by public or mass transportation, or event facilitates carpooling
Credit 2.3: Use of alternative-fuel vehicles by race production team
Credit 2.4: All food sourced within 250 miles
Credit 2.5: One food item 3rd-party certified (Fair Trade, organic, Food Alliance).
Credit 2.6: All participant travel offset by carbon credits (carbon neutral)
Credit 2.7: All participant travel offset by carbon credits x 2 (carbon restorative)
Credit 2.8: Carbon footprint of entire event is offset with high-quality carbon credits

3) Equipment & Materials
Credit 3.1: All materials printed by event use recycled paper and non-toxic ink
Credit 3.2: No paper-based registration
Credit 3.3: One major piece of essential equipment rented, borrowed, or shared
Credit 3.4: All new equipment made from recycled or surplus materials
Credit 3.5: All race apparel uses alternative fabrics and non-toxic inks
Credit 3.6: Race t-shirt uses alternative fabrics and printing methods, or athletes can choose to not receive one (opt-out)
Credit 3.7: Race finisher award uses local, sustainable materials, or athletes can choose to not receive one (opt-out)
Credit 3.8: All food service products (plates, cups, utensils) compostable

4) Community & Outreach
Credit 4.1: Event enhances or supports a local public-use asset (bike trail, community center, etc)
Credit 4.2: Organizing committee includes representation from local community
Credit 4.3: Mechanism for participants, spectators, and volunteers to take part in sustainable practices
Credit 4.4: Time or money invested in local non-profit charity
Credit 4.5: Increase public awareness of a local environmental issue (air pollution, etc)
Credit 4.6: Alternative lodging for overnight participants (homestay, dormitory)

5) Health Promotion
Credit 5.1: Efforts to increase participation by female, at-risk, persons with disabilities, or minority segments of the population
Credit 5.2: Direct involvement by youth
Credit 5.3: Concessions or incentives for beginners or first-time participants
Credit 5.4: Efforts to educate public of event's health benefits
Credit 5.5: Mechanism for participants to provide feedback on sustainability efforts (survey, email, etc)

6) Innovation
Credit 6.1: Documented, measurable feature that enhances sustainability of event
Credit 6.2: Documented, measurable feature that enhances sustainability of event
Credit 6.3: Documented, measurable feature that enhances sustainability of event