La coopération au cœur de la MéditerranéeHow it works
the certification process, in 4 steps
The GREEN BAY certification process takes place in four steps, from the initial environmental study to the yearly surveillance audit. Once obtained, the GREEN BAY certification is issued for three years.
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The process,
in 4 steps
Length of the certification cycle
3
years
Reference framework AFNOR SPEC 2407 · certification issued by AFNOR Certification
1. Initial environmental study
Carry out an environmental assessment of the passenger port and set up an action plan.
The study follows a precise specification and produces an initial assessment together with an improvement action plan.
2. Implementation of the criteria
Deploy the actions needed to meet the requirements of the 25 certification criteria.
The port moves at its own pace: once the process has started, it can choose to be audited at any time, when the actions of the plan are under way and the evidence gathered.
3. Certification audit
An independent auditor checks the port’s compliance with the GREEN BAY reference framework.
The audit is carried out over several days by an accredited independent auditor, on documents and on site. When the certification is validated by the auditor, it is valid for a 3-year cycle.
4. Yearly surveillance audit
Yearly audits track the continuous improvement of the port’s environmental performance.
A surveillance audit takes place every year during the 3-year cycle. At the end of the cycle, a new audit is carried out to renew the certification.
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Frequently
asked questions
Who can be certified?
Every European sea, river or lake port that welcomes passengers can be GREEN BAY certified.
How long does the process take?
Once the process has started, the port can choose to be audited at any time. When the certification is validated by the auditor, a yearly surveillance audit takes place during the 3-year validity cycle.
Who carries out the audits?
An accredited independent auditor carries out the audit over several days.
Is the certification recognised in Europe?
Yes, the GREEN BAY certification is recognised and can be showcased across Europe.
How much does it cost?
The certification is estimated at €3,500 per year and per terminal. Once obtained, it is valid for a 3-year cycle.
Can a port already certified ISO 14001 apply?
Yes. The GREEN BAY certification is specifically dedicated to passenger terminals, and remains compatible with other environmental certification schemes such as ISO 14001.
What is the difference with ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 structures and certifies an organisation’s environmental management system. GREEN BAY assesses and rewards the actions implemented and the environmental performance of the terminal in its port context.
Can the certification be renewed?
Once validated, the certification is valid for 3 years. At the end of the cycle, a new audit is carried out to renew it.
How is it different from Ports Propres?
The Ports Propres certification is dedicated to marinas. GREEN BAY is exclusively devoted to sea, river and lake passenger ports.
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Join the environmental transition
Your application is filed with AFNOR Certification, the only body authorised to audit and issue the certification. The GREEN BAY team supports you beforehand, answering your questions and helping you prepare that step.