In General

1. This NFDA Green Funeral Practices™ Statement of Use represents the official policy of the National Funeral Directors Association (“NFDA”) Green Funeral Practices Certificate Program.

2. In general, association certificate programs attest that a member firm has fulfilled specific requirements. Programs also promote ethical and professional standards, recognize achievement, and assist in promoting business.

3. A certificate of accomplishment and achievement such as the NFDA Green Funeral Practices™ Certificate is not a license or credential to practice nor is it a requirement for practice, but rather it is a voluntary recognition of achievement with potential business benefits. Meeting the requirements and conferral of the certificate designation do not guarantee practitioner or operational quality or competence.

Use of the NFDA Green Funeral Practices Designation

1. Possessing the above certificate signifies that the holder has met the specific requirements of the designation. It does not, however, guarantee that a funeral home that has earned the designation will provide any particular level of performance to consumers generally. Any representation to that effect by the firm or any representative of the firm is improper and constitutes a violation of this statement of use.

2. No funeral firm earning the certificate designation shall make a statement that the firm or company is certified.

3. Funeral firms that fail to renew their designation lose the right to use the designation and will be formally notified by NFDA that they may no longer use the designation.

 Use of the NFDA Green Funeral Practices Logo

1. The Green Funeral Practices Certificate logo must be used in a proper manner with the correct configuration. Funeral firms holding the certificate are given a limited, non-exclusive, and revocable license to use the logo in accordance with this NFDA Green Funeral Practices™ Statement of Use.

2. The logo may only be used by an NFDA-member funeral home formally awarded the Green Funeral Practices Certificate by NFDA. The logo may be used on the firm’s employee business cards, in correspondence, on promotional materials, on the firm’s letterhead, signage, etc., if its use in these materials cannot in any way be construed as guarantees of performance or guarantees of excellence of performance or of certification.

3. The designation cannot be used by firms that have not earned the certificate nor by firms that have not renewed their certificate in accordance with the Green Funeral Practices Certificate renewal policy. Firms that have not renewed will be informed by NFDA that they may no longer use the designation.

Inappropriate use of the above designation is a significant issue because it undermines the credibility of the program, may have legal implications, and is a justifiable concern for NFDA and funeral firms rightfully and appropriately holding the designation. Specific policies and actions are needed to protect the designation, the public, and the reputation of those firms and NFDA. Inappropriate use of a designation may result from firms continuing to use the designation without renewal, firms using the designation that have never earned it, or funeral firms misusing or misrepresenting the designation.   In the event that a firm holding the certificate ceases to meet the requirements of the program, the firm must immediately notify NFDA and cease and desist from using the designation in that jurisdiction.

If misuse of the designation or misrepresentation of the significance of the designation is alleged, the following steps will be followed by NFDA. Since allegations of misuse concern sensitive issues dealing with the reputation of a business and individuals employed in that business, NFDA responses will be based on fairness, understanding, discretion, and objectivity.

1. Complaints must be in writing, contain specific evidence, and must be factual and verified.

2. Complaints shall go to the attention of the Green Funeral Practices Certificate Program Manager, National Funeral Directors Association, 13625 Bishop’s Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005.

3. All NFDA actions in the matter will be documented.

4. The owner of the funeral firm in question shall be contacted by telephone and informed about the correct use of the designation, referring to the complaint. Firms shall be asked to refrain from inappropriate use.