The Certification Process

Step 1: Commit 

Restaurants commit to practicing our Core Concepts and become pending members by signing this commitment form, in which they agree to: 

  • Ban the use of Styrofoam 
  • Implement or work to phase in single-stream or separated recycling 
  • Phase in energy-efficient lighting and efficient ballasts 
  • Set waste reduction and diversion goals so you and GDAKC can assess your progress 

Our list of Core Concepts establishes a baseline for environmentally conscious business practices. We believe they are within reach for both small and large restaurants across Kansas City. 

Step 2: Self-Assessment 

Restaurants complete a survey indicating their interest and readiness levels. The survey’s purpose is to inform potential members of the certification process and express transparency levels regarding what will be asked and discussed during the audit. 

Step 3: Certification Audit 

GDAKC schedules an on-site audit with the restaurant—an affordable, face-to-face walk-through sustainability consultation. GDAKC serves as a third party–certifying agent to verify your practices for your diners and guests.

We focus on seven major categories of sustainability: 

  • Recycling & waste reduction 
  • Sourcing & procurement 
  • Water conservation 
  • Energy conservation & efficiency 
  • Chemicals 
  • Awareness & education 
  • Innovation

Certification Fee 

GDAKC certification is based on either an annual or a bi-annual cycle, with fees starting at $350 per year, or $650 per two years. The fee is determined by the size of the business, and is paid at the time of the audit unless previous arrangements have been made.  

Step 4: Membership 

GDAKC delivers an audit score and a thorough report, awarding the restaurant a star rating. A restaurant that commits to our Core Concepts, pays its fee and scores two stars or higher becomes a GDAKC-certified member, a recognized sustainability leader in Kansas City. 

Members are prominently listed on Bridging The Gap’s website, where diners can learn more about the restaurant’s sustainable practices; they are also highlighted on BTG’s social media pages and in its monthly newsletter. GDAKC commits to being available to our members by offering guidance, assistance and connections to help them reach and surpass their individual environmental goals. Members have access to GDAKC’s community resources and are encouraged to utilize these resources over the course of their certification period to make reasonable, cost-effective improvements. We build these partnerships with the goal of helping members achieve eventual recertifications at equal or higher star ratings. 

Get the conversation started by emailing GDAKC. We look forward to hearing from you!Â