The new annual certificate program celebrates and recognizes institutional commitment to ecological conversion. Developed in response to participant feedback, this program offers a structured way to share an institution’s progress and deepen participation in the platform.
This post will walk you through what the certificate is, who can apply, the steps to earn it, and how it can help inspire your institution—and others—to continue walking the path toward integral ecology.
To learn more about using your dashboard, navigating the new site, or finding support, visit the full FAQ blog series:
Understanding the Laudato Si’ Action Platform Certificate
What is the Laudato Si’ Action Platform Certificate?
The certificate is a way to recognize and celebrate an institution’s commitment to the journey of ecological conversion. Each year, institutions can apply by submitting a Laudato Si’ Plan and a brief reflection on the actions they’ve taken.
Families and individuals do not receive a certificate, but we warmly encourage them to share the story of their ecological journey with us by contacting info@laudatosiactionplatform.org and with others in the Laudato Si’ community. Every contribution matters and helps inspire change.
What is the certificate policy?
The certificate policy exists to ensure that the Laudato Si’ Action Platform Certificate is used with integrity and in alignment with the values of Laudato Si’ and the Catholic Church. As this certificate represents a meaningful commitment to ecological conversion, we want its use to reflect sincerity, transparency, and respect for our shared mission. Key points include:
- Display: Institutions are welcome to showcase the certificate on-site or online to highlight their ecological commitment.
- Integrity: The certificate must be used in its original, unaltered form.
- Truthfulness: It should never be used in a way that misrepresents achievements or implies endorsements.
- Respect: Use of the certificate must honor the rights of others and reflect Catholic social and ecological values
If these guidelines are not followed, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform may revoke recognition. Read the full certificate policy or contact us at info@laudatosiactionplatform.org for questions or support.
What are the requirements to obtain a certificate?
To receive the Annual Certificate, an institution must complete eight simple steps—four that are done when you first join the platform, and four that are repeated each year.
- Initial Steps:
- Enroll – Identify a person to lead the work and enroll your institution.
- Make a Public Pledge – Share your commitment publicly (e.g., social media, newsletter).
- Reflect – Consider your values and your community’s call to ecological conversion.
- Review Actions – Explore a list of suggested actions tailored to your context.
- Every Year:
- Make Your Laudato Si’ Plan – Choose meaningful actions and submit your plan.
- Consider Financial Support – If possible, dedicate resources to ecological initiatives.
- Review Actions Completed – At the end of the year, mark which actions you accomplished.
- Receive Your Certificate – Celebrate your progress with official recognition.
A Certification Guide is also available on your dashboard. It provides ideas and examples of how to complete these steps, customized for your sector.
Can individuals and families, in addition to institutions, earn a certificate?
No. At this time, the certificate is only available to institutions—such as schools, parishes, dioceses, religious communities, and organizations. However, individuals and families are warmly invited to participate in the platform by creating a Laudato Si’ Plan and taking meaningful action. While you won’t receive a certificate, we encourage you to share your story at info@laudatosiactionplatform.org and inspire others in the global Laudato Si’ community. Every effort counts, and your journey makes a real difference.
Is there a cost involved?
No. Participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and the Annual Certificate program is completely free. We believe ecological conversion should be accessible to all, regardless of financial resources. While we invite institutions to consider offering voluntary financial support to their plans if they are able, it is never required to receive a certificate or participate in the platform.
How do I receive my certificate?
If your institution has completed all required steps for the year—including submitting a Laudato Si’ Plan and a reflection—you will receive your Annual Certificate digitally through the platform. You’ll get an email notification when your certificate is ready, and you can download it directly from your dashboard. Certificates are issued once per year and reflect your active participation during that calendar year.
Can I download or print my certificate?
Yes! Once your certificate is issued, you can download a digital copy directly from your dashboard. It’s designed to be print-friendly, so you’re welcome to print and display it in your institution, share it in newsletters, or post it on your website or social media to celebrate your commitment.
Where can I display my certificate?
You’re encouraged to display your certificate wherever it can inspire and affirm your ecological commitment. Common places include:
- A visible space at your institution (e.g., entrance, bulletin board, office wall)
- Your institution’s website or newsletter
- Social media channels
- Presentations or reports to your community or leadership
Just make sure the certificate is displayed in its original, unaltered form, in line with our certificate policy.
What are the benefits of having a certificate?
The certificate celebrates your institution’s active participation in the journey of ecological conversion. It can:
- Affirm your community’s efforts and inspire continued commitment
- Demonstrate leadership to peers, stakeholders, and the wider Church
- Build credibility when applying for partnerships, funding, or recognition
- Encourage others to begin or deepen their own ecological journey
- Serve as a milestone for your internal reflection and growth
More than a symbol, the certificate is a way to say: “We’re walking this path together.”
How often do we need to renew the certificate, and what does that process look like?
The Annual Certificate is valid for one calendar year. To renew it, your institution simply needs to complete the yearly steps again:
- Submit an updated Laudato Si’ Plan
- (Optional) Consider financial support, if your institution is able
- Indicate which actions you’ve completed
- Review the certificate policy
Each year is an opportunity to build on your previous efforts, reflect on what you’ve learned, and take the next step on your journey toward integral ecology.
Will the certificate have different levels based on our ecological progress?
Not at this time. The current certificate recognizes active participation, rather than ranking or categorizing institutions based on their ecological progress. We believe that every sincere step forward is worth celebrating, regardless of where you start. The focus is on encouragement, inclusion, and shared commitment.
What if we’re not ready to earn a certificate this year? Can we still participate in the platform?
Absolutely. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is here to accompany you at every stage of your ecological journey—whether or not you apply for a certificate this year. You’re welcome to explore the resources, create a plan, reflect, and take action at your own pace. When you’re ready, you can choose to pursue the certificate in a future year. Your participation still makes a meaningful difference.
Can we submit additional evidence or stories with our certificate application?
Yes! While it’s not required, we welcome and encourage you to share stories, photos, documents, or other evidence that reflect your ecological journey. These materials help bring your Laudato Si’ Plan and reflection to life and may be featured (with your permission) to inspire others across the global community. You can contact info@laudatosiactionplatform.org to share your stories.
Who evaluates the certificate submissions? Is there a review process?
Certificates are issued automatically once all required steps are completed. However, our team reviews submitted plans and reflections to better understand participants’ journeys and ensure alignment with the values of Laudato Si’. This helps us offer support, highlight inspiring examples, and continue nurturing a global community rooted in care for our common home.
Is the certificate recognized by the Church or other official institutions?
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform Certificate is issued by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a Vatican institution, as part of its official commitment to promoting ecological conversion. While the certificate is not an academic or legal credential, it is a meaningful sign of your institution’s participation in a global, Church-supported effort to care for our common home. We hope many institutions use it to inspire others, report on their progress, or strengthen partnerships aligned with Laudato Si’ values.
We hope this overview helps you feel more grounded in the transition and confident moving forward. We invite you to continue exploring the rest of our FAQ blog series.
Wherever you are on the journey, we’re here to walk with you.