Organisations seeking to obtain or renew WHC Certification in 2026 have until December 1, 2026, to submit their applications for consideration this year. Tandem Global, which powers the certification programme, is encouraging applicants to begin the process early to allow sufficient time to resolve technical issues, obtain assistance from certification specialists and avoid delays close to the deadline.
WHC Certification recognises corporate conservation programmes that demonstrate measurable benefits for nature. Through an independent assessment process, the programme provides organisations with a framework to demonstrate their work in biodiversity protection, habitat conservation and environmental stewardship.
Hannah Tailor, Senior Manager of Certification at Tandem Global, said the certification helps companies demonstrate the value of their conservation initiatives while establishing a foundation for further progress. She also encouraged applicants to use the available resources and contact the certification team well before submitting their applications.
WHC Certification 2026: Important changes to application requirements
Applicants preparing submissions for the 2026 certification cycle should take note of two changes to the application requirements.
1. Application fees linked to the number of projects
Application fees will now be determined by the number of projects included in a programme’s submission. Organisations should therefore review the projects they intend to include and understand the applicable charges before completing their applications.
2. One-year requirement for habitat and species projects
Habitat and species projects must now satisfy a one-year, on-the-ground requirement to qualify for consideration.
Tandem Global advises applicants to examine this eligibility condition carefully to ensure their proposed projects meet the revised requirements. Reviewing both changes before submitting an application can help organisations avoid eligibility problems and understand the fees applicable to their programmes.
Resources to help prepare a WHC Certification application
Tandem Global has made several resources available to help organisations navigate the application process and improve the quality of their submissions.
These include:
- On-demand webinar: Maximizing Your Certification Application: Strategies for Success provides practical guidance on preparing an effective application.
- Application guidance: The resources Tips for a Strong Application and Common Application Shortcomings explain how applicants can strengthen their submissions and avoid common problems.
- Previous score sheets: Organisations that have applied previously can use feedback from earlier submissions to identify areas requiring improvement. An instructional video explains how to retrieve these score sheets through the application portal.
- Main Site Contact: Applicants should check that the correct Main Site Contact has been designated for their conservation programme.
Organisations requiring clarification about project eligibility, application requirements or the submission process can contact the WHC Certification team at [email protected].
Certification specialists can also assist organisations in assessing whether conservation activities at additional locations could qualify for WHC Certification.
2026 applications eligible for Tandem Global Awards
Applications submitted between January 1 and December 1, 2026, will also be eligible for consideration for the 2026 Tandem Global Awards.
The awards will be presented during the Tandem Global Conference, scheduled for June 9–10, 2027, in Chicago.
With the December 1 submission deadline approaching, organisations planning to obtain or renew certification should review the updated eligibility requirements, consult the available application guidance and allow enough time to complete the process.
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