Green Globe re-structures its green certification process for travel industry

Green Globe Certification is getting a bit of an update as well as an upgrade, according to Green Globe International, Inc., owner of the Green Globe brand and a leader in worldwide sustainability certification for tourism businesses.

Staying up to speed with the latest scientific data and developments in sustainability, Green Globe has increased its certification requirements to 248 separate line items for businesses including restaurants and hotels and resorts and in areas such as purchasing, emissions and energy. 

For each client, a selection of requirements is applied to the certification process to take into consideration factors such as the type of business, geographical location and additional unique aspects of the business and its local area.

“We are pleased to announce the roll-out of the latest version of Green Globe Certification requirements,” said Guido Bauer, CEO of Green Globe Certification. “These new requirements maintain the high standards that the world has come to expect of Green Globe Certification, while continuing to meet the individual needs of our clients as they verify their sustainability credentials through our program. Green Globe Certification will continue to update and improve its program to keep pace with the latest in sustainability research, while we deliver a user-friendly system which allows a broad cross section of businesses to participate.”

Registration for the Green Globe Index tool, which allows clients to calculate their carbon footprint and track their performance of energy and water consumption and non-recyclable waste production, has been included in the requirements.

While standards for Green Globe Certification are reviewed and updated throughout the year to comply with international criteria,  businesses that were previously certified by Green Globe will receive the latest updates with their next re-certification.

The Green Globe brand and program, which traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 Heads of State endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of Sustainable Development, has primarily been used in the travel and tourism industry but is now being expanded to include a growing number of environmentally responsible businesses in a variety of market sectors.

The Green Globe brand is a symbol for the world’s increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and response to global climate change.

For more information on the updated certification standards, visit www.greenglobe.org.