EarthCheck
Issuing Organization:
EarthCheck
Label purpose:
EarthCheck certifies sustainable practices within the travel and tourism industry. It aims to help businesses, communities, and governments deliver clean, safe, prosperous, and healthy destinations for travelers to visit, live, work, and play. The program encourages the adoption of innovative environmental and social practices to reduce operational costs, protect destination assets, and secure a competitive position in the global tourism marketplace.
Certification Criteria:
Certification requires compliance with EarthCheck's scientific benchmarking and certification standards, which cover areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, social and cultural engagement, and economic contribution to local communities. Businesses must demonstrate ongoing improvement against these benchmarks to achieve and maintain certification.
Geographical Coverage:
Certification requires compliance with EarthCheck's scientific benchmarking and certification standards, which cover areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, social and cultural engagement, and economic contribution to local communities. Businesses must demonstrate ongoing improvement against these benchmarks to achieve and maintain certification.
Target Industries/Segments:
The certification is targeted at the entire travel and tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, tour operators, and destination management organizations.
Certification Process:
Participants start by benchmarking their operations against EarthCheck's comprehensive criteria, identifying areas for improvement. This is followed by an assessment conducted by EarthCheck, which may include site visits. Successful organizations receive certification, which is a testament to their sustainable practices and commitment to continuous improvement.
Certificate Validity:
EarthCheck certification is valid for one year, requiring annual reassessment to ensure continuous compliance and improvement. Organizations are encouraged to progress through different levels of certification, from Bronze to Platinum, by demonstrating year-on-year improvement.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, EarthCheck certification serves as a trusted indicator of sustainable travel options, enabling them to make more responsible choices. For businesses, certification can lead to operational efficiencies, cost savings, improved stakeholder relations, and enhanced marketability as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Sustainability Impact:
EarthCheck promotes environmental conservation and social responsibility within the tourism industry, contributing to the protection of natural and cultural heritage. The program helps to reduce the ecological footprint of travel and tourism operations, fostering sustainable development and resilience in destinations worldwide.
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