Certifications in Tourism
EU sustainability labels are symbols displayed on products and services to signal to consumers that they have been produced or provided in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. They are intended to help consumers make more sustainable choices and encourage companies to operate in a more sustainable way.
Unfortunately, however, there are countless certifications today that make it virtually impossible for businesses and consumers to sift through this jungle of labels to determine their credibility and relevance. For this reason, we provide a brief overview below of key sustainability labels in tourism. Furthermore, in 2017, the Center for Sustainable Tourism (ZENAT) published the guide “Requirements for Corporate Certifications for Sustainable Tourism in Germany.” The Tourism2030 portal also provides aCertification Quickfinderto check seals worldwide for their availability in different countries, expectations regarding the coverage of sustainability aspects, and their level of credibility.
ISO 14001 serves as a guide in this regard, as it is a globally accepted and widely used standard for environmental management systems.
The following is a brief overview of the wide range of certifications available.
Biosphere Responsible Tourism
Biosphere is the Responsible Tourism Institute’s international sustainability management and certification system, with more than 25 years of experience. The current standard, Biosphere Sustainable, is the only methodology developed as a result of the four summits sponsored by UNESCO and UNWTO during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, designed to align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and using indicators developed in collaboration with SDSN-Spain. With Biosphere, you will be able to demonstrate your best practices in real time, sharing all your achievements and progress with the assurance of a system grounded in the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs. It is available in more than 9 languages and for organizations of all types, from hotels to travel agencies, media companies, academic institutions, libraries, and all types of businesses. This model is a viable and scalable sustainability alignment process that will allow you to engage your employees and customers, encouraging continuous improvement in ESG in a tangible and appealing way.
DEHOGA Environmental Check
The DEHOGA Environmental Check is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the hospitality industry. The assessment covers both basic criteria related to operational environmental management and a high level of commitment in this area. The four areas of energy consumption, water consumption, waste generation/residual waste, and food are evaluated, with companies ultimately awarded bronze, silver, or gold certification.
EarthCheck
EarthCheck As a tourism consulting firm, it offers sustainability certifications and programs for tourism businesses across various sectors. Accordingly, it has developed a range of specialized certifications, such as EarthCheck Certified, EarthCheck Sustainable Destination, EarthCheck Design, EarthCheck ECO, and EventCheck. The assessment results are based on scientific criteria and are evaluated by experts.
EMAS
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) has been the world’s most rigorous environmental management system since its introduction in 1995. The EMAS Regulation is updated regularly, which is why the version numbers change. There are already three versions of the regulations—1, 2, and 3 (in some cases, such as in 2018, only the annexes were amended). The scheme is aimed at companies across all industries and of all sizes. EMAS-certified companies distinguish themselves through their contribution to environmental protection, particularly in the areas of energy, emissions, and waste, as well as social responsibility and cost savings. What makes this unique is that all requirements of ISO 14001 are already included. Additionally, EMAS also verifies the legal certainty and transparency of the criteria. To obtain certification, implementation is even partially supported by subsidies. The EMAS Regulation is regularly updated, which is why the year numbers change.
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is the European Commission’s Ecolabel and is recognized in all member states of the European Union as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. Since 1992, it has been awarded on a voluntary basis to products and services that have a lower environmental impact over their entire lifecycle than the market average, without compromising the safety or usability of the products. A few years ago, the criteria were expanded to include tourism-specific criteria, so that the certification now also serves as a useful reference for travelers.
GreenSign Hotel
The GreenSign Hotel Certification is awarded by the Berlin-based GreenSign Institute in five levels, depending on the degree of sustainability. The certification, which is internationally recognized by the GSTC, is practical and based on high standards in accordance with EMAS and DIN ISO 14001. GreenSign Hotel, the market leader in Germany, offers an integrated and sophisticated assessment system that structures, evaluates, and documents the environmental, social, and economic aspects of hotel management across more than 100 criteria. The calculation of a carbon footprint is included as an optional feature.
Green Pearls: Unique Places
Green Pearls® is an international information platform for sustainable travel—a filter for eco-friendly vacations without compromise, a sustainability label, and a global communication platform for sustainable tourism. The website www.greenpearls.com showcases pioneers of green tourism who are committed to environmental protection and social responsibility. The German company, based in Darmstadt, brings together 69 hand-selected, sustainable, and unique destinations worldwide. All Green Pearls® partners share high standards, active eco-friendly initiatives, and social commitment. “Those who choose to vacation at a ‘Green Pearl’ travel consciously differently and help make the world a little bit better. With our partners, sustainability certificates don’t gather dust in drawers—everyone makes countless contributions every day to the protection of natural resources, the socially disadvantaged, or the local population,” says Green Pearls® founder Stefany Seipp. The collection showcases the wide variety of different approaches to sustainability. Aspects such as environmental protection, local and authentic experiences, and the partners’ social and cultural engagement are evaluated in the so-called “Green Score.” This makes it transparent to guests in which areas the “Green Pearls” are particularly active. Green Pearls® admission criteria also include a sustainability plan at the management level, the use of seasonal and regional ingredients in the kitchen, measures to protect flora and fauna, the involvement of the local community, and fair compensation for employees.
Travelife
Travelife for Accommodation is an internationally recognized sustainability program for accommodations that certifies hotels of all sizes around the world. Travelife’s GSTC-recognized standard is one of the most comprehensive and robust sustainability certifications for accommodations, with requirements covering the environment, fair labor practices, human rights, child protection, and animal welfare. Both travelers and travel companies can be confident that a Travelife-certified accommodation provider has had its practices in these areas independently reviewed and verified following a full on-site audit of the property. For more information about Travelife, visit www.travelifestaybetter.com.
Viabono
Viabono calculates facility-specific metrics in the areas of final energy consumption, CO₂, water, and residual waste. This is done by comparing data from a practical survey form with data from comparable facilities. To achieve certification, the facility must perform better than the benchmark figures.
TOURCERT
TourCert advises and supports tourism companies and destinations in implementing sustainable and successful business practices. Through this process, organizations can earn the “TourCert Seal for Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility in Tourism,” which assesses the entire value chain for sustainability and certifies sustainable practices.
