green tourism award criteria

Green certification schemes for tourism businesses

Discover why your tourism business should join a green certification scheme and what schemes are available.

Showcase your green credentials

Manage your sustainability actions.

Tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Scottish tourism now. Consumer concern over the environment and climate has doubled in the last decade. Visitors are increasingly seeking out businesses and destinations with excellent green credentials.

What are green certification schemes?

Generally, an assessor will measure your business against a range of sustainability aspects.

By meeting these criteria, you gain the certification’s label, which you can use in the form of a verified badge of validation.

The assessor is an independent third party. They'll review your business regularly to ensure the sustainability criteria are being maintained.

Why join a green certification scheme?

A scheme's verified badge is a clear visible and verifiable way to prove your business' commitment to the environment to the public. Having such a badge will make it easier for environmentally conscious visitors to choose your business.

Taking part in a scheme is also a great way of reviewing your business' environmental, social, and economic impact. By being assessed for the scheme, you might get a clearer idea of where your business is doing well and where it could improve.

Benefits of joining a green certification scheme

Become greener

It’s a great way of reducing not just your carbon footprint, but also energy, water and waste bills.

Get more sustainable

The assessment's management framework lets you monitor and help improve your sustainable practices.

Raise awareness

It can help guests, staff, and suppliers become more environmentally conscious.

Get more visitors

You can use your certification to get a marketing advantage over your competitors.

Available programmes

The programme addresses key global environmental, cultural, social, and economic concerns. It deals with environmental regeneration and improvement. The programme also looks at the conservation of existing natural heritage assets.

Who are they?

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading business advisory groups. It specialises in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

They have a holistic approach to responsible tourism and world-leading science. EarthCheck enables destinations and operators to benchmark and certify their performance with confidence.

EarthCheck collaborates with clients in over 70 countries to help plan for the future. They guide the design, construction, and operation of intelligent buildings. They also help with the responsible management of tourism destinations.

The certification is for organisations across the visitor economy with a defined boundary. It needs to have an appointed representative to be responsible for the management of the certification. It assesses the entire organisation’s management practices.

Economic concerns addressed in the programme include:

• employment conditions
• support of local economy
• recognition of the seasonality of tourism revenue

How to apply

Visit earthcheck.org for more information and apply.

Green Key has certified over 3,000 tourism businesses in 60 countries worldwide. It's one of the world’s largest eco-certification programmes for the tourism industry.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) owns this international, voluntary eco-label. It's managed in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and has been developed for the hospitality and tourism sector.

It's recognised and supported by the UN World Tourism Organisation and the UN Environment Programme.

Green Key criteria are based on:

environmental management

administration

green activities

staff involvement

food and beverage

Visit keepscotlandbeautiful.org for more information and apply.

Green tourism

Suitable for tourism and hospitality, this scheme helps businesses reduce their environmental impact. It's based on the three pillars of caring for people, places, and our planet.

Green Tourism influence and advise tourism and hospitality businesses. Founded in Scotland, it has more than 2,500 members and its reach extends to 20 different countries worldwide.

Its awards are globally acknowledged as an indicator of environmentally friendly best practice. The positive impacts it’s collectively making, endorses its overarching vision to care for people, places, and the planet.

The scheme's criteria cover over 70 indicators across 15 sustainability goals, including:

carbon, waste

biodiversity

local produce

ethical purchasing

All the criteria are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2021, Green Tourism launched the Green Meetings Standard. This was on the back of a strong demand for a meetings sector specific accreditation.

Visit green-tourism.com for more information and apply.

Related links

Sustainable factsheets, climate change in scotland, responsible visitor industry guide, responsible tourism research.

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GSTC Criteria

The global sustainability standards in travel and tourism, for hotels & accommodations, for tour operators, for destinations & governments, for corporate & business travel, for certification bodies, for travelers, recent news.

Colombia joins GSTC

Stefi 2024-05-22T20:37:27+08:00 May 22nd, 2024 |

World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024: Tourism is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Challenges Remain

Stefi 2024-05-22T15:21:27+08:00 May 22nd, 2024 |

GSTC was present at the 6th International Congress on Rural Tourism in Croatia

Stefi 2024-05-21T18:25:36+08:00 May 21st, 2024 |

UPCOMING WEBINARS

GSTC Webinar Recording: Accessible & Inclusive Travel

rariel 2023-07-07T22:53:57+08:00 June 14th, 2019 |

GSTC offers its members unique webinars, you can watch the recordings of past webinars

wadmin 2023-02-04T04:00:01+08:00 January 25th, 2011 |

UPCOMING TRAININGS

GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course (Bahasa Indonesia) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 14-16 May, 2024

Jisun Kim 2024-05-15T15:00:18+08:00 February 29th, 2024 |

Sustainable Tourism Online Course – GSTC Training (June 20 – July 19, 2024)

Ayako Ezaki 2024-05-22T04:24:36+08:00 January 2nd, 2024 |

Sustainable Tourism Online Course – GSTC Training (August 29 – September 27, 2024)

Ayako Ezaki 2024-03-24T14:27:56+08:00 January 1st, 2024 |

CURRENT PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

GSTC Attraction Criteria Development Public Consultation (until March 15th)

Public Consultation on GSTC Accreditation Manual Revision v.4.0 (until April 6th)

“ Joining the GSTC signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring our activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where we operate. Through the GSTC community, we look forward to further collaboration with our partners across the travel and tourism industry to pave the way for a more sustainable and vibrant future . “ Caitrin O’Brien Vice President, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

“The St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council was founded based on the principles of the GSTC Criteria for Destinations following St. Kitts and Nevis’s GSTC destination sustainability assessment.” Diannille Taylor‑Williams St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism

“ Japan Airlines is honored to become a member of the GSTC. JAL places ESG strategy at the core of its management plan and strives to make various efforts. We expect to learn a lot from the council and make progress in our efforts to realize a sustainable society. “ OCHI Kenichiro Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines

“ The GSTC certification is a testament to Marina Bay Sands’ ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact while providing our guests with a luxurious experience. Being the largest hotel in Singapore to be GSTC-certified shows our commitment in raising the bar for the industry and inspiring other players to adopt more sustainable practices. “ Meridith Beaujean Executive Director of Sustainability, Marina Bay Sands

“ Being part of the GSTC provides us with ongoing connection to a global framework and network of professionals who are looking to solve the same challenges. We are really motivated to be part of it, and to learn, share and work together to ensure the industry we all love stays protected and respected for our future generations to enjoy. “ Jemma Fastnedge  Chief Sustainability Officer, Big Red Group

“We have been using the GSTC Criteria to prepare service providers and DMOs for possible future certifications.” Annika Sandström Tourism Manager, Region Västerbotten (Sweden)

“ Certifications give travelers reassurance and orientation. However, we also know there are certifications of varying quality in the tourism sector. That’s why we have been working with the GSTC, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, for our hotels since 2012. We only accept sustainability certifications that are recognised by the independent GSTC and meet its strict standards .” Ian Corbett Head of Sustainability in TUI Group’s international sustainability team

“We want to increase consumer awareness of GSTC as the leading tourism sustainability standard. In the future, we hope that all certified suppliers will be able to use the GSTC logo.” Jim Sano Vice President for Travel, Tourism and Conservation, WWF

“ The GSTC’s Industry Criteria played an important role from the very beginning in terms of how we set that measure and approached the overall development of the program. For the Travel Sustainable program and all the relevant interconnected systems we have in place at Booking.com to support it to have achieved GSTC-Recognized status is something we are incredibly proud of and encourages us to continue evolving the program further in line with these high standards .” Danielle D’Silva Head of Sustainability at Booking.com

“There can be hundreds of different sustainable tourism standards to choose from. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council has a reliable guide, and maintains recent sustainability criteria for hotels, destinations and tour operators.” Erik Solheim  Previous Executive Director, UN Environment

“Taking WWF’s recommendation of GSTC also simplified processes for RCL and promises to do the same for consumers.” Stephanie DeMars Corporate Responsibility Specialist, Royal Caribbean Cruises

“ Collaborating with an esteemed body like GSTC reinforces our dedication to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. It’s imperative that we work with key global players like GSTC to drive change, set benchmarks, and inspire others to follow.” Julia Simpson WTTC President & CEO

“ We are honored to be among the first U.S. destinations to join the GSTC . We look forward to collaborating with GSTC and the Los Angeles City Tourism Department to build a thriving industry that improves the quality of life for all Angelenos. “ Adam Burke President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

“ With members spanning across the world, GSTC’s rigorous accreditation program not only elevates our initiative but also ensures that the hospitality sector worldwide moves toward a unified vision of sustainability .” Julia Simpson WTTC President & CEO

“For the past two years, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has been busy accrediting certification bodies to certify highly sustainable operators” Lonely Planet

“For a list of global vendors, destinations, and hotels that abide by certain sustainability standards, explore the database at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council” Condé Nast Traveler

“We’re working with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and other sustainability experts to share what properties like yours can do to make positive change in the industry.” Agoda

“TUI delivered 10.3 million ‘greener and fairer’ holidays through 1,688 hotels that were certified to a standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2019.” TUI Group

“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” World Travel & Tourism Council

“The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a comprehensive resource for learning about tourism businesses and destinations that strive to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources.” The Globe and Mail

“Think carefully about where to stay. Look for leading eco certification badges, such as the non-profit Global Sustainable Tourism Council” The Guardian

“To evaluate a certification program, check to see if it has been reviewed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC, an independent nonprofit that has established standards for sustainability in travel” The New York Times

“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” McKinsey & Company

“RCL has endorsed the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), regarded by WWF as the leading standard for global sustainable tourism” Royal Caribbean Cruises

“We have aligned our LightStay management system with the criteria of the UN-founded Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the most respected seal of approval for sustainable travel and tourism practices.” Hilton

“Planning a getaway? Consider destinations, hotels, and tour operators that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards. By doing so, you can minimize your environmental impact and send a powerful message to the travel industry about sustainable travel choices.” World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

“No other organization than GSTC stands for such a diverse and global group of sustainable tourism players. The regular exchange with GSTC has significantly helped us to strengthen our approach and to learn from the best practices of the international network GSTC unites.” Switzerland Tourism

“The ATTA believes in the universal standards put forth by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and that tourism businesses and destinations should adopt the criteria specifically in these four areas.” ATTA

“We continue to identify opportunities to achieve GSTC certification for our hotels to ensure the sustainability of our operations.” Hilton

“To find a destination that’s officially certified as taking sustainability issues seriously, visit the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) website” Skyscanner

“The GSTC Criteria are the most credible global standards for sustainable tourism based on a highly inclusive development process. They provide a holistic definition of sustainability in tourism” One Planet Network

“There are lots of different certification bodies offering eco-certifications around the world. We’d recommend selecting one that is officially recognised or accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)” Booking.com

“TUI encourages all hotels offered to its 27 million customers to obtain certification that meets the GSTC Criteria. Sustainability expectations for accommodation suppliers are set in contracts.” TUI Group

“By the end of 2021, we aim for all tour operators used by MSC Cruises at our frequent destinations to be certified to a GSTC certification programme, or to be engaged in the process.” MSC Cruises

GSTC followers receive once a month updates of important developments and opportunities

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Criteria for GREEN TOURISM ORGANIZATION

GREEN TOURISM ORGANIZATION is awarded to tourism organizations that want to make an extra effort to be sustainable and care for the environment and to document this effort.

About the criteria

To be awarded GREEN TOURISM ORGANIZATION, it is necessary to meet a number of criteria listed in this set of criteria.

• Mandatory criteria that must be met before the award
• Point criteria that give 1 to 5 points, depending on the weight of the criterion.
• All mandatory criteria and min. 30% of the relevant point criteria must be met to be marked with GREEN TOURISM ORGANIZATION.

See all criterion background documents here on the right.

If you are interested in applying for GREEN TOURISM ORGANIZATION, you can contact the HORESTA Secretariat who will assist with the application. Click here...

Riverside B&B and Wray Valley Camping

Relax – Enjoy – Explore

What does our Gold Green Tourism Award mean?

What achieving our gold green tourism award means.

We are supported in our sustainability practices , and in our improvement journey by the world-leading sustainability accreditation partner, Green Tourism . Achieving the Gold Green Tourism award means that our  sustainability practices have been assessed and verified by a credible partner. It shows that we have an ongoing commitment to:

• sustainability standards and practices
• work responsibly, ethically, and sustainably
• contribute to our community
• reduce our impact on the environment, and
• be accessible and inclusive to all visitors and staff.

Sustainability Criteria

Green Tourism has assessed our business against 15 sustainability criteria grouped under the pillars of People, Places and Planet. These consider the social, economic, and environmental actions we undertake, providing a holistic assessment of our sustainability performance.

Our Highlights

• Health & Wellbeing – An excellent performance in all areas of protecting and supporting staff and customer health and wellbeing.
• Community – A very strong commitment to supporting vibrant local communities.
• Travel – Strong Commitment to promoting and facilitating sustainable travel options for visitors and for the business.
• Food & Drink – Riverside B&B and Wray Valley camping, has shown fantastic commitment to promoting locally and sustainably and ethically, produced food.
• Equality, Diversity, & Inclusivity – Excellent commitment to ensuring the B&B and Campsite is welcoming and accessible to all.

What do the Green Tourism gradings mean?

Green Tourism provides an overall grading of Gold, Silver, or Bronze depending on the overall score achieved across the comprehensive criteria. 

Typically, an entry-level business, who are in the early stages of its green journey but has shown great commitment to making its business work more sustainably and is currently implementing a range of measures related to the 15 goals across all three pillars of People, Places and Planet.

Typically, a business that falls under this category can demonstrate good practice across our three pillars of People, Places and Planet, but has an action plan of best practice improvements that will enhance the sustainability practices within the business.

A business that achieves the highest standards of sustainability has a strong and broad environmental ethos and can provide excellent examples of best practice throughout the majority of the three pillars of People, Places and Planet. It has made significant changes to its working practices continues to review and maintain them.

Of those businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry that put themselves forward for Green Tourism’s third-party verification, around one-third achieve bronze, one-third silver, and one-third gold.  Our grading at the first assessment in Jan 2023 was Gold.  

Our next assessment

Our next assessment will take place in January 2024 when we aim to improve our score overall particularly focussing on the Carbon and Chemicals goals. 

• ← Nearly Wild Camping on Dartmoor
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Privacy Overview

Green Tourism Business Scheme

The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK & Ireland with over 2400 members. It is the only national certification programme endorsed by the National tourism agencies.

Businesses opting to join Green Tourism are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of 145 criteria, covering a range of areas, including energy and water efficiency, waste management, purchasing, travel, biodiversity and more. Those businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement. They are regraded once every two years.

The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, activity providers, conference and events venues, corporate offices and others.

Conformity assessment | How is compliance with this ecolabel's standard ensured?

Conformity with Green Tourism Business Scheme's standard is verified by an independent organization (third party) following ISO 19011 QMS and EMS auditing (and auditor qualifications)

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Green Tourism

Green Tourism (was formerly known as The Green Tourism Business Scheme - GTBS) is a national sustainable tourism grading scheme in the UK that has been endorsed by VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales and has been validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism since 2008. 

Operated by a not-for-profit organisation, Green Business, there are over 2,300 GTBS members throughout the UK and Ireland. 

Businesses are graded by qualified environmental assessors and can benefit from significant marketing advantage and reduced running costs of up to 20%.

Green Traveller has visited and filmed over 100 Green Tourism graded businesses in the UK, writing, photographing and filming the businesses as part of our Green Travel Guides series.

Here's a video that explains how video can be used to to promote green tourism businesses:

More information about how it works and all its members, see green-tourism.com/members

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Our aim is to work together to increase visitor numbers and tourism spend in Fife, through working with businesses to encourage the delivery of good quality visitor experiences. Members are able to benefit from a wide knowledge base, learn from each other in practical ways and participate in collaborative, promotional and training activities.

Read about the latest projects, achievements and updates from Welcome to Fife

Events , Training and Meetings

Discover upcoming conferences, training workshops, seminars, networking and familiarisation events throughout Fife and beyond to help grow and build your business.

Local Tourism Associations

Through the six Local Tourism Associations in Fife businesses have the opportunity to work with likeminded people to develop a tourism strategy and initiatives for their local area which will make a difference to their business locally and nationally.

Discover support available to your hospitality, leisure and tourism business through the Fife For Industry and our industry partners, including useful tool kits, funding opportunities, business support and advice.

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Green Tourism Scheme 

The Green Tourism Award is a programme that recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. The awards, split into bronze, silver and gold are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of positive environmental practices. 

The scheme assesses members against set of criteria. The range of areas examined includes: 

• Recyling and waste management 
• Energy usage 
• Procurement  
• Biodiversity  

The awards and are a great way of progressing on a green journey as well as acting as a hallmark of ‘green quality’, attracting custom from increasing numbers of eco-minded visitors. 

Green Tourism promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate, by offering their members advice on: 

• Reducing energy use 
• Saving water 
• Efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal 
• Ethical buying 
• Staying local & seasonal 
• Minimising food miles 
• Promoting biodiversity 
• Adopting a smart, sustainable outlook from top to bottom 

The scheme is supported by VisitScotland and includes a discount for businesses within the UNESCO National Trail. For Fife this is tourism business within the KY11 postcode area.  

UNESCO National Trail of Scotland Membership Offer - Green Tourism (green-tourism.com)  

You can find out more about the Green Business Scheme on their website.

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the principles, guidelines, specific behaviours, and actions that are expected of all businesses that are working with the Green Tourism programme to achieve certification.   

As a business working with the Green Tourism Programme, you are committing to the following principles: 

• Meeting all Minimum Standard requirements.
• Appointing a green co-ordinator, who is responsible for maintenance of the sustainable management system, is the point of contact for the Green Tourism Programme / Assessment and further customer services communication.
• Continuous improvement when planning, implementing, installing, and maintaining sustainability good practice as guided by but not limited to the Green Tourism Criteria.
• Integrity, honesty, and transparency in completing the assessment process and in the provision of evidence to support claims and statements made about any sustainability actions undertaken by your business.  
• Integrity, honesty, and transparency in any claims and statements made internally or externally regarding your certification, award level and achievements of your business.  This includes not making any excessive or misleading claims in relation to the products and services offered including sustainability claims. 
• Maintaining a professional, open and transparent relationship with the Green Tourism Programme with regard to the assessment process, provision of any requested additional evidence, prompt payment of annual fees and any communications about your involvement with Green Tourism that could negatively impact on the reputation of the programme.

The Code of Conduct must be signed by a senior manager / owner of the business and failure to maintain the standards and requirements of this Code of Conduct will result in the business being removed from the Green Tourism Programme.

The code of conduct is mandatory for GT certification and all measures below must be adhered to before any award can be confirmed.

MINIMUM STANDARDS   

The Minimum Standards cover issues relating to your business and its legal and operational compliance as well as how it impacts on your local area, local community.  These requirements do not need to be in place prior to joining the Green Tourism Programme but you will need to confirm that they have been implemented before your assessment can be completed. 

You may consider that due to your business type, location, building style, local regulations etc that some of the Minimum Standards are not applicable to you.  This should be noted against the appropriate standard with any supporting evidence or information as to why it is not applicable, and this will be reviewed as part of your assessment.  Only if the evidence is corroborated and agreed by the Green Tourism Programme will any of the Minimum Standards be confirmed as not applicable to your business. 

© Green Business UK Ltd / September 2023 / Code of Conduct

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Launched at ITB Berlin 2015, our Green Destinations Community features a strong nexus of our representatives , partners , and ambassadors from around the globe, who strive to make tourism better and more sustainable.

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Since our commencement in 2014, more than 400 destinations have joined our Awards and Certification Program and Top 100 Stories Competition.

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The Good Travel Program offers an array of tools to assess, support, and certify the sustainability practices of tourism businesses.

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Our vast network of Green Destinations Representatives, spreading across 60+ countries, and a decentralised approach make the Green Destinations programs available to destinations worldwide.

Every year, Green Destinations offers exceptional opportunities for tourism stakeholders to comprehensively discuss sustainable destination management practices and connect with like-minded pioneers and advocates at Green Destinations Events.

Our signature, biannual events are the Green Destinations Story Awards Ceremony at ITB Berlin and the Green Destinations Conference.

Discover our events in the making and learn what has happened at our past ones.

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What are you looking for?

Step up your sustainability.

VisitBritain/The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth, Grounded Enterprises

Why should I improve the sustainability of my business?

Helps address climate change.

Improves your social and environmental impact.

Helps attract more customers. 

Improves customer experience.

Helps you to stand out from your competitors.

If you’re already acting to improve sustainability

Learn how to promote your credentials and stay up to date with advertising regulations with our  Communicating Sustainability   toolkit.

We show you how to access funding and/or apply for a certification scheme.

Getting started: Simple steps to sustainability

If you’re new to sustainability the World Travel and Tourism Council has outlined the key basics to address in your business.

The background

What is sustainable tourism and how can you apply its key principles to your business? This brief from the Travel Foundation gives a neat overview.

Top tips for coastal businesses

Start your journey to sustainability, with these top 10 tips from the National Coastal Tourism Academy.

Special advice for small businesses

Discover how you can make a difference with a suite of sustainability resources designed by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Going beyond the sustainability basics

Hotel energy calculator.

Measure your energy usage with this free online tool from Hotel Energy Solutions for hoteliers.

Uncover energy inefficiencies

Measure energy usage in your hospitality business, with accredited data-management platform Con-Serve.

Energy saving advice for hotels

This guide from The Carbon Trust introduces the main energy saving opportunities for the hospitality sector and demonstrates how simple actions save energy, cut costs and increase profit margins.

VisitEngland Webinar

Watch this recording of our VisitEngland Webinar - Cut energy, save money and reduce carbon emissions with experts in energy procurement and billing, energy saving and renewables installation.

Smart meter and energy tips for small businesses

Explore money and energy-saving tips suitable for small businesses from Smart Energy GB.

Renewable energy options

Find out more about what’s available when it comes to generating your own energy.

Business and Commercial Energy Explained

Learn more about Business & Commercial Energy with TCD Energy.

The journey to Net Zero

Save energy and reduce climate change impacts.

Grow your knowledge of carbon impacts in the hotel industry, calculate your own emissions, and understand the business case for low-carbon hotels with this suite of resources from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

Calculate your carbon footprint in 5 minutes

Take this free online test from ClimateHero and discover how to go carbon neutral, in just minutes.

Calculate your greenhouse gas emissions

Work out your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with this free tool from Greenhouse Gas Protocol and World Resources Institute.

Join Emission Possible

Get on board with the World Wildlife Fund’s campaign Emission Possible and learn how to report your carbon emissions and make sector-specific changes.

Reduce your food business’ impact

Find tools to measure and reduce your carbon footprint in your food business, with Foodsteps’ platform.

Low carbon transport

Promote car-free travel to your business by signing up to website Good Journey, for car-free adventures around the UK.

Plan your net zero journey

Get a how-to guide for small businesses on achieving net zero, with Zero Carbon Business.

Make a climate commitment

Join thousands of UK businesses reducing emissions and setting a sustainability strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with this initiative by the UK Business Climate Hub.

Visit the Zero Carbon Business Portal

Access a sustainability hub, with articles, information and advice for small businesses to reach net zero, from the National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses (FSB).

Turn your SME Net Zero Now

Join the online platform Net Zero Now, which helps small businesses achieve net zero as soon as possible, with sector-specific advice.

Visit the Net Zero Hub

For a simple approach to going net-zero, visit Inspired Energy’s Net Zero Hub, with an online plan builder and advice.

Measure your emissions

Read this guide for small business users on how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions, from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Practice responsible water stewardship

Use this hotel water measurement tool from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to foster responsible water usage.

Practical suggestions to reduce water use

Detailed, sector-specific information and tips on how to run a sustainable tourism business.

Water recycling and reuse

The Water Efficiency Network provides useful information on greywater recycling.

Busting the myths about water reuse

Find useful explanations of terminology and information on various water reuse approaches from the UK’s water efficiency organisation, Water Wise.

Sewage treatment and composting toilets

Find out if reedbed-sewage treatment could work, and learn about water free toilets from the Centre for Alternative technology.

Water scarcity and tourism

We Are Water Foundation shares lots of information and advice on how to cut water usage.

Toilet twinning

Support rural communities in the developing nations without access to running water by twinning your toilet.

Reduce food waste and save money

Find out how to cut food waste with the Food Waste Reduction Toolkit from The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Specific advice for the restaurant sector

The Sustainable Restaurant Association connects businesses around the world to accelerate change towards a hospitality sector that is socially progressive and environmentally restorative.

Cutting single-use plastics

Travel Without Plastic estimates an average hotel consumes around half a million individual pieces of single-use plastic each year. They offer a range of free or low-cost resources to help hospitality businesses reduce plastic.

Reducing electronic waste

Stem the rising tide of electronic waste with advice and information from the Energy Saving Trust.

Act on textile waste

Textile waste is increasing in England, and is relevant to the tourism sector which uses textiles for uniforms and furnishings. Find out how to reduce textile waste.

Planning for the long term

Sustainability tools and calculators.

Plenty of practical tools from the British Business Bank.

Get a tailored sustainability action plan from Plan it with Purpose

Receive an action plan for your business with the sustainability discovery tool from Enterprise Nation.

Design sustainable accommodation

Read the National Forest design guide for sustainable accommodation.

Find funding for sustainability improvements

Government funding to help your business become greener.

Access some of the £5 billion allocated for businesses in order to meet net zero by 2050.

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) for accommodation businesses

Find information about the WCS £350-per-socket grant for charitable organisations and small accommodation businesses to buy and install electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

Grant schemes for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

The government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Read guidance on government grants for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Clean Growth Financing from Lloyds

Learn more about Lloyds Bank’s Clean Growth Financing Initiative, offering discounted lending for sustainable purposes.

Market your sustainability

Promote your business with our communicating sustainability guide.

Learn how to tell people about your eco credentials and use your business’ sustainability to attract more customers.

Sustainability certifications

There are a range of certifications suitable for tourism businesses. Find out which is right for you.

Find a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-recognised award

The GSTC manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, and acts as the international accreditation body. Check which certifications apply sustainability standards that are recognised or accredited by the GSTC here.

Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) Greenwashing Regulations

Establish what you can and can’t say and find information about new regulations on how to avoid misleading or confusing customers.

Sign up to the Good Business Charter’s small business programme

Find out how to get Good Business Charter accreditation, for small businesses with less than 50 employees.

Learn more about the ban on single-use plastics in England

From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England, including plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon sticks.

Apply for a sustainability award

The king’s awards for enterprise.

Apply for The King’s Awards for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

WTM Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Apply for the World Travel Market (WTM) Global Responsible Tourism Awards for a chance of world-recognition in categories such as reducing plastic waste.

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

Enter the sustainability category in your local awards for the chance of national recognition at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

More sustainability resources and courses

Un information on sustainability in tourism.

For the latest research and information on global sustainability initiatives, keep up to date with The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), from the UN.

Understand environmental sustainability

Learn the principles of sustainable development, communities, energy management and the responsibility of business with this free course.

Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency

Join Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency and publish your commitment to develop an action plan, share your progress and cut carbon emissions.

Considerate Hoteliers

Join the Considerate Hoteliers community and enjoy membership accreditation, web listing, advice and support.

Tourism for SDGs

Learn more about the Tourism for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) platform, set up by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNTWO).

Online training in sustainable supply chain management.

Certificate in Sustainable Tourism

Become certified in sustainable tourism with The Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Sustainability Business Recovery webinar

Watch the VisitBritain Sustainability Business Recovery webinar to learn about the challenges we face as an industry and how to build a sustainable future.

Explore our curated information for...

Everything you need to inspire your clients. Discover new products, experiences and itinerary ideas – plus useful resources and the latest market insights.

Reach new customers and increase your profitability. Drive sales with our tools, events and training, find out about quality assessment and get expert guidance from the England Business Advice Hub.

Build sustainable and valuable growth. Learn about England’s new destination management structure, find expert advice, and boost your proposition with our training and toolkits.

Access resources for business events to support your business development and event strategy. Discover England, Scotland and Wales' business event offering for your next conference, incentive, exhibition or event.

Discover our media centres, image and video library and latest press releases, plus contacts for our corporate and consumer press teams.

Studying tourism at school, college or university? We’ve gathered essential resources and data for students of tourism, plus information about our internships.

Green Tourism awards

Our staffed Historic Scotland properties hold an impressive 37 Green Tourism gold awards and 31 silver awards.

Sustainability is at the heart of all that Historic Environment Scotland does. We conserve and maintain monuments across Scotland to ensure they will be enjoyed by future generations.

To see how you can help us in our aims, read our guidance on responsible visiting.

Download our Green Tourism Visitor Charter.

Green Tourism scheme

Most of our staffed sites are assessed under the Green Tourism scheme , the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK.

Of the 68 Historic Scotland properties individually assessed under the scheme, 37 were given gold awards and 31 were awarded silver. 

The scheme assesses members against a rigorous set of criteria. The range of areas examined includes:

• waste management
• procurement 
• biodiversity

We undertake sustainable practice where possible across all activities in our estate. We also encourage visitors to use public transport to reach Historic Scotland properties where possible.

A green visitor file is available at each of our staffed sites. This is full of useful information to help visitors make the most of the local environment.

The file may contain details about:

• local cycle routes
• farmers’ markets
• local wildlife 
• other Green Tourism members nearby

Visitors can comment on our environmental efforts using the feedback form provided in the file.

• Sustainable tourism
• Case Studies
• Best Practices
• Simulations

Green labels

This section provides you with practical information on well-known environmental authorities in different countries, which would help you in learning environment related criteria and improving your own management. Under each institution, we have provided you with website links, organization descriptions, information of geographical level of recognition, justification, and target group in a nutshell.

Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism

Webpage:  www.umweltzeichen.at/cms/en/tourism/content.html

With the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism a quality label was created in 1996, by the acquisition of which Austria’s tourist enterprises are offered the opportunity to demonstrate environmentally conscious management and social action also externally. Criteria documents have been developed for various sectors: accommodation, gastronomy, event-catering, community catering, camping, shelter huts, travel offers and green meetings and green events.

Authentic Bulgaria

Webpage: http://www.authenticbulgaria.org

Description of the tool

The philosophy of "Authentic Bulgaria" is built to support quality and original tourist product based on several core values - professionalism in service and genuine Bulgarian hospitality, impeccable service quality, responsible attitude to the environment and continually striving to improve the working environment.

BILAN CARBONE

Webpage: http://www.associationbilancarbone.fr

The Bilan Carbone method enables to:

• assess the greenhouse gas emissions of an activity, a service or a product, estimated in ‘tonnes carbon (CO2) equivalent’, and the energy consumption category by category;
• anticipate actions required to reduce the greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions and the energy consumption.

Webpage: http://www.biohotels.info

BIO HOTELS is the largest association of eco-friendly hotels: with seven “core focuses”, the nearly 100 BIO HOTELS in seven European countries offer everything you want for an organic holiday, family holiday, wellness weekend, sustainable conference or green meeting and ecologically-oriented service for business travelers. Even weddings and events are held in the most beautiful BIO HOTELS locations: at the sea, in the mountains or in gorgeous natural settings.

Webpage: http://www.ecocamping.net

ECOCAMPING is an EMS that has been specifically developed for campsites.  In 1999, 20 campsites from the Bodensee and the Lago Maggiore have been awarded the ECOCAMPING label.   Over a two-year period, the EU supported the development of a comprehensive EMS, based on EMAS and adapted to the needs of campsites.   To broaden the scope of the initiative, the ECOCAMPING association was created by four campsite associations and four environmental organisations in 2002. The national associations of the camping industry are the initiators, as well as responsible for the implementation of an ECOCAMPING programme.  Close contact is maintained with local authorities and various departments of the European Commission. ECOCAMPING is actively involved in the development of the European Ecolabel for campsites.

Eco-dynamic Enterprise Label

Webpage: http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/ville-durable/le-label-entreprise-ecodynamique

The ‘Eco-dynamic Enterprise’ label gives official recognition for the good environmental practices of companies in the Brussels-Capital Region.  It awards them for their environment activism and their improvement especially in waste management, rational energy consumption, mobility management, and others.  Furthermore, it promotes and provides support to companies for the implementation of an internationally recognised environmental management system, as it is recommended by ISO 14001 or the European EMAS standard.

EHE - Genuine and Interesting Estonia

Webpage :  http://www.maaturism.ee/index.php?id=ehe-en

EHE-mark is a quality mark to label tourism products in compliance with the principles of eco tourism. The objective of the EHE-mark is to promote the principles of eco tourism among tourism enterprises, consumers and public.  By applying the EHE-mark to its products, the entrepreneur obliges to follow the principles of eco tourism and fulfil the requirements set to the products.

Webpage: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm

The European EMAS Regulation specifies the requirements to comply with when setting up an Environmental Management System (EMS). It is a voluntary scheme.

European Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodations

Webpage: www.ecolabel.eu

In order to be granted the European Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodations, the accommodation entities have to meet a set of very strict environmental performance criteria in various environmental areas. The label includes 22 mandatory criteria and 45 optional criteria among which candidates will choose to obtain a sufficient amount of points.

The label is used throughout the European Union and sites can be labelled all over the world.

Green Globe

Webpage: http://greenglobe.com

Green Globe is positioned on the market as the standard for managing sustainability in the tourism industry.

The criteria are both operational and organizational. They are organized the 4 themes, which are subdivided in criteria. To each criterion, are linked a set of compliance indicators, which allow the organization and the auditor to assess the level of conformity to the criteria, and to the label.

Webpage: http://www.greenkey.global

The Green Key award is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their tourism establishments adhere to the strict criteria as stipulated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). A Green Key stands for an establishment’s promise to its guests that by opting to stay with such an establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental and sustainability level. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.

Green Lodge

Webpage : http://www.baatbg.org/green-lodge/38/49

Webpage : http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso14000.htm  

ISO 14001 specifies the 18 requirements and the 52 check points to comply with when setting up the Environmental Management System (EMS).

It is a voluntary scheme.

Webpage: http://www.panparks.org

PAN Parks – a European-wide network of well managed protected areas focusing on an integrated approach combining wilderness protection and sustainable tourism development.

Webpage : www.tourcert.org

The TourCert CSR system for hotels increases your energy and environmental efficiency and thereby reduces costs.

Webpage : www.travelife.org/Hotels/Home.asp

• Travel info and advice

Green accreditation schemes

In this section

More and more accommodation, attractions and events in England are becoming aware of green issues and are acting more responsibly in their businesses. But how can you be sure that businesses that ‘say’ they’re green, really are green?  It’s easy, look out for green (or sustainable) labels, which are increasingly being used by businesses.

Who certifies green businesses?

There are a number of reputable green accreditation certification schemes (labels) who assess tourism and hospitality businesses for their green credentials. These include:

• Green Tourism

How are these businesses being green?

Any business that has ‘green’ label will have implemented initiatives across its business that contributes a significant benefit to the environment and to responsible tourism.

Many of these things may be behind the scenes such as energy efficient boilers, insulated lofts or grey water recycling, but there are many fun activities that you can expect to find too.  For example, your green business should be able to advise you about traditional activities nearby, the best places to sample local food or buy craft products, or even help you to enjoy a ‘car-free’ day out.

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