Scope/Focus

Biosphere is an international certification body focused on sustainable development in the tourism sector. Its goal is to promote responsible practices in environmental, social, and economic areas. Recognized by UNESCO, Biosphere has a global presence, with a strong foothold in Spain.^[1]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Social Economic Equity
• Cultural Preservation

Scope/Focus

EarthCheck is an International scope. Focus on benchmarking and certification for sustainability in tourism. Worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe and in Asia.^[3]

Criteria

• Energy & water efficiency
• Waste management
• Community engagement

Scope/Focus

Fair Trade Certification Promoting ethical and sustainable tourism practices. Trusted in the U.S. market^[4]

Criteria

• Fair Wages, Working conditions
• Environmental Impact
• Community Support

Scope/Focus

Green Globe Certification is a Global scope. Focus on Sustainability management. Global, including ASEAN countries.^[5]

Criteria

• Environmental practices
• Employee engagement
• Biodiversity conservation

Scope/Focus

Green Seal: Sustainability across industries, and hospitality. Trusted in the U.S. market^[6]

Criteria

• Waste reduction
• Water conservation
• Non-toxic products

Scope/Focus

Green Tourism Certification Sustainability in hospitality and travel services^[7]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Waste Management
• Green Guest programs

Scope/Focus

GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Global criteria for sustainability in tourism and hospitality. Certifies other programs rather than hotels directly^[8]

Criteria

• Sustainable Management
• Socio-Economic Benefits
• Cultural and Environmental Protection

Scope/Focus

LEED (Leadership Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is a Global US based. Focus on Building sustainability^[9]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Sustainable site design
• Materials used

Scope/Focus

Travelife for Accommodation Sustainability in Hotel operations. International certification for hotels focusing on sustainability and ethical tourism. Endorsed by major tour operators (eg. TUI)^[10]

Criteria

• Environmental Management
• Human Rights
• Local Engagement

Scope/Focus

The ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is a regional certification program developed by the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs). It recognizes hotels that implement environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).^[14]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Water conservation
• Waste management
• Sustainable sourcing

Scope/Focus

Green Building Index (GBI) is a green building rating tool from Malaysia that assesses the environmental sustainability of buildings, including hotels. Malaysia, but it can be applied to hotels across Southeast Asia.^[15]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
• Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SSPM)
• Materials and Resources
• Water efficiency
• Reducing Carbon Footprint

Scope/Focus

EU Ecolabel assesses various aspects of sustainability in hotel operations, focusing on areas such as:^[11]

Criteria

• Reduction of energy consumption
• Efficient water management
• Minimization of waste and emissions
• Use of environmentally friendly products and services

Scope/Focus

Green Key assesses various aspects of sustainability in hotel operations. Found in many European countries, including Denmark, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and others.^[12]

Criteria

• Waste management
• Efficient Water use
• Energy conservation
• Eco-friendly purchasing and practices

Scope/Focus

Biosphere is an international certification body focused on sustainable development in the tourism sector. Its goal is to promote responsible practices in environmental, social, and economic areas. Recognized by UNESCO, Biosphere has a global presence, with a strong foothold in Spain.^[13]

Criteria

• Energy Efficiency
• Waste management
• Waste reduction
• Responsible practices