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There are a number of voluntary programs used by travel companies around the world as benchmarking, certification and improvement systems for sustainable travel and tourism. Some of these are general certification programs that are also used by companies in other industries to help insure their operations are as sustainable as possible, while others are specific to travel, used more commonly by hotels and tour operators. Green Globe reports that it is the largest, private certification systems for tourism in the world, while Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program (STEP) is the world's first comprehensive, global sustainable tourism certification program offered by a non-profit organization, certifying tour operators, accommodations, attractions and transportation service providers.
General Programs |
California's Green Building Code
California's adoption of a new Green Building Code, the first state in the nation to do so, will not derail projects already under construction, according to code experts. But the move is certainly part of an overall shift toward sustainable development, and may encourage other jurisdictions to follow suit. The new code calls for a 20 percent improvement in water use efficiency, a 50 percent increase in water conservation, and a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption in all new construction. The code is voluntary until 2010, when all new construction must comply. |
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Consumer Reports - Eco-Labels
As the popularity of green product claims continues to grow, it's important to know which claims you can trust and which ones you can't. The site's search tools allows users to get expert evaluation of labels on food, wood, personal care products and household cleaners. Users may search by product, category, or certifier, and easily compare labels using provided report cards. |
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EcoSmart Ink
Established by Braden Sutphin, EcoSmart Ink certification is offered based on the use of its products-developed using environmentally friendly ingredients and specially designed production measures-following specific standardized criteria. These include the measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds, renewable resource content, petroleum distillates, and Council of Northeast Governors Coalition regulations for packaging. |
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Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars-all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills. Programs include policies and practices for the home and for businesses. |
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Forest Stewardship Council
FSC accredited, independent, "third-party" certification bodies or "certifiers" certify forests. They assess forest management using the FSC principles, criteria, and standards, each certifier uses their own evaluative process. This allows FSC to remain outside of the assessment process, and supports the integrity of the standard, and of the FSC system. Certifiers evaluate both forest management activities (forest certification) and tracking of forest products (chain-of-custody certification). There are 12 FSC-accredited certifiers around the globe. |
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LEED 2009
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. |
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U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System&trade . |
Travel Related Programs |
Blue Flag
Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3,200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. The Blue Flag Program is owned and run by the independent non-profit organization, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Blue Flag Program includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators. |
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Green Seal
Since 1995, Green Seal has partnered with the lodging industry to promote environmentally responsible products and practices within lodging properties. Green Seal's campaign to inform the nearly 54,000 U.S. hotels and motels focuses on how environmental efforts both improve the bottom line and benefit the environment. Green Seal works in a variety of ways with the lodging industry and its users, providing technical guidance, case studies, and certification of green hotels. Green Seal 1) Certifies lodging properties that meet the Green Seal environmental standard, GS-33; 2) Writes articles to educate the industry through such publications as the National Hotel Executive Magazine and Lodging; 3) Contributes to the Engineering and Environment Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association; and 4) Supports government programs to identify green hotels, including those in Pennsylvania, Georgia, California, Virginia, and Maryland. |
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GreenLeaf Eco-Rating Program
TerraChoice Environmental Marketing and Audubon International have partnered to present the Audubon Green LeafTM Program. Offered at two levels, it helps hotels to succeed with their eco-efficiency savings and environmental commitment. The Program also provides the professional and leisure traveler verified environmentally responsible options. |
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Sustainable Travel International's Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP)
Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program (STEP) is the world's first comprehensive, global sustainable tourism certification program offered by a non-profit organization. It's a voluntary initiative that is designed to be user-friendly, educational in nature, practical as a measurement and management tool, and applicable to tourism businesses of all sizes. Businesses of all sizes can be STEP certified including newcomers to sustainability, those wanting to improve their existing approach, and businesses that have longstanding sustainability programs. The types of businesses that can be certified include: Tour Operators, Accommodations, Attractions, and Transportation Service Providers. |
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