Background to Green Globe 21 Standard

Travel and Tourism is one of the worlds largest industries accounting for 11% of the worlds gross domestic product and 8% of total world-wide employment The environment is travel and tourism's core asset, so there is a vested interest in protecting natural and cultural resources. There were growing concerns that these assets were slowly being eroded and continued growth in the industry would further damage the fragile ecologies which support the industry. So if the industry was to be sustainable, action would need to be taken minimise its impacts. There was a general consensus at a Rio Earth Summit (UNCED) in 1992, (Agenda 21) that for travel & tourism to be sustainable it must be sensitive to the ecology, environment and local communities. As a result, the Agenda 21 programme of sustainable development action was adopted by 182 countries. This agenda identified a number of key issues which would need to be addressed.

In 1994, the Green Globe 21 Global Standard was established by the travel and tourism industry to provide a mechanism to incorporate and address these issues in alliance with the World Travel & Tourism Council supported by both National and International Travel Federations and Associations. Its advantage over other standards are that it was specifically designed for the industry and focuses on the its unique problems. As a natural evolution, in 1996 a Worldwide Green Globe 21 certification programme for the travel and tourism industry was developed, managed by dedicated Green Globe organisation.

Overview of Green Globe 21 Standard

By achieving Green Globe 21 , an organisation or a destination shows it is addressing its wider responsibilities at the same time as enjoying sustainable business success. The decision to embark on a Green Globe 21 programme should be stimulated by an organisations integrity and professionalism as a caring member of the community in which it operates and not for altruistic reasons. However the Green Globe Brand is a powerful marketing tool for companies and communities wishing to attract the increasing number of environmentally concerned travellers. In addition the general experience of organisations who have adopted Green Globe 21 has been an improvement in the bottom line. The primary areas for improvements in financial performance derive from

• A reduction in energy and water usage. A reduction in water usage results in a reduction in waste water and the consequential reduction in charges for treating waste water and effluents.
  
  
• A reduction in waste and increase in recycling results in a reduction in waste costs and purchasing inventory.

Other benefits are :

• Independent validation of commitment to minimising environmental and ecological impacts Reduction of risk and future liabilities Potential to attract ethical consumers Increased contribution to local economy Improved community relations
   
• Provide confidence to shareholders, potential investors and other stakeholders Encourage repeat custom Motivate staff Improve living conditions Conserve local cultural heritage Support expansion and planning applications with programme for minimising environmental and community impacts.
  
  
• Employees once educated in environmental issues, will generally apply what they have learnt in their personal life further minimising environmental impacts in the community.

Organisations committing to Green Globe 21 Certification become affiliate members of Green Globe and can use the Green Globe Logo on marketing and promotional material indicating they are committed and working towards Green Globe 21 Certification. On completion of the certification programme and registration, the organisation can then add a tick to the Green Globe Logo indicating they have been certified and registered to the standard. They will also be enrolled as a full member of Green Globe on completion of the Certification and Registration Process

Whereas Green Globe Manages the Green Globe 21 Programme and controls the membership of Green Globe, it accredits Registrars/Certification Bodies that meet its demanding requirements to control and manage the certification process. AJA Registrars is one of the small number of major bodies that has been so accredited by Green Globe. This accreditation empowers AJA Registrars to provide a local point of contact for organisations seeking to implement the Green Globe 21 standard and provide the audit and certification services leading to registration and full membership.

Green Globe 21 Standard applies to all travel and tourism organisations such as

• Hotels & Resorts, Cruise Ships, Car Rental, All modes of Transportation Restaurants, Airports, Fast Food Outlet's, Leisure & Fitness Centres, Travel Agencies, Excursion Tours, Hire of Equipment, Tour Groups, Casino's, Garages/Gas Stations, Convenience Stores, Highway service areas, Boat Hire, Golf Courses, Ski Centre's, Tourist Training Centres, Other sports facilities, Ports & Marina's
  
  
• Destination programme

• Manufacturer's and distributors of modes of transportation, Manufacturer's and suppliers of foods and beverages, Providers of laundering services, Printing and Publishing, Marketing
  
  
• Suppliers of other services not elsewhere classified.

The Standard

The primary purposes of the standard are

• to promote environmentally sustainable tourism provide a framework for continuous improvement in key performance areas benchmarking against key performance indicators. Key Performance Areas for continuous improvement & benchmarking when introduced. Energy Efficiency Management of Fresh Water Resources Management of Social & Cultural Issues Land Use, Planning & Management
  
  
• Waste Minimisation, Reuse & Recycling
  
  
• Air Quality Protection & Noise Control Storage & Use of Hazardous Substances Waste Water Management
  
  
• Ecosystem Conservation Management