Your Guide through the Green Globe Certification System
🧾 Takeaways — Green Globe Certification at a Glance
Wondering how to get Green Globe Certified? If you’re considering Green Globe Certification for your hotel, here’s what you need to know upfront:
- 🧩 The Green Globe Standard includes 385 performance indicators, dispatched into 44 criteria, covering all aspects of sustainable hotel management.
- 🧿 Among the 385 performance indicators of the Green Globe Certification, 100 are mandatory, and 285 are so called non-mandatory.
- ✅ You must comply with 100 mandatory indicators.
- ➕ In addition, you must meet at least 50% of the non-mandatory indicators in each criteria.
- 📊 Categories include water and energy management, fair employment, local economic integration, procurement, biodiversity, and waste.
- 🧠 It’s one of the most detailed and rigorous sustainability certifications in hospitality.
Now, let’s explore it all in more detail. 👇
How to Get Green Globe Certified in Video
📚 Table of Contents
- 🧾 Takeaways — Green Globe Certification at a Glance
- 🌿 What Is Green Globe Certification?
- 🧩 What Are the Green Globe Criteria?
- 🧠 How Does the Scoring System Work?
- 📊 An Example of Green Globe Certification Requirements
- 🌍 Why Become a Green Globe Certified Hotel?
- 📋 What Is the Green Globe Program Process?
- 📌 Summary: How to Get Green Globe Certified
- ❓ FAQ – Green Globe Hotel Certification
🌿 What Is Green Globe Certification?
Green Globe is a sustainability certification program launched in 1993. It’s focused primarily on the hospitality and tourism industry, and it is widely recognized across the globe. From energy and water use to social responsibility and local economic impact, Green Globe covers it all.
Whether you’re running a boutique hotel in Bali or a luxury resort in the Caribbean, getting Green Globe certified signals to your guests that you take sustainability seriously.
🧩 What Are the Green Globe Criteria?
There are 44 core criteria in the Green Globe Standard. Within these criteria, you’ll find:
- 100 mandatory indicators
- 285 non-mandatory indicators
These indicators cover every angle of sustainable hotel management:
- 🌊 Water conservation
- ⚡ Energy efficiency
- 🗑️ Waste management
- 🤝 Fair employment practices
- 🛒 Responsible procurement
- 🌱 Biodiversity protection
- 🏘️ Community involvement
This makes Green Globe one of the most comprehensive hotel certification programs available, and a key actor of sustainable tourism certification
🧠 How Does the Scoring System Work?
Now let’s get into the core of it: the Green Globe scoring system.
To become certified:
✅ You must comply with all 100 mandatory indicators.
✅ You must also meet at least 50% of the non-mandatory indicators in each of the 44 categories.
📊 An Example of Green Globe Certification Requirements
Let’s break it down with a simplified example:
Imagine a criteria that includes:
- 2 mandatory indicators
- 18 non-mandatory indicators
To validate this criteria:
- You must meet both mandatory indicators (2/2 ✅)
- You must also meet at least 9 of the 18 non-mandatory indicators (50%)
Only once all 44 criteria are validated in this way can your hotel receive Green Globe Certification. 🏨✅
🌍 Why Become a Green Globe Certified Hotel?
Becoming a Green Globe hotel gives you more than just a label. It demonstrates:
- Verified commitment to sustainability 🌱
- Increased trust with eco-aware travelers 🧳
- Competitive advantage on booking platforms 🏆
- Better resource management (saves $!) 💧⚡
- Alignment with global climate goals 🌎
In fact, Green Globe certified hotels are often preferred by corporate clients and tour operators looking to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
📋 What Is the Green Globe Program Process?
- Membership Application: Join the Green Globe program.
- Self-Assessment: Evaluate your property based on the Green Globe criteria.
- Implementation: Adjust your operations to meet mandatory and optional criteria.
- Audit: Undergo a third-party audit.
- Certification Issued: If successful, receive the label.
- Annual Monitoring: Maintain standards with annual reviews.
📌 Summary: How to Get Green Globe Certified
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Join the Green Globe program |
| 2️⃣ | Complete self-assessment |
| 3️⃣ | Meet 100% of mandatory indicators |
| 4️⃣ | Meet ≥50% of optional indicators in each category |
| 5️⃣ | Pass third-party audit |
| 6️⃣ | Maintain and improve performance annually |
Ready to get started? Join the growing list of Green Globe certified hotels today—and lead the way toward a more sustainable hospitality industry. 🌿
Want expert help preparing your self-assessment? Have a look at our hotel sustainability consultants offers or Contact us today!
❓ FAQ – How to Get Green Globe Certified?
What are the criteria for Green Globe certification?
There are 44 criteria with 100 mandatory indicators and 285 non-mandatory ones. You must meet all mandatory indicators and at least 50% of the optional ones per criteria.
How long does it take to become certified?
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on your readiness and internal changes needed.
How much does Green Globe certification cost?
Pricing depends on your hotel’s size, location, and number of sites. The yearly membership fee starts at USD 825 (for a 0 to 19 rooms hotel) and goes up to USD 5,500 (for a 250+ rooms hotel).On top of that comes a yearly audit cost of USD 1,600. More details here.
What makes Green Globe different from other ecolabels?
Its depth. The Green Globe Standard uses one of the most detailed scoring systems in the hospitality industry, with 385 performance indicators.
Is Green Globe recognized internationally?
Yes. The Green Globe program is widely respected and used across more than 80 countries.