Our new "green-friendly directory" highlights environmentally-friendly hotels and resorts employing sustainability practices. All of our environmentally-friendly hotels and resorts featured are recognized for their unwavering support for responsible tourism and sustainable tourism, and most (if not all) are likely to be training their staff and management about conservation, supporting the local community, working for cultural as well as environmental preservation and actively reducing their carbon footprints.

Below you will find our list of the most highly regarded hotel certification programs around the world. Please note that these programs are all independently audited, and they may not share the same standards across the board:

Green Hotel certification Programs:

Green Globe Certification & The Green Hotel Certification Program:
The Green Globe Certifications program established by Green Globe International, Inc. The program identifies compliance internationally accepted green, sustainability standards for tourism properties and businesses.  More........

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program:
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council to certify that buildings meet with standards of energy efficiency, conservation, and sensitivity to locale.   More........

The Tourism Sustainability Council (TSC):
The Partnership for the Tourism Sustainability Council (TSC), a group developing universal criteria for sustainable tourism.    More........

Florida Green Lodge Program:
A Florida Green Lodging Program designated property is one that implements programs and practices aimed at protecting and conserving Florida’s natural resources and the environment, while educating their staff and guests about its importance.  There are over 419 designated properties in Florida and in excess of 390 additional applications pending.   More........

Green Key Eco-Rating Program:
The Hotel Association of Canada's (HAC) Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize hotels, motels, and resorts that are committed to improving their fiscal and environmental performance.    More........

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) of the United Kingdom:
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) accredits a range of different types of accommodation providers on their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.   More........

The Audubon Green Leaf Program:
TerraChoice Environmental Marketing and Audubon International have partnered to present the Audubon Green LeafTM Program designed to offer great resources for the hospitality industry.    More........

Energy Star:
An EPA program that rates energy efficiency not just in light bulbs and refrigerators but in hotels as well. More than 150 properties participate in this program.   More........

Learn more about the brands and their environmental initiatives:

• Accor Hotels - Worldwide

• Almond Resorts - Caribbean

• Aloft Hotels - Worldwide

• Aman Resorts - Worlwide

• Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts - Worldwide

• Barcelo Hotel Group - Caribbean & Latin America

• Conrad Hotels - Worldwide

• Couples Resorts - Jamaica

• Design Hotels - Worldwide

• Excellence Group Luxury Resorts - Caribbean & Mexico

• Fairmont Hotels - Worldwide

• Four Seasons Hotels - Worldwide

• Hyatt Hotels - Worldwide

• Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts - worldwide

• Karisma Hotels - Mexico

• Kimpton Hotel Group - United States & Canada

• KSL Resorts - United States

• Langham Hotels - Worldwide

• Le Meridien Hotels - Worldwide

• Loews Hotels & Resorts - United States

• MGM MIRAGE Hotels - United States

• Noble House Hotels & Resorts - North America

• Oberoi Hotels & Resorts - Worldwide

• Radisson Hotels - Worldwide

• Regent Hotels - Worldwide

• Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts - Worldwide

• Rock Resorts - United States & Caribbean

• Rosewood Hotels & Resorts - Worldwide

• Sandals Resorts - The Caribbean

• Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts - Worldwide

• Six Senses Resorts & Spas - Worldwide

• Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Worldwide

• Starwood Hotels (Elements by Westin) - Worldwide

• Starwood Hotels (Westin Hotels) - Worldwide

• SuperClubs Resorts - Caribbean

• The Address Hotels & Resorts - Middle East

• The Leading Hotels of the World - Worldwide

Courtesy of Responsible Travel Experiences.com

Travel Consultants, Enter Here