Top certification programs compared

Five programmes stand out for their robust criteria relating to community engagement and energy use. Each offers distinct methods to assess both environmental and social outcomes.

Biosphere monitors progress against 169 United Nations targets through real-time dashboards. Cities such as Gijón use this data to track developments in areas like cultural heritage preservation and waste management.

Green Globe certifies global hospitality groups including Raffles and Mövenpick. Its annual recertification process requires continued improvement, demonstrated by upgrades across Ponant’s cruise operations.

Beyond Green works with high-end hotels and resorts. Properties such as Leela Palace Udaipur are reinspected every 24 months to ensure ongoing compliance with its standards.

B Corp publishes transparent performance scores. Intrepid Travel is a standout, earning 107.5 points for its commitment to fair labour practices and responsible governance.

Regenerative Travel places strong emphasis on community outcomes, including required targets for local employment. Datai Langkawi, for example, reports annually on clean energy use and water-saving initiatives.

Implementation challenges & solutions

Businesses often face significant challenges when implementing sustainability measures, despite rising consumer demand. More than 70% of companies do not pass B Corp’s initial assessment, which requires a minimum score of 80—well above the industry average of 51. This disparity reveals a pressing need for more accessible and clearly defined benchmarks.

Inconsistent audit methods add to the complexity. Green Key primarily relies on manual documentation reviews, while EarthCheck employs proprietary software systems. Smaller operators, with limited access to such tools, may experience uneven evaluations as a result.

Enforcement standards also differ worldwide. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) imposes rigorous disclosure requirements, while in many developing countries, certification bodies such as the Soil Association—which certifies around 70% of the UK’s organic tourism—play a larger role. Governments must weigh national circumstances against international expectations.

Independent verification tools can help close these gaps. Travalyst’s list of recognised schemes guides travellers towards credible choices, while services like ClimatePartner offer traceable data on emissions-linked initiatives. These mechanisms contribute to reducing the risk of misleading claims.

A combined approach is often most effective. Pairing certifications with independent research—such as reviewing published energy data or local community initiatives—offers a more complete picture and helps validate efforts beyond surface-level endorsements.