Issue

Description

D.1.1

Purchasing policy favors environmentally friendly products for building materials, capital goods, food, and consumables.

Rationale

The economic leverage of purchasing by a tourism business can produce positive impacts by encouraging sustainably produced goods and services using economic leverage. 

Responsible purchasing is a powerful means to reduce negative environmental impact.  This can be done by favoring certified environmentally friendly products and/or regularly evaluating providers that seek to conserve energy, utilize recycled materials, responsibly manage waste, and remain carbon neutral.

Key requirements

·      Purchasing policy

Potential indicator

·      Percentage of $ purchases of services and goods* from green or sustainable sources for the following items:

§  Building materials

§  Capital Goods

§  Food

§  Consumables

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Company purchasing policy

·      Company invoices

·      Vendor list

Comments

Goods include building materials, capital goods, food and consumables. Energy purchases should not be included in the calculations as they are considered in D.1.3. Life cycle analysis should be considered where this is available.

Issue

Description

D.1.2

The purchase of disposable and consumable goods is measured, and the business actively seeks ways to reduce their use.

Rationale

Responsible consumption and frequent monitoring of waste can help businesses achieve cost savings as well as minimize environmental impact of the waste streams produced.

Key requirements

·      Measurement system

·      Reduction of consumables

Potential indicator

·      Purchasing policy requires re-usable, returnable and recycled goods where available (yes/no)

·      Waste management plan exists (yes/no)

·      Packaging minimization program (yes/no)

·      Number of  types and quantity of products in disposable containers. 

Type

·      Process.  Qualitative (policy/plan).

Data Sources

·      Company policy

·      Waste management plan

·      invoices of purchases

·      preferred supplier vendor lists

Comments

The company purchasing policy should minimize waste and aim to conserve resources through reusable, durable and recyclable goods that minimize packaging: permanent dishware instead of disposables, shampoo dispensers instead of disposable bottles; large containers instead of small, returnable soda bottles for restaurants, water dispensers/pitchers and glasses instead of individual plastic disposable water bottles.

Issue

Description

D.1.3

Energy consumption should be measured, sources indicated, and measures to decrease overall consumption should be adopted, while encouraging the use of renewable energy.

Rationale

Energy use is one of the most damaging activities on the planet with adverse impacts degrading air, water, soil quality, human and ecological health.  Energy efficiency through technology and eliminating waste is a key strategy to reduce this impact. 

The greatest environmental and financial benefits related to business operations are achieved by frequently monitoring utility bills, effectively training and providing incentives for staff to implement energy efficiency programs, and the preventive and routine maintenance of office and other mechanical equipment.

By applying energy efficient practices to the operations and investing in renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, micro-hydro, and bio-mass), the Company can help conserve natural resources, promote energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key requirements

·      Measuring

·      Indicate sources

·      Measures to decrease adopted

·      Renewable energies

Potential indicator

·      Total energy consumed  per tourist specific activity (guest-night, tourists, etc) per source or divided renewable versus non-renewable fuel

·      Percentage of total energy from renewable sources

·      Monetary investment in energy saving devices/ technologies and renewable energies as a percentage of total energy costs/investments or total turnover

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative

Data Sources

·      Meter readings/Utility bills

·      Fuel bills for auxiliary generators

·      Weight or volume of wood/coal

·      Petrol/diesel bills

·      Renewable energy production figures

·      Occupancy records

Comments

As with solid waste, an energy audit that spells out where and how much energy is used is the first step in successful energy management.  Energy may be obtained from a wide variety of sources.   This does make it time consuming and more difficult to obtain comparable units to give overall estimates of energy consumption.   Some calculators and energy efficiency help guides, (especially hotel and accommodation sectors: www.greenbiz.com/toolbox/tools.cfm; www.eeca.govt.nz ). 

Operations should maintain records by energy source in order to identify areas for improvement, as well in calculation of greenhouse gas emissions (Indicator D.2.1) 

1 kwh = 3.6 megajoules (MJ).  MJs are the International Standard of Unit to express a rate of energy use/consumption/production etc.

Measuring renewable energy consumption is sometimes requires more effort in calculating, as it is rarely metered and there are often no bills to pay. Wood is considered a renewable energy source but does result in increased greenhouse gas emissions when burnt for fuel (Indicator D.2.1)

Renewable energy sources include, but are not limited to

• Wind power generators and pumps
• Solar photo-voltaic panels
• Solar thermal generators
• Hydroelectric power
• Biomass fuel supply
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Wood

Issue

Description

D.1.4

Water consumption should be measured, sources indicated, and measures to decrease overall consumption should be adopted.

Rationale

Water is precious and in many regions an increasingly scarce resource with many countries or regions within a country facing moderate or severe water shortages.  Year round or seasonal water shortages are expected to increase with climate change. 

Overall water consumption should be reduced to the minimum possible for adequate operation. Reducing water consumption also has financial and environmental benefits for tourism businesses.

Key requirements

·      Measure water consumption

·      Indicate sources of water

·      Adopt measures to decrease consumption

Potential indicator

·      Water management program exists (yes/no)

·      Change to availability and access to potable water as a result of Company activities (yes/no)

·      Total volume of water in kiloliters consumed per source per specific tourist activity (guest night, visitors, etc)

·      Percentage of water-using equipment/activities that employ a water conservation technique

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative

Data Sources

·      Meter readings, utility bills, business records, occupancy records, estimations

Comments

Obtaining figures for water consumption is easier if the Company is billed for water, but if it is supplied from natural sources or is not metered estimates will need to be made through sampling programs that take into account water outlets and flow rates and the amount of time these are used on a daily, then seasonal basis.  Indirect measures such as the amount of time a water pump has to be used to fill a header tank may help give good estimates on water consumption rates. 

1 kiloliter equals 1 cubic meter

1 cubic foot equals 28.316846592 liters or 0.028316846592 cubic meters

Issue

Description

D.2.1

Greenhouse gas emissions from all sources controlled by the business are measured, and procedures are implemented to reduce and offset them as a way to achieve climate neutrality.

Rationale

The principal emissions from tourism businesses are from transportation (especially by air), heating, cooling, electricity use, and methane emissions from sewage and organic wastes. Except for air transport, most of these emissions can be directly reduced by actions from the business. Those emissions that are not reduced can be offset using properly regulated projects. Proper emission management practices will help reduce global warming, promote energy independence from foreign non-renewable sources, and may substantially reduce operational costs.

Key requirements

·      Measuring

·      Indicate sources

·      Measures

Potential indicator

·      Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight

·      Number of Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

·      Carbon Footprint (emissions less offsets) per tourist activity or guest-night

·      Change in greenhouse gas emissions year-over-year

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative.

·        

Data Sources

·      Energy consumption records (Indicator D.1.3.)

·      Transportation of materials, people, products, and waste

Comments

The majority of voluntary certification standards have no criteria concerning the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, or if so it is generally limited to the means of transportation used by the tourists.

Studies have shown that a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to travel to the destinations.  It is recommended that businesses encourage visitors to use low emissions modes of transportation (public transport, train over plan, hybrid over conventional car/van, etc).  Secondly, businesses should encourage visitors to purchase carbon offsets.

While these calculations will appear to many at first overwhelming, CO2  or carbon footprint indices are gaining popularity and markets.  There are a number of relatively easy to use calculators with new ones evolving. While this is not an exhaustive list, some examples include:

·     https://sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carboncalcs.html

·     http://www.carbonzero.co.nz/calculators/index.asp

·     http://yosemite.epa.government/oar/ResourceCenterToolsCalculator.html

·     www.climatechange.qc.ca

·     www.ebex21.co.nz

Different conversion methodologies are available to calculate the amount of emissions per source. Certification programs should be emphasize the importance of documentation of the standard used and indicate the methodology associated with the data.

Issue

Description

D.2.2

Wastewater, including gray water, is treated effectively and reused where possible.

Rationale

Wastewater management reduces aquatic pollution, protects aquatic ecosystems, and reduces risks to human health. Reusing wastewater increases the availability of potable water for human consumption (see criterion D.1.4). 

Key requirements

·      Wastewater treatment

·      Recycling

Potential indicator

·      Waste water plan (including treatment) exists

·      Total water discharge by quality and destination

·      Volume in liters waste water reused

Type

·      Process. Qualitative (plan). Performance. Quantitative.

Data Sources

• Statement of the business verified with local authority.
• Interview with personnel responsible for internal sewage systems
• Visual check that systems appear to be functioning
• Interviews with local water body authorities

Comments

External confirmation that business’ sewage system is connected to a functioning community treatment system or processed by the business’ own approved treatment system, e.g., aerobic treatment plant or, for very small operations, septic tanks.

While this is not a performance indicator, disposal of sewage and grey waters is a key issue particularly for non-urban operations or those in sensitive areas.

In the case of certification, if effective legislation does not exist or is ineffective, treatment shall be in accordance with guidelines established by the certifier.

Data for total water discharge by quality and destination may not be available in SME or CBEs but approximations can be made.

Issue

Description

D.2.3

A solid waste management plan is implemented, with quantitative goals to minimize waste that is not reused or recycled.

Rationale

Waste has become a major pollutant affecting both environmental aspects (land degradation, water quality) and socio-economic factors such as health and public dumps.   Reducing potential waste streams, reusing what can not be avoided and recycling what is not reusable is critical for tourism operations.    

Minimizing the amount of solid waste that goes to landfills and incinerators helps reduce negative environmental impacts. Additionally, minimizing waste reduces the need for virgin materials and limits the amount of greenhouse gases that are released throughout a product's life cycle (i.e., extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal).

A lifecycle approach to waste management begins with the purchasing practices (D.1.1 and D.1.2) through coordination with local authorities on appropriate disposal.

Key requirements

·      Waste management

·      Minimisation of non-recyclable waste

·      Recycling

Potential indicator

·      Total waste generated (in tons) by type and disposal method

·      Kilograms of waste to landfill per sector specific activity (i.e. guest-night, visitors, revenue, etc)

·      Amount of waste incinerated

·      Number of incidents of hazardous spills

·      Percentage of total waste that is reused and/or recycled

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Regular waste audits

·      Owners’ records of number of containers filled with solid waste

·      Billing records of waste collection service

·      Occupancy records

Comments

It is recognized that measuring the total amount of waste generated in a tourism operation can be both complex and difficult. However, the problems are not insurmountable.   A sampling program with all waste collected and weighed (i.e. a waste audit) over a number of different periods should be used to provide good estimates of total amount of waste per guest night. 

Alternatively volume of waste produced (calculated by number of containers sent to landfill) could be obtained relatively easily and standard conversion factors (i.e. 1000 liters equals 650kg) used.  This will vary according to whether waste is compacted or not, and what types of waste the enterprise produces.  The key is to use the same estimation methodology to monitor progress towards the target of minimizing waste. 

The most common categories to separate waste into are: paper, glass, plastic, metal, organic (compost or pig fodder), hazardous (i.e. batteries, solvents) non-recyclable.

Issue

Description

D.2.4

The use of harmful substances, including pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is minimized; substituted, when available, by innocuous products; and all chemical use is properly managed.

Rationale

Chemicals and other non-organic materials slip into the environment during application and storage through evaporation, run-off, spills, leaks and over application, leading to air, soil and water pollution.  This can adversely affect the local environment, harming flora and fauna, contaminate water supplies for local communities and cause serious health problems. 

The misuse and improper handling of potentially toxic substances creates additional threats to the environment and human health. Many non-toxic substitutes exist which are not only less impact on the environment and human health, but are often cheaper. 

Technology has also developed various alternatives. Where no alternatives are possible, the proper storage, handling and use of chemicals will reduce potential impacts.

Key requirements

·      Minimization

·      Substitution

·      Proper use

Potential indicator

·      Hazardous materials in use (kg)

·      Percentage of biodegradable and low phosphate chemicals used to total chemicals

·      Pesticides in use (kg, kg/hectare)

·      Decreased usage of harmful substances by volume

·      Percentage of harmful substances substituted by alternatives

·      Changes in water quality

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Chemical audit

·      Material data sheets

·      Records of types of waste disposed of (see D2.3 waste audit)

Comments

Establishing what is, and what is not a biodegradable product is not always easy, can be subjective, and is rarely provided on labeling.  The Earthcheck ™ “Guidelines used to determine the biodegradability of cleaning products” identifies commonly used ingredients to be avoided.  The ratio of non-biodegradable products over total chemicals used provides a more accurate picture of the move over time to more environmentally friendly products - the result of an effective sustainable tourism certification programs.

Caution is also required because some biodegradable substances, such as trisodium phosphate, are eutrophying agents that can contaminate rivers, lakes, coral reefs, and estuaries.

*EarthCheck core Indicator.  For methodology see: http://www.earthcheck.org/Downloads/Earthcheck%20Benchmarked%20Enterprises.pdf

Issue

Description

D.2.5

The business implements practices to reduce pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozone-depleting compounds, and air and soil contaminants.

Rationale

Environmental pollution can occur from several sources and have long-term, damaging effects on local ecosystems and human populations. The company should regularly perform site audits to identify sources for potential pollution while educating and empowering staff to identify potential pollution during daily activities.

Particular attention should be paid to special local conditions, such as damage to coral reefs from sediments, eutrophication of rives and lakes from runoff, melting of permafrost, and light pollution of marine turtle nesting sites, among others.

Key requirements

·      Implement practices

·      Reduce pollution

Potential indicator

·      See D.1.2- D.2.4 for indicators on air, water and soil contaminants

·      Number of incidents/complaints, disaggregated by type

·      Pollution (emissions, effluents and waste) management plan exists

Type

·      Process. Qualitative (plan). Performance. Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Soil and water management plan

·      Energy audit (D.1.3) and waste audit (D2.2 and D.2.3)

·      Emissions audit (D.2.1)

·      Water monitoring

·      Local authority regulatory records

Comments

Several of the pollution issues fall under other criteria and are addressed specifically there including C02 emissions and the use of local plants in landscaping

Issue

Description

D.3.1

Wildlife species are only harvested from the wild, consumed, displayed, sold, or internationally traded, as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilization is sustainable.

Rationale

Tourism businesses sometimes use precious woods, palm thatch, or coral for buildings, furniture, or exhibition. Shops often sell items harvested from the wild, such as black coral or carey (from endangered sea turtles). Restaurants may serve food harvested from the wild including seafood. These and other uses may be sustainable or not. Non-sustainable consumption should be avoided and other uses should be in accordance with local regulations and conservation practices.

Key requirements

·      Regulated

·      Sustainable utilization

Potential indicator

·      Company policy exists (yes/no)

·      Company policy is communicated to staff (yes/no)

·      Company policy is communicated to guests (yes/no)

·      Sustainable management plan (see Criteria A.1) developed with scientific experts which includes strategies, current and future plans

Type

·      Process.  Qualitative (plan).

Data Sources

·      Company policies

·      Training records

·      Company Invoices (sales or purchases)

·      Staff interviews

Comments

For certified operations, standards and definitions of the certification program take precedence.

In the case of non-local sourcing, the company should work with suppliers to ensure that products come from sustainable sources, including requesting sustainable produced certified products. There are also some watch groups that publically list endangered or threatened species.  For example, for seafood, several not-for-profit organizations maintain website with up to date seafood to avoid threatened fish types and region.

Issue

Description

D.3.2

No captive wildlife is held, except for properly regulated activities, and living specimens of protected wildlife species are only kept by those authorized and suitably equipped to house and care for them.

Rationale

In general, tourism businesses should not maintain wildlife in captivity – for example as pets or in cages – unless doing so will enhance conservation. In that case, the activity should be in accordance with local regulations and international conservation for licensed breeding, rescue or re-introduction.

Key requirements

·      Regulated captivity

·      Authorization

Potential indicator

·      Sustainable management plan developed with scientific experts which includes strategies, current and future plans

·      Conservation policies are included in employee trainings (y/n)

·      Existence of captive wildlife for uses other than breeding or rehabilitation (y/n)

Type

·      Process.  Qualitative.

Data Sources

·      Government licenses

·      Company policies

·      Records of any breeding, rescue or wildlife management programs

·      Staff interviews

Comments

For certified operations, standards and definitions of the certification program take precedence.

Issue

Description

D.3.3

The business uses native species for landscaping and restoration, and takes measures to avoid the introduction of invasive alien species.

Rationale

Native flora is adapted to local conditions (drought, temperatures, etc) and local pests, reducing the need for irrigation (reducing water use D.1.4) and chemicals (criterion D.2.4).  The character of the natural environment can be preserved by utilizing sustainable landscaping techniques that incorporate local flora.  Non-local species that are used should be screened to avoid introducing potentially invasive plants and animals, which have negative impacts on the biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Key requirements

·      Native species

·      No introduction of invasive or alien species

·        

Potential indicator

·      Company policy prohibits use of invasive alien species in gardens, landscapes and other areas of operation

·      Number of alien or invasive species present on property

·      Percentage in hectares of property with alien or invasive species

·      Plan exists for removal and restoration where applicable (yes/no)

Type

·      Process.  Qualitative (policy).  Performance. Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Company policies

·      Company inventory records

·      Facility maps or plans

·      Grounds staff interviews

·      Training materials

Comments

For certified operations, standards and definitions of the certification program take precedence.

Alien species that become invasive are considered to be a main direct driver of biodiversity loss across the globe. In addition, alien species have been estimated to cost our economies hundreds of billions of dollars.  The IUCN definition of invasive species is used here as a alien or non-indigenous species (i.e. plants or animals) that adversely effect the habitats they invade either economically, environmentally or otherwise.

International information on invasive alien species:

·      Global Invasive Species Program: http://www.gisp.org/

·      National Invasive Species Information Center: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/international/main.shtml

Issue

Description

D.3.4

The business contributes to the support of biodiversity conservation, including supporting natural protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value.

Rationale

Tourism activities outside of urban areas generally depend, directly or indirectly, on natural resources. Even those in urban areas can benefit their society by indirect support of their country’s natural areas or urban parks. Contribution can range from active participation in projects to financial contributions.

Key requirements

·      Contributes

·      Supporting

Potential indicator

·      Percentage of annual budget allocated to support natural protected areas or biodiversity conservation

·      Land restoration (hectares)

·      Habitats protected or restored (hectares)

·      Assessment plan exists (yes/no)

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative.

Data Sources

·      Company financial records

·      Documentation of biodiversity programs supported

·      Local and regional maps of protected areas

Comments

For certified operations, standards and definitions of the certification program take precedence.

A WWF study found that budget correlates with effectiveness, at least in areas managed purely as protected areas.

Issue

Description

D.3.5

Interactions with wildlife must not produce adverse effects on the viability of populations in the wild; and any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized, rehabilitated, and there is a compensatory contribution to conservation management.

Rationale

Tourism activities outside of urban areas frequently interact with plants and animals in the wild. These activities can be passive, such as building construction or trail use, or active, such as hunting and fishing. In all cases, the disturbance created should be minimized and rehabilitated. In addition, compensatory conservation activities should be supported.

Key requirements

·      No adverse affects on wildlife

·      Minimize and rehabilitate

·      Contribution

Potential indicator

·      Number of IUCN Red List and national conservation list species with habitats in areas affected by operations by levels of extinction risk

·      Habitats protected or restored  by Company, including as part of participation in partnership projects (hectares)

·      Protected/high value land use owned or managed by Company (hectares, percentage)

·      Percentage of annual budget allocated to restore or rehabilitate natural protected areas or biodiversity conservation

Type

·      Performance.  Quantitative

Data Sources

·      Business records, species inventory lists, project documents

Comments