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EarthCheck

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{{Infobox company |

name = EarthCheck|

location = Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |

key_people = |

industry = Sustainable tourism
Ecotourism |

num_employees =|

products = Training, Certification, Advice, and EarthCheck Research Institute|

revenue = |

net_income = |

homepage = {{URL|http://earthcheck.org}} |

}}

EarthCheck, previously operating under the name EC3 Global, is a globally recognised group specialising in benchmarking, certification, and advisory services. Its primary focus lies in the environmental and scientific dimensions of the travel and tourism sector. Established over 30 years ago, EarthCheck collaborates with prominent research institutions and universities globally to address sustainability and climate change challenges in tourism destinations and businesses. {{Cite web |last=herbert |title=EarthCheck {{!}} Tourism2030 |url=https://destinet.eu/resources/certificates/earthcheck |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=destinet.eu |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Swindells |first=Katharine |date=2021-08-03 |title=How Earthcheck is Helping Luxury Hotels Become More Sustainable |url=https://elitetraveler.com/travel/hotel-news/how-earthcheck-is-helping-luxury-hotels-go-green |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Elite Traveler |language=en-US}}

The organisation traces its roots back to Australia’s first National Centre for Studies in Travel & Tourism, established in 1987 at James Cook University. In 1997, it evolved into a part of the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC) through the support of the Australian Federal Government, 14 universities, and the Australian Tourism Industry. STCRC developed the EarthCheck Benchmarking Methodology for 30 sectors within the travel and visitor economy.{{Cite web |title=IP Australia: AusPat Disclaimer |url=http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/auspat/applicationDetails.do?applicationNo=2010201127 |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au}}

In 2010, the not-for-profit [https://earthcheck.org/research/ EarthCheck Research Institute (ERI)] was established with support from academia and industry. Subsequently, in 2011, Earthcheck Pty. Limited was launched as an independent, profit-for-purpose entity. Since then, both EarthCheck and ERI have continuously adapted to the dynamic needs of the travel and tourism sector, as well as broader sustainability initiatives.{{Cite web |last=World |first=Ecotourism |date=2021-10-08 |title=EarthCheck: One of the Major Global Sustainable Certificates |url=https://ecotourism-world.com/earthcheck-one-of-the-major-global-sustainable-certificates/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Ecotourism World |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=EarthCheck |url=https://www.griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships/earthcheck |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=www.griffith.edu.au |language=en}}

EarthCheck's principal certification program, EarthCheck Certified, is operational in over 70 countries, aiding members in achieving sustainable tourism outcomes. In 2018, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) acknowledged the EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard (BPDS) for its innovative contributions to research and technology.{{Cite web |date=2018-01-29 |title=At UNWTO Innovation Awards, EarthCheck succeed silver! - Travel And Tour World |url=https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/at-unwto-innovation-awards-earthcheck-succeed-silver/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |language=en-US}}

EarthCheck's sustainability framework is built on three core pillars: extensive scientific expertise, a culture of efficiency and innovation, and established credibility. The organisation has maintained its focus on research, to support sustainable outcomes.{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://earthcheck.org/about/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=EarthCheck |language=en-US}}

Certification programs

EarthCheck has sustainability certification and programs for tourism businesses, hotels, destinations, governments, developers and building designers, terrestrial and marine parks, and events.

= EarthCheck Certified =

EarthCheck Certified is a programme designed for travel and tourism businesses focusing on sustainable tourism. It provides a clear and structured way for these businesses to measure and improve their environmental and social impact.{{Cite web |last=mdboer |date=2023-07-21 |title=EarthCheck - Control Union Global |url=https://www.controlunion.com/certification-program/earthcheck/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=www.controlunion.com |language=en-US}} The programme is relevant as the industry faces increasing pressure to operate sustainably and reduce its ecological footprint. By participating in EarthCheck Certified, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.{{Cite web |last=Raymond |first=Ebony |date=2023-10-14 |title=Adelaide institution becomes world's first convention centre to earn EarthCheck certificate |url=https://glamadelaide.com.au/adelaide-institution-becomes-worlds-first-convention-centre-to-earn-earthcheck-certificate/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=Glam Adelaide |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Crowe |first=Eamonn |date=October 27, 2023 |title=Royal Lancaster London awarded Silver certification by EarthCheck |url=https://www.boutiquehotelier.com/royal-lancaster-london-silver-earthcheck/ }} The certification process is straightforward and rigorous, ensuring that businesses adhere to [https://earthcheck.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FINAL-MASTER-EarthCheck-Company-Standard-V4.1-25-August-20-January-2022-release-DZ.pdf holistic criteria] across the triple bottom line.

= Notable EarthCheck Certified businesses =

Notable EarthCheck Certified businesses include:

= EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations =

The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations programme is a global initiative to achieve sustainability outcomes for communities. It provides a comprehensive framework to benchmark, certify, and enhance environmental, cultural, social, and economic performance.

The program is designed to empower local communities to take control of their sustainability goals, building upon local initiatives. It recognises the collective efforts of a destination in working towards sustainable outcomes. The program underpins a clear vision for a destination, focusing on strategic policy and action plans. The programme aligns with internationally relevant criteria, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. It addresses environmental regeneration and improvement alongside conserving existing natural heritage assets. {{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Fiji is the first nation to join Leading Destinations of the World sustainable certification program – KARRYON |url=https://karryon.com.au/industry-news/fiji-is-the-first-nation-to-join-leading-destinations-of-the-world-sustainable-certification-program/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=karryon.com.au |language=en-AU}}{{Cite news |last=Ang |first=Rosalind |date=2022-04-13 |title=Gardens by the Bay to join sustainable destinations programme |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/gardens-by-the-bay-to-join-sustainable-destinations-programme |access-date=2023-12-04 |issn=0585-3923}}{{Cite web |title=County Clare Aims To Become Ireland's First Certified Sustainable Destination {{!}} Council {{!}} Clare County Council |url=https://www.clarecoco.ie/your-council/%5Bnews%5D/county-clare-aims-to-become-ireland-s-first-certified-sustainable-destination.html |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.clarecoco.ie}}

= EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Standard and Key Performance Areas =

[https://earthcheck.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FINAL-EarthCheck-Destination-Standard-Version-3.0-Release-January-2022.pdf The Standard] employs a performance-based approach supported by various benchmarking indicators and Key Performance Areas (KPAs), which include:

  1. Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Management
  2. Land Use Planning and Development
  3. Transport
  4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  5. Solid Waste Management
  6. Air Quality Protection, Noise Control, & Light Pollution
  7. Management of Environmentally Harmful Substances
  8. Management of Freshwater Resources
  9. Cultural and Social Management
  10. Wastewater Management, Drainage, and Streams
  11. Economic Management
  12. Ecosystem Conservation and Management

The certification comprises two primary steps: Benchmarking and Certification.{{Cite web |title=Resources |url=https://earthcheck.org/resources/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=EarthCheck |language=en-US}}

  • Benchmarking: This step involves assessing the destination's performance against the criteria.
  • Certification: An independent third-party auditor verifies the destination's environmental and social performance against the Standard. Compliance with all criteria is mandatory for certification.

The process to achieve EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status typically spans 8-10 months, establishing a baseline for future performance measurement. Further compliance, planning, consultation, communication, and reporting steps are required for final certification. Successful completion of an independent audit leads to EarthCheck Silver Certified status, typically within 10-13 months.

Recertification occurs annually, with an independent audit conducted each year. Continuous compliance over multiple years leads to higher levels of certification: Gold Certified for 5 years, Platinum Certified for 10 years, and Master Certified for over 15 years.

Unlike other sustainability certifications based on a scorecard approach, EarthCheck certification requires yearly compliance with all criteria. The latest Standard includes 119 qualitative benchmark criteria across 12 KPAs, and 265 criteria, including quantitative data, are necessary for complete certification. This approach, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative criteria, highlights the defensibility of EarthCheck's certification.

= Notable EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations =

Notable EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations include:

References

{{Reflist}}

Category:Environment of Australia

Category:Sustainable tourism