How Destinations Can Become Climate Certified and Why It Matters

1. Assess & Measure Emissions: Evaluate your destination’s carbon footprint using Green Initiative’s tools, which analyze energy use, transportation, waste management, and more. A detailed inventory provides the baseline to create effective strategies for reducing emissions.
2. Develop a Climate Action Plan: Establish clear targets for decarbonization, including measures such as transitioning to renewable energy, minimizing waste, and conserving natural ecosystems. Green Initiative’s team assists destinations in setting science-based targets for emission reduction and resource efficiency.
3. Implement and Educate: Engage local businesses, tourists, and communities to ensure buy-in and participation. This involves training programs and communication efforts that make sustainability a core part of the destination’s identity. Encouraging sustainable behavior among stakeholders is crucial for the certification process.
4. Certification: Once these steps are met, a certification audit ensures compliance with Green Initiative’s standards. Destinations can then achieve one of three levels of certification: Carbon Measured, Carbon Neutral, or Climate Positive. The highest standard, Climate Positive Certification, indicates that the destination not only offsets emissions but also contributes to reversing climate change by directly restoring ecosystems and sequestering more carbon than it produces. Be inspired: see a list of organizations with climate certifications from Green Initiative.

1. Enhances Destination Appeal: Climate-certified destinations attract eco-conscious travelers who are increasingly seeking responsible tourism experiences.
2. Global Recognition: Certification places destinations on the map as leaders in climate action, aligning them with international climate commitments and best practices in sustainable tourism.
3. Long-Term Sustainability: Climate-certified destinations are future-proof, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
4. Unlocks Opportunities: Climate certification opens doors to green funding, international partnerships, and improved marketability through global recognition.

A prime example of climate certification success is Machu Picchu, which was recently recertified as Carbon Neutral after achieving an impressive 18.47% reduction in carbon emissions since its 2021 certification. This ancient site has become a global leader in sustainable tourism by implementing comprehensive emission reduction measures, waste management systems, and reforestation projects. Machu Picchu’s journey proves that iconic destinations can effectively align their operations with climate goals while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.

By achieving climate certification from Green Initiative, destinations contribute to the global fight against climate change and position themselves as top choices for responsible travelers and businesses. The certification process fosters resilience, ensures compliance with international standards, and paves the way for a sustainable future.

You can read the full story here for more on Machu Picchu’s inspiring climate action.

Destinations looking to achieve climate certification can draw inspiration from UNESCO-designated sites, which are actively integrating climate action into their preservation efforts.

As outlined by Green Initiative, UNESCO sites like natural reserves and cultural landmarks are adopting sustainable practices to safeguard both heritage and ecosystems. These sites are not only reducing emissions but also enhancing climate resilience by protecting biodiversity, demonstrating that climate-conscious tourism is feasible and essential for long-term conservation. For more on this topic, visit here.

Another outstanding example of climate certification is Bonito, a renowned ecotourism destination in Brazil. Bonito achieved climate certification through its commitment to sustainability, implementing actions that have reduced its carbon footprint while preserving its natural wonders. Bonito’s certification underlines the importance of eco-friendly practices in tourism, proving that destinations can thrive while protecting their ecosystems. City mayors and tourism leaders can follow Bonito’s lead by engaging with Green Initiative to guide their climate action efforts.