EarthCheck Certified: The Science Behind Sustainable Travel And How Two Luxury Hotels Have Cracked The Code

In an era where the footprint of travel casts an ever-lengthening shadow upon our planet, the concept of sustainable tourism has transitioned from a niche ideal to an imperative. As travellers increasingly seek experiences that align with their values, the need for credible and rigorous sustainability standards has become paramount. This is where EarthCheck Certified emerges, providing a vital framework for travel and tourism businesses committed to responsible practices.

EarthCheck Certified: The Origins

The foundation of this globally recognised certification programme is rooted in a dedication to scientific rigour and a proactive approach to sustainable tourism. The story of EarthCheck is a carefully cultivated evolution driven by research and a commitment to global standards.

The scientific systems that underpin EarthCheck were meticulously developed over a decade by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism in Australia. The organisation traces its origins back to Australia’s first National Centre for Studies in Travel & Tourism, established in 1987 at James Cook University. This early foundation in academic research provided the bedrock upon which EarthCheck’s rigorous standards were built, and continue to flourish today.

The systems are built upon the Agenda 21 principles for Sustainable Development, a set of comprehensive action plans endorsed by numerous heads of state at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. This alignment with such a pivotal global agreement underscores EarthCheck’s commitment to international cooperation and its role in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Similarly, the programme aligns with the outcomes of the World Summit for Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg in 2002, further solidifying its dedication to global sustainability goals.

Over the years, EarthCheck hasn’t remained static. It has continuously evolved, refining its standards and methodologies to reflect the latest scientific advancements and industry best practices. This commitment to ongoing improvement ensures that the programme remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world. The organisation has continued to grow, forging partnerships with leading research institutions and universities around the world. These collaborations provide access to cutting-edge research and expertise, enabling EarthCheck to maintain its position at the forefront of sustainable tourism.

Getting Certified

In essence, today EarthCheck Certified serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards environmentally and socially responsible operations. The process itself is meticulous, demanding a deep commitment from participating organisations. It begins with the crucial step of engaging teams and stakeholders, fostering a collective understanding and dedication to establishing a robust sustainability policy. This collaborative approach ensures that sustainability is not merely a top-down mandate, but a deeply ingrained cultural value.

Following this foundational step, businesses undergo a rigorous benchmarking process, allowing them to accurately assess their current environmental performance. This data-driven approach provides a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to identify areas for improvement. Once the benchmarking is complete, organisations proceed to the certification phase, where their practices are evaluated against EarthCheck’s stringent standards. This process is not a one-time event; it involves ongoing auditing and promotion of the certification level on an annual basis, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.

Hotels Certified By EarthCheck In 2025

As the auditing is always an ongoing process, these lists are routinely updated with many new additions and unfortunate deletions. This year, though, two green hotels have garnered immense acclaim for ditching the notion of ‘green washing’ and instead imbibing cleaner practices in its everyday.

The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey

Nestled on the picturesque island of Jersey, The Atlantic Hotel and its acclaimed Ocean Restaurant have proudly retained their EarthCheck Silver Certification for the second consecutive year. This achievement underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and positions it as a leader in responsible tourism within the Channel Islands and beyond. The Atlantic stands as the only hotel in the Channel Islands, and one of the first 10 hotels in the British Isles, to achieve Silver Certification with EarthCheck.

The Atlantic Hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond operational efficiencies. In 2024, the hotel demonstrated its dedication to environmental conservation by raising GBP 7,095 for Durrell’s Rewild Carbon programme. This generous contribution supports vital rewilding projects, including those in Brazil’s Atlantic Rain Forest, and equates to balancing 241 tonnes of carbon emissions. Guests played a crucial role in this achievement through their contributions during their stays, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, The Atlantic Hotel implemented several impactful sustainability initiatives in the past year. Guest rooms were upgraded to the sustainable Molton Brown Signature Dispenser system, replacing single-use plastic bottles and preventing thousands of them from going to waste annually. In the Ocean Restaurant, rechargeable lamps replaced traditional candles, eliminating over 620 kgs of wax waste each year. Additionally, UV-reflective window film was installed to reduce heat build-up during the summer, conserving energy and protecting furnishings from UV damage.

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

High in the dramatic, sun-drenched peaks of Oman’s Al Hajar mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar has achieved a remarkable feat, securing its fifth consecutive year of EarthCheck Gold Certification in 2025. This significant milestone places the resort within an exclusive circle of global leaders, cementing its unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism and ecological integrity. As part of the prestigious Hyatt brand portfolio, Alila Jabal Akhdar has long stood as a pioneer, demonstrating that luxurious hospitality and environmental responsibility can not only coexist but thrive in harmony.

At Alila Jabal Akhdar, sustainability is not a mere addendum to the guest experience, but rather a fundamental principle woven into the fabric of its operations. A comprehensive audit conducted by EarthCheck has validated the resort’s exceptional performance across key environmental pillars. In terms of resource efficiency, the resort employs sophisticated solar-heated water systems and a greywater recycling programme, effectively minimising water consumption. A smart energy management system ensures that energy usage is optimised without compromising the comfort of guests. Waste reduction is another area of excellence, with meticulous waste management practices, including organic composting and landfill diversion, playing a central role in the resort’s ambition to eliminate single-use plastics.

Furthermore, Alila Jabal Akhdar champions local sourcing and culinary innovation through a robust farm-to-table philosophy that supports Omani farmers, thereby fostering a circular economy. The resort also boasts Oman’s first luxury hotel hydroponics farm and its own organic garden, ensuring that guests enjoy the freshest possible ingredients in every dining experience. In addition to these operational efficiencies, the resort actively engages in conservation and community initiatives. Participation in plantation programmes and collaboration with local artisans helps to preserve Oman’s rich natural and cultural heritage. A dedicated EarthCheck Coordinator leads extensive staff training programmes, instilling a culture of continuous environmental improvement throughout the resort.

In a world increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, EarthCheck Certified stands as a symbol of hope. It represents a commitment to a future where travel and tourism can coexist harmoniously with the natural world. By embracing this certification, businesses are not only enhancing their own prospects but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.