What is EarthCheck Certification?
The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality sustainable tourism experiences within the region. The certification is for precincts or destinations with a clearly defined boundary. It requires one organisation, like the local council or local tourism organisation, to be responsible for the management of the certification, however it assesses the entire tourism destination management practices community wide.
The program addresses key global environmental, cultural, social and economic (ECSE) concerns and deals with environmental regeneration and environmental improvement as well as the conservation of existing natural heritage assets. Economic concerns addressed in the program include employment conditions, support of local economy, use of fair-trade goods and services, and recognition of the seasonality of tourism revenue – all contributing to the alleviation of poverty in the destination.
Benefits of EarthCheck Certification
Greenhouse emissions of gases
Energy efficiency, conservation and management
Social and cultural affairs
Air quality and noise control
Wastewater management
Solid waste management
Who can be certified EarthCheck Certification?
EarthCheck Certifications are available for more than 30 tourism sectors, including hotels, airports, convention centers, airlines, theme parks, golf fields and destinations.
Hotels
Airports
Convention Centers
Airlines
Theme Parks
Golf Fields & Destinations
Document required for EarthCheck Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of EarthCheck Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to EarthCheck requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification Body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• EarthCheck Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to EarthCheck requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Certification Body
• EarthCheck certificates issued for 1 years
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
This award-winning global program demonstrates leadership in climate action and has been gaining momentum as a tool to support a sustainable future in a post-COVID environment.
EarthCheck helps tourism businesses and destinations become more sustainable through certification, consulting, training and software solutions.
The EarthCheck brand signifies scientific excellence, better environmental, economic, and social performance, improved community interactions, and savings through more efficient use of resources. It provides recognition and promotional support to a global consumer market.