EarthCheck

Certifications 各評価制度

EarthCheck is operated by EarthCheck Pty Ltd, headquartered in Australia, and is used in more than 70 countries, primarily across the tourism and hospitality sectors. Hotels, resorts, theme parks, and local communities around the world use the EarthCheck system to reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability performance.

1. What is EarthCheck Certified

EarthCheck Certified is the world’s leading international sustainability certification program for individual businesses in the travel and tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, and tourism facilities. Based on scientific methodologies developed over more than 10 years by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism in Australia, the program provides a rigorous framework for measuring and improving environmental performance.
EarthCheck Certified aligns with global standards such as the IPCC Guidelines, WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO14064/14001/50001/26000/9001, GRI Guidelines, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is recognized as a verified program by CDP. By monitoring key indicators such as energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste, EarthCheck helps organizations achieve truly sustainable operations.
EarthCheck Certified is a science-based program that measures and improves environmental performance at the property level, driving compliance with international standards. Through continuous improvement, it enhances brand value and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable operations worldwide.

2. Eligible Properties

・ Hotels, resorts, training centers, and tourism facilities
・ Both new and existing properties are eligible, provided operational data can be collected (for new builds, data must be available after opening)

3. Key Assessment Areas

EarthCheck Certified evaluates sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
The seven main assessment areas include:

・ Energy
・ Water management
・ Greenhouse gas emissions
・ Hazardous materials management
・ Community and employee impact
・ Paper usage
・ Waste management

4. EarthCheck Coordinator

As part of the EarthCheck Certified program, an EarthCheck Coordinator shall be appointed to act as the project lead. In addition, a Green Team or Sustainability Team must be established and endorsed by top management.
Both the EarthCheck Coordinator and the Sustainability Team shall have clearly defined responsibilities documented within the organisation’s records, shall complete role‑specific training, and shall be provided with adequate financial, technical, and human resources to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Sustainability Management System.

5. Process

EarthCheck EarthCheck Certified follows a step-by-step approach, allowing properties to progress gradually from benchmarking to certification and continuous improvement.

Steps 1–3: Benchmarking
　Step 1: Registration & Framework Setup
　　Define the scope, stakeholders, and evaluation areas
　Step 2: Data Collection & Organization
　　Gather data on energy, greenhouse gases, water, and social initiatives and establish sustainability policies
　Step 3: Benchmarking
　　Assess current performance using quantitative indicators and identify strengths and areas for improvement

Steps 4–6: Certification & Maintenance
　Step 4: Implementation & Improvement
　　Execute improvement actions based on benchmarking results
　Step 5: Third-Party Audit
　　Independent verification of compliance with EarthCheck standards
　Step 6: Certification & Continuous Improvement
　　Maintain certification through regular evaluations and ongoing enhancements

6. Certification Levels

EarthCheck Certified recognizes continuous improvement with progressive certification tiers:

Rank	Duration
Bronze	(Initial year)
Silver	(Years 1–4)
Gold	(Years 5–9)
Platinum	(Years 10–14)
Master	(15+ years)

Certified properties can use the EarthCheck logo and promotional tools to showcase their sustainability achievements globally.

7. Fees

Costs include registration, auditing, and consulting fees, which vary depending on project size and scope.

Note: EarthCheck Pty Ltd does not endorse this EarthCheck summary. It has been independently prepared by Woonerf. For more information about EarthCheck, please visit

https://earthcheck.org/

1. What is EarthCheck Sustainable Destination

EarthCheck Sustainable Destination is the world’s only international benchmarking and certification program dedicated to sustainable destination development. Built on scientific knowledge and data developed in Australia, the program provides a systematic assessment of environmental and social performance across an entire destination.
Aligned with United Nations principles for sustainable development and the certification criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), EarthCheck Sustainable Destination maps its 12 Key Performance Areas to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining qualitative initiatives with quantitative indicators, the program enables destinations to track progress and translate the SDGs from guiding principles into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
EarthCheck Sustainable Destination is a certification program that views sustainability at the scale of the entire destination rather than individual sites. Through a step-by-step process aligned with international standards, it enables destinations to progress at their own pace and transform sustainability from an abstract concept into tangible value and meaningful travel experiences shared with the world.

2. Eligible Properties

Areas, districts, municipalities, and wider regions where tourism is a key local industry, including:
・ Urban destinations
・ Resort areas
・ Nature-based tourism destinations
・ Cultural tourism destinations

3. Key Assessment Areas

EarthCheck Sustainable EarthCheck Sustainable Destination evaluates sustainability performance from four integrated perspectives: environmental, cultural, social, and economic. In addition to environmental aspects such as energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water resources, and ecosystems, the program also considers cultural heritage, employment, and broader economic benefits for the local community.
Assessment is based on 12 Key Performance Areas that reflect challenges commonly faced by destinations worldwide. While quantitative indicators form the foundation of evaluation, destinations may also introduce supplementary indicators that reflect local priorities. This approach ensures alignment with international standards while clearly demonstrating each destination’s unique sustainability profile.

・ Energy
・ Greenhouse Gas Emissions
・ Air Quality, Noise, and Light Pollution
・ Freshwater Resource Management
・ Wastewater and Water Environments
・ Ecosystem Conservation
・ Land Use Planning and Development
・ Transport
・ Solid Waste Management
・ Management of Hazardous Substances
・ Cultural and Social Sustainability
・ Economic Sustainability

4. Destination Authority

Within the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination framework, a Destination Authority plays a central role in driving the program at the local level. This role may be fulfilled by a municipality, destination management organization, industry association, or another representative regional body.
The Destination Authority coordinates data collection, defines the assessment boundary, facilitates communication among stakeholders, and encourages broad participation across the destination. By providing shared goals and direction, it acts as a catalyst for advancing sustainable destination development.

5. Process

EarthCheck Sustainable Destination adopts a step-based approach, allowing destinations to progress in line with their readiness and capacity. The process begins with understanding current performance and advances through continuous improvement toward certification and long-term maintenance.

Steps 1–3 | Benchmarking
　Step 1: Registration and Governance Setup
　　Establish the Destination Authority, define the assessment area and stakeholders, and initiate the program.
　Step 2: Data Collection and Organization
　　Collect and organize data related to energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water resources, and social initiatives.
　Step 3: Benchmarking
　　Assess current performance using quantitative indicators to identify strengths, challenges, and priorities for improvement.

Steps 4–6 | Certification and Continuous Improvement
　Step 4: Implementation and Improvement
　　mplement targeted actions based on benchmarking results.
　Step 5: Independent Third-Party Audit
　　Undergo an external audit to verify compliance with certification requirements.
　Step 6: Certification and Ongoing Improvement
　　Maintain certification through regular evaluation and continuous improvement as a sustainable destination.

6. Certification Levels

Certification levels are awarded based on the number of consecutive years a destination maintains its certification. EarthCheck Sustainable Destination emphasizes long-term commitment and continuous improvement rather than one-time achievement.

Rank	Duration
Silver	(1–4 years)
Gold	(5–9 years)
Platinum	(10–14 years)
Master	(15+ years)

Certified destinations may use EarthCheck branding and promotional tools to communicate their achievements to domestic and international audiences.

7. Fees

Certification involves several costs, including project registration fees, audit fees, and consulting support. Fees vary depending on the scale of the project and the scope of assessment.

Note: EarthCheck Pty Ltd does not endorse this EarthCheck summary. It has been independently prepared by Woonerf. For more information about EarthCheck, please visit

https://earthcheck.org/

1. What is EarthCheck Design

EarthCheck Design is an international certification program that evaluates sustainability performance in building and development projects, particularly within the tourism and resort sectors. As part of the globally recognized EarthCheck certification system, it provides a structured framework for delivering high‑quality facilities while reducing environmental impact. The program assesses a wide range of sustainability outcomes, including climate change mitigation, resource efficiency, waste reduction, and social responsibility.

EarthCheck Design focuses on the design and construction phases prior to building completion. Its purpose is to minimize the environmental footprint throughout the building’s lifecycle by establishing clear goals and performance standards from the planning stage through construction and into operations.
Key objectives include:
・ Mitigating climate change through energy efficiency and renewable energy
・ Ensuring responsible and sustainable use of water resources
・ Reducing waste and promoting circular resource use
・ Optimizing land use and protecting biodiversity
・ Preventing pollution and managing environmental risks
・ Supporting local communities and engaging stakeholders

EarthCheck Design can also be combined with EarthCheck Benchmarking & Certification after completion, allowing projects to maintain and improve environmental performance over the long term.

2. Eligible Properties

EarthCheck Design is widely used for the following types of developments:

Hotels and resorts
Commercial facilities
Public buildings
Theme parks and tourism facilities
Regional development projects (e.g., resort towns)
Office buildings and residential complexes, particularly those connected to tourism and hospitality

The program is especially popular in the tourism and hospitality sector, and many resort developments worldwide have obtained EarthCheck certification. By documenting sustainable design practices during the planning stage, the program also supports increased ESG value for developers and operators. EarthCheck Design applies not only to new construction but also to major renovation projects, enabling high sustainability performance through integrated design strategies.

3. Key Assessment Areas

EarthCheck Design evaluates environmental performance and sustainable building practices across multiple Key Assessment Areas. These requirements are based on scientific benchmarks, and projects earn points by meeting the criteria for each area.

SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH

A comprehensive framework for ensuring sustainability throughout the project lifecycle. This includes policy documentation, project overview planning, multidisciplinary team collaboration, legal compliance, sustainable construction practices, digital asset management, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge transfer to ensure integrated environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

ENERGY

Strategies and design approaches to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Elements include energy‑efficient building design, passive design strategies, renewable energy integration, high‑efficiency systems, and energy modeling and management to optimize building performance.

WATER

Efficient water use and water cycle management through supply and drainage design. Measures include water‑saving fixtures, rainwater and greywater reuse, wastewater treatment and management, and modeling of water consumption.

SOLID WASTE

Reducing waste during construction and operation by promoting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Strategies include construction waste reduction, operational waste management, and implementation of waste management planning.

LAND USE PLANNING & BIODIVERSITY

Minimizing impact on ecosystems, natural environments, and cultural assets from site selection to design, construction, and landscaping. This includes utilizing existing sites effectively, protecting and restoring ecological value, and optimizing building footprint.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS & RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Selection of low‑impact materials and durable, reusable structural components. Includes the use of life cycle assessment (LCA), optimized material usage, reduction of unused materials, and design for deconstruction and reuse.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & POLLUTION CONTROL

Ensuring healthy, safe, and comfortable indoor and surrounding environments. This includes refrigerant management, indoor air quality (IAQ), lighting and daylight use, noise control, thermal comfort, mitigation of light and air pollution, and management of waste and wastewater.

TRANSPORT

Encouraging low‑impact transportation for users, visitors, and nearby residents. Strategies include public transport access, active mobility (walking and cycling), EV readiness, and shared mobility infrastructure to reduce transportation‑related emissions.

SOCIAL, CULTURAL & ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Ensuring the project contributes positively to the local community’s culture, history, economy, employment, inclusiveness, education, and accessibility. Includes respect for cultural heritage, support for local employment and businesses, provision of educational opportunities, and community engagement.

INNOVATIVE

Recognition of innovative technologies, processes, and methodologies that advance environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and community benefit. These initiatives promote sustainability leadership and support pioneering project outcomes.

4. EarthCheck Accredited Professional

An EarthCheck Design Accredited Professional is a specialist with expertise in environmental engineering, architecture, and sustainability management. They develop plans and provide technical support to help projects meet certification requirements. Their involvement from the design phase ensures effective documentation and adoption of sustainable design practices.
Woonerf has several qualified professionals.

5. Process

EarthCheck Design requires early engagement during the planning stage.

The certification procedure follows these steps
1. Project Registration
Register project details (location, building overview, schedule, etc.) on the EarthCheck online platform.
2. Environmental Benchmark Analysis
Review benchmark indicators—such as energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gases—assigned according to the project’s location and characteristics, and set improvement targets.
3. Design Assessment
Undergo an assessment to verify that design and planning meet EarthCheck sustainability requirements.
4. Submission of Documentation
Prepare and submit supporting documents, including technical materials, simulation results, design documents, and environmental policies.
5. Audit and Certification
After review by an EarthCheck assessor, projects that meet the required standards receive EarthCheck Design certification.
6. Post‑Completion Performance Assessment (Optional)
By pursuing EarthCheck Benchmarking & Certification after operations begin, projects can maintain continuous performance evaluation.

6. Certification Levels

EarthCheck Design offers three certification levels:

Rank	Criteria
Silver	Meets international best practice standards
Gold	Exceeds international best practice standards by 10% or more
Platinum	Exceeds international best practice standards by 20% or more

Levels are determined according to the submitted documentation and the project’s performance against the required criteria.

7. Fees

Certification fees include project registration, audit services, and consulting support. Costs vary depending on project size, assessment scope, and facility type.
Detailed fees are provided once project information has been shared.