By OBM International

Though going green might have begun as a small niche in the hospitality and tourism industries, rising concerns over climate change have raised sustainable practices to priority level across the board. In fact, many travelers today are actively seeking out hotels and resorts that are committed to environmental and community responsibility. Knowing that customers want to book with companies that are having a positive impact on the world around them, hotels must ensure they are doing all they can to help the planet, and with it, promote their green initiatives.

Those tasked with leading environmental sustainability at their hotel property can look to professional organizations for helping them identify and publicize sustainable development operations and management practices. After many decades designing in the sensitive islands of the Caribbean, OBMI leads and promotes eco-friendly practices by partnering with Green Globe Certification.

Green Globe is the only certification brand that’s an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, making it a trusted worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria. OBMI has audited several properties in the Caribbean, including Spice Island Resort, Grenada and Tryall Club, Jamaica, both of which prominently promote their certifications through their marketing, and are seen as pioneers of sustainability.

Green Globe Certification focuses on the implementation of standards beyond the design and construction phases, that impact sustainability during a project’s life, its operations, and management. Execution of the certification process requires an audit and evaluation based on global guidelines established through the sustainability program.

Standards and criteria for achieving certification include sustainable management, such as the training of property staff to be environmentally responsible; social/economic development for raising community awareness; building respect for cultural heritage and preservation; and environmental analysis of energy consumption, water use, pollution reduction, recycling, and other pollutants.

Ensuring sustainable growth within an island space requires a deep commitment to preserving the natural landscape and remaining sensitive to the local communities of the destination. After all, it’s the pristine beaches and the host community’s culture that drive people to visit the Caribbean. Therefore, we must do our utmost to conserve our environment through the available best practices.