The Greenline Responsible Tourism Standard
The Greenline Responsible Tourism Standard exceeds the SANS 1162:2011 standard in a number of elements. While it includes all of the national standards, the GreenLine standard goes further by incorporating global best practice in a number of areas. In order to qualify for GreenLine GOLD Class recognition, businesses will need to achieve a score of 75% based on the following criteria.
Procurement and Economic Impact
The business must demonstrate responsible purchasing practices and have developed targets for improvement.1.
2. The business must recognise and comply with all local, national and international treaties and legislation in respect of the trade in endangered species, historical or archaeological products or objects.
Social and Entrepreneurial Support
3. The business must demonstrate support for sustainable community projects or activities and community-based tourism enterprises.
Design and Construction
4. The design and construction of the buildings and facilities must add to the ‘sense of place’ of its location.
5. The business must provide access to all public facilities to persons with disabilities.
6. The buildings and facilities must comply with all local, regional or national codes and legislative requirements.
Biodiversity Management – Fauna, Flora and Landscapes
7. The business must take steps to ensure the protection, restoration of and access to sites of historical, social, religious or cultural significance or importance located ion its property.
8. No endangered, threatened or protected plants or wildlife may be consumed, traded, sold or displayed on the premises unless registered and licenced by the relevant authority.
9. No wildlife may be held captive on the property without the relevant permit or licence from the appropriate authority.
10. The use of indigenous species for landscaping and restoration must be demonstrated by the business.
11. The business must demonstrate support for a local conservation initiative or environmental organisation.
12. The business shall minimise or avoid adverse effects on ecosystems and shall take steps to mitigate any negative environmental impacts resulting from its activities.
Communications and Marketing
13. Promotional, marketing or publicity material issued by or on behalf of the business shall fairly and accurately describe all services or facilities offered to the public.
14. Visitors and guests shall be provided with adequate and appropriate information on the responsible business practices and activities being undertaken by the business.
15. The business shall provide a means through which visitors and guests may comment on its responsible business practices.
16. The business shall provide a “Code of Conduct” for visitors when visiting traditional sites, communities or tourist attractions in the area.
17. The business shall provide guests with information on the environment.
Resource Management
Noise
18. All reasonable steps must be taken to reduce noise and light pollution emanating from the business.
Water
19. The business must demonstrate responsible water management practice.
Waste
20. The business must demonstrate responsible waste management practice.
Energy
21. The business must demonstrate responsible energy management practice.
Air Quality and Emissions
22. The business must implement and manage actions designed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and contributors to climate change associated with its activities.
Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
23. The business must reduce and limit the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, poisons and cleaning materials.
24. The business shall take measures to minimise and avoid any environmental impacts associated with its activities
Employee, Social and Community Development
25. The business shall provide skills training and personal development opportunities for staff
26. The business shall use fair, legal and equitable processes for the recruitment, retention and promotion of employees.
27. The business shall conform with all national and international co0nventions, treaties and laws pertaining to labour practice, ethnicity, gender sensitivity, exploitation and child labour.
28. The business shall provide support for community development or corporate social investment opportunities.
General Performance Criteria
29. Management must demonstrate its commitment to sustainable and responsible business practice.
30. The business shall comply with all relevant local, provincial and National legislation, regulations, licences and/or permits as may be required.