About the Green Lodging Program
The Green Lodging Program provides third-party verification that lodging facilities meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Through a comprehensive and credible method for assessing the extent of the environmental measures undertaken, participating facilities can reduce environment-related costs and gain a marketing advantage.
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Good for the Environment, Good for Business
The Certification Process
Step 1: Membership
Become a member of Audubon International and pay the membership fees. Once your membership is all set up, we will reach out to get you the materials you need to start the certification process.
Step 2: Designation Application
Complete the Designation Application and submit it to Audubon International. Upon receipt of your application, we will review it to ensure we have the information needed to conduct the in-person site visit and then prepare a plan for items to discuss and confirm during the visit.
Step 3: Site Visit & Review
Audubon International Green Lodging staff will conduct a site visit at your property. Afterwards, our team will review your Designation Application and notes from the site visit, contacting you to clarify any questions if necessary.
Step 4: Certification & Eco-Rating
If your environmental efforts meet our criteria, you will be designated as an Audubon International Certified Green Lodging Property. Your score will determine your eco-rating as one of the following: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. We will send you your certificate and prepare an environmental performance report with suggestions about how to improve. Completed applications and reports are confidential and only accessible to you and program staff.
Step 5: Recertify Every Three Years
To maintain your designation, you will need to undergo a recertification process every three years. You can increase your eco-rating! Tools are available to help you implement and expand environmental practices, including online resources and fact sheets.
"Audubon International made it possible for us to make our resort as sustainable as it is. In 2005, when we began this journey, Audubon was the only eco-rating program for hotels that we could find that actually came to the facility and helped ascertain the best way to operate your business sustainability and profitability at the same time. The program has been invaluable to us"
- Jenn Holderied, Director of Marketing and Owner
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
General Pricing
Number of Rooms Annual Membership Fee*
1-200 $500
201-500 $750
500+ $1,000
One time membership enrollment fee: $500
*Base fees for a single lodging establishment in North America. International and multi-part projects will receive a customized proposal.
Benefits of Membership
Owners and managers of hotels, motels, inns, B&Bs, resorts, and accommodation facilities of all kinds can see a host of benefits from participating in the Green Lodging Program, such as:
- Third-party, credible verification by a non-profit environmental group.
- Public recognition and marketing benefits as an environmental leader.
- Easy identification as a ‘green hotel’ for millions of ‘green’ travelers.
- Structure, information, tools, and advice to reduce operating costs.
- Enhanced staff job satisfaction through their involvement.
Audubon International has joined forces with Clean the World to help Green Lodging members increase their environmental efforts and save lives in the process. Clean the World is a non-profit organization collecting used soap from hospitality partners, sanitizing and recycling it, and distributing it to homeless shelters in North America and to communities in developing countries. Every day, thousands of children around the world die from diseases that could have easily been prevented with access to soap. Be part of the solution.