Qualmark Enviro-Gold

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation and operates as a service for the New Zealand tourism industry. Qualmark is owned by the government organization Tourism New Zealand and is strongly supported by leading industry organisations.

All Qualmark licensed businesses are measured for responsible tourism practices. Those businesses wanting to be specifically recognised for their sustainable tourism practices may be further assessed through the Qualmark Enviro Award. Businesses are awarded for meeting strict environmental and social criteria, with achievement levels of Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Enviro Awards are determined through five key action areas: energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, conservation initiatives and community activities.

Enviro Bronze

• Minimum requirements have been met (waste reduction/recycling, environmental checklist complete, environmental claims are verified)
• Initiatives are in place to mitigate major energy, water and waste usage
• Significant contribution towards community or conservation activities
• Documented monitoring of a relevant resource usage
• Individuals or teams within the business have been given formal responsibility to ensure the environmental action plan is being implemented
• A sustainability policy/statement has been completed and is being publicly displayed

Enviro Silver

• Considerable initiatives are in place to mitigate major energy, water and waste usage
• Significant contribution to one or more community or conservation activities
• Documented monitoring of one or more relevant resource usages
• Staff are trained and follow the environmental action plan and can communicate it

Enviro Gold

• Significant initiatives are in place to mitigate major environmental impacts of the business under a “do no harm” principle
• Significant contribution to at least one community and one conservation activity
• Documented monitoring of one or more relevant resource usages
• Evidence that the business is taking a proactive role and is an exemplary advocate of responsible tourism

Read more about the Qualmark Enviro Awards »