Destination Development

This badge recognises businesses that have had their accessibility features independently reviewed and verified by the AccessNow platform, giving users reliable information about barrier-free access. It helps visitors with mobility, sensory or other needs make informed decisions about locations, knowing that accessibility details have been vetted. By earning the AccessNow Verified label, a business demonstrates transparency and a commitment to inclusive experiences and accessibility for all.

B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. In order to achieve certification, a company must:

Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and passing our risk review. Multinational corporations must also meet baseline requirement standards.

Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction.

Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.

GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway provides tourism businesses with a formal assessment and a badge that showcases their achievement level, along with tools and support to help them advance on their sustainability journey. Businesses can achieve Level 1 through 5, depending on their results after a 1:1 assessment with GreenStep The Pathway assessment is based on our GSTC-recognized criteria and compliant with Travalyst. For tourism businesses that need an accredited certification to be compliant with the GSTC, this program offers a pathway to preparing for that process.

The network of Certified Social Enterprises, are businesses that sell goods or services, embed a social, cultural or environmental purpose into the business, and reinvest the majority of profits into their purpose. Social enterprises compete with traditional for-profit businesses, but use profits to invest in vibrant, healthy communities. Purchasers are increasingly putting a social value into their purchasing criteria, and they are asking for verification. An enterprise that has verified its social impact with Buy Social Canada Social Enterprise Certification, shows stakeholders, clients, and their team that they invest and contribute to community wellbeing.

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards are a collection of standards that assess events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria in support of environmental and social responsibility. The standards have been developed for: Venue, Accommodation, Audio Visual & Production, Destination, Event Organizer, Exhibition services, Food & Beverage and Integrated Property. Each standard includes criteria in the following areas: Organisational Management, Marketing, Communication, and Engagement, Climate Action, Water Management, Materials and Circularity, Supply Chain Management, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Accessibility & Social Impact.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED® is an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership. LEED’s proven and holistic approach helps virtually all building types lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs by prioritizing sustainable practices. Projects earn points across in six areas of human and environmental health: location & transportation, sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Buildings can be certified for Building & Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Operation and Maintenance to achieve the levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum to demonstrate high performing sustainable buildings.

The Indigenous-owned designation is awarded to tourism businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by Indigenous individuals or organizations. This designation assures visitors that their choice to support these businesses directly contributes to successful and self-determined Indigenous and First Nations participation in the BC tourism industry.

Offered by the Rick Hansen Foundation, this certification rates and certifies the level of meaningful access of buildings and sites beyond code, assessing mobility, vision, hearing and other disability types. It provides a rating scale that helps organisations understand current barriers and demonstrate progress toward full inclusion and accessibility. Certified sites signal leadership in equity, inclusion and human-centred design — making spaces more welcoming and usable for everyone.

BC Green Business has been empowering businesses to raise the bar for what it means to be environmentally and socially responsible since 2013. They work one-on-one to identify affordable and practical ways to reduce environmental impact. A community of changemakers: Shifting to a sustainable and regenerative future is a journey, and every business can make a positive difference. BC Green Business is about continuous improvement and recognizing businesses who are taking action. Over the years, we are proud to have cultivated a tight-knit community that is shaking up business as usual. Our members share our values – sustainability, leadership, and accountability to each other and the planet.

Internationally recognized, the Biosphere certification helps you demonstrate your commitment to sustainability according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Create and certify your personalized sustainability plan in a process of continuous improvement: With ESG criteria connected with the 17 SDGs. With indicators designed with UN-SDSN. In compliance with international and European directives. Recognizing your good practices in real time.

Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations. Participating business or organization meet a stringent set of standards to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel more welcomed and accepted. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation.

ISO 14001 is an international standard for an environmental management system (EMS) that helps organizations identify, control and continuously improve their environmental performance. Certification shows that a business has implemented a structured, systematic framework for managing environmental risks and opportunities, including compliance, resource use and emissions. It is applicable across industries and helps embed sustainability into organizational governance.

The Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood program is a conservation initiative that certifies restaurants and retailers committed to sourcing seafood that is fished or farmed in responsible, sustainable ways. Membership means the organization uses the Ocean Wise symbol to help consumers identify ocean-friendly choices, supporting healthier marine ecosystems and responsible seafood supply chains.

The Authentic Indigenous Designation highlights businesses that provide genuine cultural experiences, support their communities, and prioritize sustainability. This means visitors can engage with Indigenous cultures meaningfully and respectfully, knowing their visit helps preserve traditions, empower local communities, and protect the environment.

Based on the results of the Green Key Global assessment, which includes nearly 200 questions divided into five operational area. Lodging facilities are awarded a rating from 1 to 5 Keys, with 5 Keys being the highest attainable rating. This rating system provides guests with a clear understanding of a facility's commitment to environmental responsibility.

For organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. Specifies principles and requirements at the organization level for the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. It includes requirements for the design, development, management, reporting and verification of an organization's GHG inventory.

The BOMA BEST building certification program is an internationally recognized certification program and provides building management tools for sustainable and smart buildings. Our vision is a future where every existing building embraces sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. BOMA BEST equips building owners, managers, and operators with the tools required to optimize performance, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation—ensuring buildings are not only high-performing but also healthier, smarter and more resilient for the people who live, work, and play in them.

A Living Wage BC Employer certification indicates that an organization pays all employees or contractors a wage that meets the local cost of living. It is a regionally specific calculation, that looks at the amount that someone working full year, full time, need to earn to meet their expenses.

ISO 20121:2024 is the updated international sustainable event management, guiding organizations to seamlessly integrate sustainability into every facet of their event planning and execution. Certification ensures events are designed and managed with awareness of impacts, stakeholder involvement and continual improvement in sustainability outcomes. It enables organisations to demonstrate leadership in responsible event production.

The Original Original Mark created and managed by Indigenous Tourism Canada, it helps travellers easily and reliably recognize Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. The revenue generated by these businesses flows back to Indigenous families and communities, helping to build economic independence and pride in culture.