About Us
UCSL (United Certification Systems Limited) is an independent international certification body headquartered in the EU (Cyprus) and operating globally. Rooted in 2007 and formally established as the current entity in 2017, UCSL emerged as a purpose-driven organization committed to advancing sustainability worldwide.
We proudly hold accreditation for the world’s most trusted and prestigious ISEAL-approved certification schemes:
We proudly hold accreditation for the world’s most trusted and prestigious ISEAL-approved certification schemes:
- For hotels and tour operators
- For sustainable fisheries and supply chains
- For responsible aquaculture practices
Our accreditation means you can trust our systems, processes, and results – verified to the highest international benchmarks for competence, impartiality, and professionalism.
Our Mission
At UCSL, our mission is to advance the adoption of impactful, high-integrity sustainable practices – creating a better future for people and nature. Sustainability, for us, is not just a professional standard. It is a way of life.
We believe that sustainability certification should go beyond compliance. It should inspire real transformation: grounded in science, guided by values, and carried out with deep respect for people, places, and the planet.
We don’t just certify – we co-create lasting change with every partner we serve.
We believe that sustainability certification should go beyond compliance. It should inspire real transformation: grounded in science, guided by values, and carried out with deep respect for people, places, and the planet.
We don’t just certify – we co-create lasting change with every partner we serve.
Our processes are crafted to support properties and organizations of all sizes, ensuring the highest quality of service while honoring their individuality. Whether certifying a family-owned ecolodge, a regional tour operator, or a global luxury brand, we walk alongside each partner to understand their identity, values, and context – and deliver tailored excellence with rigor, discretion, and deep respect and care.
Our clients span the globe, but our philosophy is always the same: certification as a journey, not just a stamp.
Our clients span the globe, but our philosophy is always the same: certification as a journey, not just a stamp.
Boutique by Nature – Tailored by Design
UCSL is not a mass-market certifier. We take pride in being boutique, offering a personalized and hands-on approach for every client.
Expertise with Purpose
Over 90% of our core team holds PhDs – making UCSL’s team one of the most academically qualified in the field of sustainability certification. But our strength goes beyond credentials. Our auditors and technical experts are based in the regions they serve – across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, and beyond – all trained to uphold the same rigorous international standards while remaining attuned to local cultural, legislative, and operational contexts.
This blend of scientific depth and on-the-ground presence ensures every audit is not only technically precise, but also meaningful and context-sensitive – aligned with both international benchmarks and local realities.
This blend of scientific depth and on-the-ground presence ensures every audit is not only technically precise, but also meaningful and context-sensitive – aligned with both international benchmarks and local realities.
Powered by Local Partnerships
We believe that lasting change is built from the ground up and is rooted in local knowledge. That’s why UCSL actively builds and invests in local ecosystems of expertise: collaborating with regional consultants, training auditors embedded in local contexts, and investing in knowledge-sharing networks that build long-term capacity in the communities we serve.
This decentralized, partnership-based model enriches our work with diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and context-specific understanding – making certification more accessible, efficient, and impactful.
This decentralized, partnership-based model enriches our work with diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and context-specific understanding – making certification more accessible, efficient, and impactful.
What Sets Us Apart
Our values shape every step of our work:
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Integrity & ImpactWe uphold the highest standards of quality, impartiality, and transparency. -
Collaboration & CareWe co-create processes that build capacity, not dependency. -
Innovation & ExcellenceWe bring scientific rigor and creative thinking to sustainability challenges. -
Respect for People & PlanetWe never lose sight of the real-world change behind every certificate.
We believe certification should do more than validate. It should inspire.
That’s why we go beyond simple inspections – to deliver measurable progress, strategic insights, and a strong foundation for long-term sustainability leadership.
That’s why we go beyond simple inspections – to deliver measurable progress, strategic insights, and a strong foundation for long-term sustainability leadership.
Your Vision. Our Expertise. Shared Impact.
Explore how UCSL can help your organization lead with purpose, elevate its sustainability performance, and gain global recognition.
Explore how UCSL can help your organization lead with purpose, elevate its sustainability performance, and gain global recognition.
