Solutions for Groups and Multi-site Organizations
Streamlined Certification for Complex Organizations
For organizations managing multiple sites or operations under a unified system, GSTC offers tailored solutions for group and multi-site certifications. Both solutions focus on achieving sustainability excellence across all members or locations while optimizing time, cost, and resources.
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Key Benefits of Group and Multi-site Certification
- Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: Streamlined processes and sampling methodologies reduce duplication and costs without compromising quality.
- Consistency Across Locations: Ensures uniform implementation of sustainability practices across all members and sites.
- Centralized Oversight: Empowers headquarters to implement corrective actions and monitor performance.
- Scalability: Allows to easily expand certification to include new locations or properties as your business grows.
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Who Can Benefit from Group and Multi-site Certification?
- Hotel Chains: Ensure consistency in sustainability practices across all properties.
- Tour Operators: Manage compliance across diverse destinations and services.
- Destination Management Companies (DMCs): Maintain high standards across operations in multiple regions.
- Franchise Networks: Streamline certification for locations under one ownership or brand umbrella.
Multi-site Certification
Multi-Site Certification applies to organizations with multiple locations operating under a single sustainability management system (SMS) and central governance. It enables organizations to certify all their sites through one unified process, ensuring consistent sustainability practices and policies across all operations.
Organizations seeking Multi-site Certification must:
- Establish a Unified Management System: Operate under a central office with an implemented SMS uniformly applied across all sites.
- Conduct Internal Audits: Ensure that all sites undergo internal audits to confirm compliance with the SMS before applying for certification.
- Maintain Legal or Contractual Links: Ensure a direct legal or contractual connection between the central office and all sites. The organization does not need to be a unique legal entity but must grant the central office authority for oversight and corrective actions.
- Align Management Policies: Operate all sites under the same sustainability management policies and objectives controlled by the central office.
- Sampling: Our certification process includes auditing the central office and a representative sample of sites. Over the three-year certification cycle, all sites within the scope are covered to ensure comprehensive compliance with the sustainability management system and the GSTC Criteria.
- Single Certificate: A unified certificate is issued for the entire multi-site organization. This certificate identifies the name and address of the central office and includes a detailed list of the sites covered under the certification, ensuring transparency and clarity for all stakeholders.
- Hotel chains
- Franchise organizations with uniform sustainability management systems
- Tour operators with multiple branches
- Tourism service companies with multiple sites offering a similar service
Group Certification
Group Certification is designed for networks of independent businesses or organizations operating under a unified sustainability framework. Examples include cooperatives, associations, or networks of small-scale tourism enterprises. This certification offers a cost-effective and streamlined approach by unifying members under a shared Sustainability Management System (SMS). It is particularly suited for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to share the costs and benefits of certification.
Organizations seeking Group Certification must:
- Establish a Group Management System: Implement a centralized SMS ensuring consistent adherence to the GSTC Criteria across all group members.
- Maintain Contractual Relationships: Ensure formal agreements between the group management entity and individual members to enforce compliance and responsibilities.
- Conduct Internal Monitoring: Regular internal audits of all members to assess conformity and performance against the GSTC Standard.
- Operate in Uniform Contexts: Members must operate within the same country and language, offering similar tourism services.
- Sampling: Members are audited through a mix of risk-based and random sampling. Over the three-year certification cycle, all members of the group are audited to ensure comprehensive compliance with the GSTC Criteria.
- Single Certificate: A unified certificate is issued for the group, detailing the name, address, and members under its scope, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Cooperatives of eco-lodges or small accommodations.
- Associations of small-scale tour operators.
- Networks of small tourism service providers sharing sustainability goals.
Why Choose UCSL for Group and Multi-site Certification?
Backed by a highly skilled team and extensive experience in certifying global organizations, UCSL delivers unparalleled expertise in managing complex and large-scale certifications efficiently.
Tailored Solutions
We design customized solutions to meet the unique needs and structures of your organization, ensuring alignment with your goals and sustainability objectives.
Our worldwide network of highly skilled auditors ensures proximity, timely support, and in-depth regional expertise to assist your certification journey effectively.
Our boutique approach prioritizes precision and a personalized experience, guaranteeing exceptional results and a seamless certification process.
Take the Next Step in Your Sustainability Journey!
Let us be your guide in achieving operational excellence across all your locations or members.
