UCSL and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Sign MoU to Drive Sustainability in Global Hospitality
United Certification Systems Limited deepens collaboration with the Alliance, leveraging complementary strengths to accelerate practical action and credible certification across the hospitality value chain.
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL), a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance). The signed MoU formalizes a long-standing relationship rooted in trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to driving meaningful sustainability in the hospitality sector.
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together over 50 of the world’s leading hospitality companies, representing more than 66,000 properties and 8 million rooms globally. Alongside over 50 strategic partners, the Alliance leads collaborative action to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing the sector today, with the goal to reach Net Positive Hospitality.
UCSL and the Alliance have maintained a trusted relationship over the years, shaped by shared values and occasional collaboration, including participation in one of UCSL’s impartiality committees. This MoU marks a natural next step, paving the way for closer cooperation to support hospitality businesses in embedding sustainability into their operations, culture, and long-term strategy.
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together over 50 of the world’s leading hospitality companies, representing more than 66,000 properties and 8 million rooms globally. Alongside over 50 strategic partners, the Alliance leads collaborative action to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing the sector today, with the goal to reach Net Positive Hospitality.
UCSL and the Alliance have maintained a trusted relationship over the years, shaped by shared values and occasional collaboration, including participation in one of UCSL’s impartiality committees. This MoU marks a natural next step, paving the way for closer cooperation to support hospitality businesses in embedding sustainability into their operations, culture, and long-term strategy.
We are pleased to formalise our collaboration with UCSL, a trusted partner that shares our commitment to credible, practical action on sustainability. This MoU strengthens our shared ability to support the global hospitality industry in embedding sustainable practices that deliver real impact.
Glenn Mandziuk
CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
This partnership is a natural step forward in a relationship grounded in trust and aligned purpose. The Alliance brings unmatched convening power across the industry, and we’re proud to contribute our knowledge and on-the-ground expertise in certification and sustainability implementation.
Olga Shuvalova
UCSL CEO
The MoU sets the groundwork for exploring joint activities in the following areas:
Together, UCSL and the Alliance share a vision of a hospitality sector that creates long-term value for communities, the environment, and the industry itself. Through this partnership, they look forward to advancing that vision by fostering collaboration, building knowledge, and supporting businesses on their path toward meaningful and measurable sustainability.
- Educational Outreach: identifying opportunities to co-develop webinars, workshops, or practical learning materials aimed at strengthening sustainability understanding within the hospitality sector.
- Awareness Campaigns: looking at ways to collaborate on communications that highlight the importance and benefits of sustainability, drawing on the reach and expertise of both organizations.
- Knowledge Sharing: where appropriate, UCSL may contribute general insights on sustainability practices and international frameworks to support Alliance members in making informed decisions – always in line with its role as an impartial certification body.
Together, UCSL and the Alliance share a vision of a hospitality sector that creates long-term value for communities, the environment, and the industry itself. Through this partnership, they look forward to advancing that vision by fostering collaboration, building knowledge, and supporting businesses on their path toward meaningful and measurable sustainability.
About the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together the hospitality industry and
strategic partners to address key challenges affecting the planet and its people, local
destinations and communities. They develop practical free resources and programmes to
create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back more than it takes. Their members represent over 66,000 hotels – totalling 8 million rooms – and include world-leading companies including Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels& Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, BWH Hotel Group and Radisson Hotel Group, as well as regional brands. Their network also includes other parts of the hospitality value chain, including owners, investors and suppliers, to further drive joined up action on sustainability, and accelerate the industry on the path to net positive hospitality. For more information, please visit: www.sustainablehospitalityalliance.org
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together the hospitality industry and
strategic partners to address key challenges affecting the planet and its people, local
destinations and communities. They develop practical free resources and programmes to
create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back more than it takes. Their members represent over 66,000 hotels – totalling 8 million rooms – and include world-leading companies including Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels& Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, BWH Hotel Group and Radisson Hotel Group, as well as regional brands. Their network also includes other parts of the hospitality value chain, including owners, investors and suppliers, to further drive joined up action on sustainability, and accelerate the industry on the path to net positive hospitality. For more information, please visit: www.sustainablehospitalityalliance.org
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.