The Green South Downs Sustainability Certification is a bespoke sustainability award programme created by the South Downs National Park Authority in partnership with Green Tourism for businesses based and/or working in the South Downs National Park.

The scheme helps businesses working in the visitor economy, food and drink or land-based sectors on their sustainability journey and get recognition for the work they are doing.

The certification is based on Green Tourism’s industry-leading assessment framework, which provides a holistic review of a business’s sustainability performance, based on three key pillars: People, Place, and Planet.

Eligibility 

The scheme is now open to all businesses directly in or close to the South Downs National Park that are members of Our South Downs. If you are not already a member of Our south Downs, you can join for free  here .

What's involved and how much does it cost?

The sustainability scheme involves a number of virtual workshops that will help businesses to showcase work related to the three pillars of people, place and planet, as well as looking for ways to reduce environmental impact and find efficiencies in resources used. Green tourism will assess on an ongoing basis and award a Bronze, Silver or Gold certification for businesses that complete the award. 

Green South Downs has been designed with affordability for SME's at top of mind and as such has a sliding scale - please visit the Green Tourism fee pages for up to date pricing here

Apply for Green South Downs

Ready to take the next step on your sustainability journey with Green South Downs?

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Hear what the Green South Downs businesses have to say:                           

"The team are chuffed to bits to have been included in the Green South Downs pilot scheme and to have achieved an independently verified Silver Green Tourism award. We have always taken environmental considerations seriously and the audit process has helped us to focus on our green credentials .  The audit, although hard work , was worth every effort. It helped us highlight and promote existing sustainability initiatives, whilst enabling us to focus and tackle areas needing improvement. We look forward to continuing our environmental journey with Green South Downs. This is just the beginning! " Lesley Foulkes, Langham Brewery

“We have found the whole process to be incredibly informative and useful and it’s changed the way that Woodfire works. We’re so pleased to have been part of the pilot.” - Mark Griffiths, Woodfire Camping

“As a micro-business, we found it a really good process to get us thinking about our journey to being a fully 'climate-positive' business. We have a much clearer vision and plan to grow 'in the right way' which will continue to positively impact our environment and local ecosystem.” - Nathaniel Loxley, Vitality Hemp

Green South Downs Awards

See which businesses are Green South Downs certified and support sustainable businesses in the National Park - Green South Downs Certified - Our South Downs.