Audubon International is an environmentally focused non-profit organization that is committed to promoting environmental sustainability. They offer various certifications and conservation initiatives to their members to protect the areas where people live, work, and play. According to their recent report, the number of new certifications across all six of their programs more than doubled in 2023 compared to the previous two calendar years.
From 2022 to 2023, new certifications increased by 115%. From 2021 to 2023, they grew by nearly 105%. There are different programs available for certification, such as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Green Lodging, Green Hospitality, Signature Sanctuary, Sustainable Communities, and ACSP for Golf. The majority of the new certifications were granted in the golf and lodging categories.
“We’re gratified and honored that 2023 was such a banner year for new certification growth across our suite of programs,” says Christine Kane, CEO. “We truly finished our 35th year as a respected and proven stewardship partner on a high note, and 2024 promises to bring more growth as well. With every passing year, it’s truly inspiring and proof positive that we are helping golf courses, resorts, communities, and businesses of all kinds lead the way to a brighter future for the planet and for all who coexist on it.”
Audubon International continues to offer its flagship certification path, the ACSP for Golf, which has almost 900 certified courses worldwide. However, in 2023, the organization expanded its Signature Sanctuary program to offer a Platinum-level option for new projects. This comprehensive path will include golf, lodging, other buildings, and infrastructure, providing a more overarching certification option. Each program verifies sustainable practices and benchmarks through third-party on-site verification. In the case of golf, that includes Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education.
Audubon International’s team of Environmental Specialists performs initial site visits at prospective certified properties each year. They provide feedback based on each venue’s location, resources, budgets, and needs to keep them on track through the process. Once all criteria are met, the team signs off on new certifications and recertifications. The timeline for certification varies but can take up to a year or more. Once certified, each partner has powerful proof of their sustainability efforts to report to members, customers, managers, owners, and other stakeholders.
To learn more about how your local golf course, community, lodging property, or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit auduboninternational.org or call  1-844-767-9051
