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Greater Victoria is a Biosphere Certified destination!
So, what does that mean? Travellers around the globe are seeking out sustainable and eco-friendly travel options that match their values. The Responsible Tourism Institute's Biosphere certification is a guarantee of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural balance that meets the needs of modern travellers. Biosphere Certification is a commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20, and the COP21 Paris Agreement to combat climate change.
Growing a Better Future
There’s something about Greater Victoria that fosters a freedom to think outside the box. We proudly blaze our own trails and do things in our own unique way. Our influence and impact on the world reach far beyond our shores. Throughout our history, our creativity and ingenuity have sparked new ideas and innovations. We take our time to do things right. Our commitment to sustainability, ocean research and new technology continue to show how we can lead the world from our little piece of it. We're not far away, just further ahead.
Sustainable Initiatives
Victoria leaves the buzzwords for the bees. Our journey has taken us from tide pools to treetops as we work to make each flight, each bite, and each night a little more sustainable than the last. If eco-conscious travel is at the forefront of your next great adventure, then Victoria is waiting for you!
Sustainability in Victoria
Sustainable initiatives weave through our great city like the roots of our mighty coastal rainforests. Always pushing boundaries, Victoria businesses are global influencers leading the world from our little piece of it. Whether arriving at YYJ Victoria International Aiport - whose initiatives have seen a 22 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, dining at Big Wheel Burger - Canada's first carbon neutral fast food company that boasts 100 per cent compostable packaging, riding waves aboard Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours ocean friendly vessels - certified "Platinum" with GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, or staying at the carbon positive and Biosphere Certified Parkside Hotel & Spa, in Victoria you're spoiled for choice when it comes to eco-friendly travel options. Make your next great adventure carbon neutral. Visit Greater Victoria.
Sustainability and DGV
Destination Greater Victoria is the official not-for-profit destination marketing and management organization of the Greater Victoria region, its 950 members, in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Destination Greater Victoria is proudly certified Climate Positive by Ostrom Climate and Synergy Enterprises and is on the path to Biosphere Certification with the Responsible Tourism Institute.
Sustainability and the VCC
Host your next (or first!) eco-friendly or carbon neutral conference at a venue that matches your values, the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC). The VCC is designated carbon neutral by Ostrom Climate and Synergy Enterprises. We'll never stop pushing boundaries, from reducing our carbon footprint to reducing water consumption, increasing our waste diversion rate, and beyond. We take care of each other and our home, the VCC uses our offsets to support the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest remaining in the world through The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project. The VCC is proudly certified BOMA BEST Platinum, recognizing excellence as one of Canada's best buildings in energy, environmental management, and performance.
Since 2012 the VCC has worked to mitigate its environmental impact:
- Carbon footprint reduced 70%
- Waste diversion rate increased from 49% to 79%
- Water consumption reduced 48%
- Paper purchased with minimum 88% post-consumer recycled content
- 51% reduction of electricity use per delegate
- 55% reduction in waste water use per delegate
Plan your next great conference in Victoria!
Biosphere Certification
Climate Positive with a multi-stakeholder Sustainability Committee, Destination Greater Victoria strives to be internationally recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism development. In our continuous pursuit to be recognized as one of the top destinations in the world, named the #2 small city in the world by Condé Nast in 2022, Destination Greater Victoria is proudly Biosphere Certified.
Destination Greater Victoria recognizes consumer sentiments towards robust environmental practices are playing an increasingly important part in travellers' decision-making processes. As such, Destination Greater Victoria is committed to continuing innovation in destination marketing and management with a strong emphasis on our stated goal of economic, social and environmental sustainability outcomes.
IMPACT: Sustainability, Travel and Tourism Conference
The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism conference inspires the tourism industry to impact global change and lead the world in a new age of environmental and social responsibility. IMPACT aims to drive, spark and demonstrate innovative and collaborative sustainable solutions for positive tourism development across Canada through dialogue, recommendations and action.
The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism conference and Day of IMPACT is a four day event that includes speakers, workshops, break outs, and experiential tours, where you can learn from tourism leaders about industry leading sustainability practices.
IMPACT fills up fast, secure your space today!
Travel Inspiration
