The
Mission of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association is to promote the growth of responsible tourism through marketing strategies and programs that balance economic growth with the need to preserve the natural and cultural heritage in the Hocking Hills region.
Hocking Hills Green Certified is a voluntary environmental certification initiative of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association for the purpose of reducing the environmental footprint of the Hocking Hills travel and hospitality industry.
To become Hocking Hills Green certified businesses must submit a completed Registration and Application. Businesses may qualify for Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Certification based on the extent of its practices in each of three disciplines of environmental responsibility. Businesses may advance to a higher level of certification as additional practices are implemented. Each level of certification includes required practices and optional practices. A minimum score is required for each level of certification. The point and scoring process is outlined in the Registration and Application document.
The three disciplines of Hocking Hills Green Certified are:
- Communication/Education
- Resource Management
- Stewardship
In each discipline there are required practices and optional practices. The environmentally responsible practices a Hocking Hills Green Certified business has committed to are listed in their listing on this web site.
Can a business be removed from the program?
Yes, businesses who do not meet the requirements for annual certification will be removed from the program. Businesses that show deficiencies in meeting the basic requirements as outlined in the Application can be removed. Any business being considered for removal from the program will receive a 60 day notice and the opportunity to address the Hocking Hills Green oversight committee prior to being removed from the program. Enforcement will be based on the honor system combined with feedback from travelers who will be provided a method of reporting their experiences on www.hockinghillsgreen.com.