The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.
The GDS-Index is aligned with international standards; UN SDGs, GSTC Destination Criteria, UNWTO.
Click here to read more about the benchmarking methodology including data collection and verification, the four benchmarking categories, governance and criteria development and performance scoring methods.
This page highlights each destinations sustainability journey and will showcase their journey.
The 2023 GDS-Index comprises 69 indicators across four categories. Here is the total score and the score for the four categories for this destination.
Environmental
Social
Supplier
Destination Management Organisation
Environmental
Includes a city's performance pertaining to its policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels.
Social
Indicates the performance of the city against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Supplier
Addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Destination Management Organisation
Indicates the sustainability commitment, including questions pertaining to maturity of a destination's sustainability and regeneration strategy, leadership, communication of sustainability initiatives (to support client planners), and the accuracy of their reporting on sustainability operations.
Does Visit Denver have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Denver have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Visit Denver report on its sustainability performance?
VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau was the first convention and visitor’s bureau to achieve the ASTM/APEX Level Two certification for a sustainable meeting destination. The criteria within the certification includes a prioritization to sustainable procurement, assisting planners with options for donations and volunteer opportunities, and working with partner organizations to assist in their sustainability journey. In 2019, VISIT DENVER was proud to have been certified to the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program at the Gold Level. This program focuses on the tracking of company metrics and implementing a sustainability plan for the organization. The City and County of Denver is also committed to demonstrating their sustainability performance through certifications. The City agencies have been certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System since 2009. In spring 2019, the City achieved LEED for Cities Platinum level.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
VISIT DENVER has all of the tools, a sustainable convention center, eco-friendly transportation and other resources to assist meeting planners in implementing green practices through reducing, reusing, recycling and giving back. Additionally, the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) in downtown Denver is the premier green meeting space for a sustainable meeting. With a dedicated Sustainable Programs Manager, a robust sustainability program and a 300,000 kilowatt solar array, the LEED Gold Certified Existing Building is the premier sustainable conference center and ideal location for a green meeting or convention. The (CCC) is now the largest existing building in the region to attain LEED Gold within the Existing Building Operation and Maintenance (EBOM) criteria through recertification. Since 2015, the CCC has been recognized by the CDPHE Environmental Gold Leader program by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The on-site Blue Bear Farm grows 5,000 pounds annually of fruits, vegetable and herbs.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Many of Denver’s businesses are committed to giving back to the community. From restaurants that donate regularly to local children’s charities to animal rescues focused on saving wildlife populations, Denver’s organizations try to make the world better. Groups coming to The Mile High City have an opportunity to do the same. VISIT DENVER’s voluntourism program connects visitors and meeting attendees with local food banks, environmental causes, blood donation events and more.
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
Copyright GDS-Movement 2024. All rights reserved.
