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 2024 GDS-Index comprises 77 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.
Sustainability has been at the forefront of decision-making in Edmonton. Explore Edmonton has made commitments towards a sustainable future in our Tourism Master Plan and Business Plan – using sustainable benchmarks that measure our success as a destination. Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre both launched Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plans and are Green Key, Climate Smart, and On-the-Road to Zero Waste Certified. In alignment with our city’s goals, Explore Edmonton is committed to climate resilience and creating social benefits as part of our organizational performance goals.
Does Explore Edmonton have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Edmonton have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Explore Edmonton report on its sustainability performance?
The City of Edmonton has outlined two long-term strategies to effectively attack and mitigate the effects of climate. Most Edmontonians view the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System as the most important feature of our city. It is a vital ecological corridor, a valued recreation destination, a place of incredible cultural significance, and a draw for visitors throughout the region. In Edmonton, transportation accounts for 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the city plan, our transportation priorities support sustainable mobility choices that support healthy, vibrant, and liveable communities. This includes the expansion of our bike lanes, the transition of the City of Edmonton bus fleet to electric buses, an extension of the Light Rail System (LRT), Electric vehicle roll-out, and the introduction of electric scooters.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Explore Edmonton has created the Responsible Events Program (REP) which was designed to confront these issues and provide environmentally and socially sustainable giving projects through community partnerships. The REP helps guide events to give back to our city while supporting meaningful community relationships and addressing real gaps that are timely and relevant to our city. Explore Edmonton partnered with Ostrom Climate Solutions to help event planners reduce their event’s carbon footprint. In addition, our sustainability team created a destination-specific carbon calculator, which few destinations have. With our Carbon Neutral Program, planners can understand their emissions, offset the unavoidable emissions, and create a positive impact.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Edmonton is a diverse community, where cultures and identities can mix and co-exist. The Edmonton Downtown Core and Transit System Safety Plan has been used to tackle the issues within Edmonton such as transit safety, anti-racism, reconciliation, safe and inclusive spaces, crime prevention and crisis intervention, and overall community development and enhancement. Edmonton is home to the Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous People’s Experience (IPE). The locality and opportunity for Amiskwaciwâskahikan Indigenous peoples remained of top importance in the development and operations of the experience. IPE is completely led and managed by Indigenous peoples and has provided a platform where local community members can speak on their own stories and issues. The revitalization of the IPE includes the inclusion and opportunity for Indigenous peoples to be represented throughout the park in an authentic and Indigenous-led way.
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.
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