An Evaluation of Green Certification Program: A Study of Two Island Resorts in Malaysia and Indonesia

Tourism contributes to the economic growth of many countries by generating revenues and creating employment opportunities. However, the industry’s success is achieved at the cost of environmental degradation and pollution, one of the contributing factors of climate change. This study aims to examine the sustainable hotel practices through a green hotel certification program of resorts within Malaysia and Indonesia, two developing ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. We investigate two island resorts in terms of the issues and challenges in implementing the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard certification program which promotes environmentally friendly and energy conservation activities. We use a case study approach to compare how resorts practice the green approach within the island perspective. In-depth interviews with owners and managers in charge of those two resorts were arranged. Two resorts that are similar in size, star rating category, and market segmentation were analyzed. The analysis of both resorts revealed different ways of implementing green practices, and both properties appear to gain benefits from implementing environmental practices as outlined in the standard certification program. This study suggests that the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is an essential strategy for resorts within ASEAN countries to promote sustainable development and mitigate climate change.