YHA NZ gains first backpacker network CEMARS certification

YHA New Zealand has become the first backpacker hostel network in the world to achieve CEMARS (Carbon Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certification.

“YHA is delighted to have achieved this certification, which reflects our longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Our sustainable practice has been well recognised over the years by a number of awards, and this certification represents our ongoing commitment to responsible tourism here in New Zealand,” said Mark Wells, YHANZ Chief Executive.

CEMARS is the first two steps of Landcare Research’s internationally recognised carboNZeroCert program. It recognises the actions of businesses and organisations that measure their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, understand their carbon liabilities and put in place management plans to reduce emissions in their organisation and more widely through their supply chain.

After an independent verification audit by authorised verifiers, CEMARS-certified organisations can make a credible and robust greenhouse gas measurement and management (reduction) claim, using a certification mark that is recognised in over 50 world economies.