MONTEGO BAY, St James-Sound environmental practices at Sandals Montego Bay in this resort city, continue to rake in big rewards for the flagship resort.

Last week, the resort received Green Globe certification status for the sixth consecutive year from the prestigious England -based company, Green Globe 21.

Last month, the hotel underwent rigorous testing by a team from Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) working on behalf of Green Globe 21, observing environmental standards and practices at the resort. The scope of the auditors assessment covered the entire operations at the hotel. These include wastewater and solid waste management, energy conservation, fresh water conversation, chemical management and commitment to sustainable tourism development.

Green Globe certification is used by hotels, tour operators, cruise lines and suppliers as an index of a resort’s adherence to sound environmental practices.

In presenting the instrument of recertification at the resort last week, managing director of Green Globe Accreditation, Reg Easy said he was extremely impressed with the hotel’s sound environmental practices, standards as well as its involvement with a number of communities. “We have visited several other hotels across the world and Sandals Montego Bay’s commitment and enthusiasm to the set standards is second to none,” he added.

Meanwhile, Melanie Inniss and Veto Bishop who assisted with the audit of the hotel for SGS, concurred that the inspectors undertook their work in a detailed manner and added that all expectations were met. The hotel’s commitment to the continuous education of its employees was also noted by the duo.

In commenting on the re-certification of the hotel, Sandals Montego Bay’s general manager, Horace Peterkin praised members of staff for their support and commitment to the hotel’s operations. He argued that the hotel will continue to do everything in its power to, not only ensure re-certification next year and beyond, but to educate the public on environmental issues.

“This re-certification is the icing on the cake for Sandals Montego Bay this year, as it has taken place just after we captured the Caribbean Green Hotel of the Year crown,” Peterkin added.

Sandals Montego Bay received its first Green Globe-21 certification in 2001.