Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is the responsible stewardship of natural resources to meet today’s needs while ensuring that future generations have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. It seeks to balance environmental, economic, and social priorities through actions such as reducing carbon emissions, expanding the use of renewable energy, protecting natural ecosystems, and promoting equitable access to resources.
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, provides a shared framework for achieving peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future for people and the planet. At its core are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for action by all countries—developed and developing alike—through a global partnership.
The SDGs recognize that addressing poverty and other forms of deprivation must go hand in hand with improving health and education, reducing inequality, fostering inclusive economic growth, and addressing climate change. They also emphasize the importance of protecting our oceans, forests, and other natural resources for future generations. More information about the UN Sustainable Development Goals is available at UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Skål USA Sustainability Group
The mission of the Skål USA Sustainability Group is to highlight and share best practices among Skål USA clubs in the area of responsible and sustainable tourism. These efforts are an important component of a club’s overall commitment to excellence and may support its consideration for nomination as Skål International Club of the Year.
The Sustainability Engagement Group encourages strong representation and active participation by Skål USA clubs. By creating opportunities for clubs and members to share successful initiatives, ideas, and practical solutions, the group seeks to strengthen sustainability throughout the Skål USA network and promote responsible tourism across the industry.
Looking Ahead to 2027
In 2025, the Skål International Sustainability Committee, through its annual Skål Sustainability Awards, reached a historic milestone with 106 entries from 30 countries. Building on this momentum, our goal is to encourage participation from every Skål USA club in the 2027 Skål Sustainability Awards.
A strong example of what can be achieved is Skål International Mérida, Mexico, which was named 2025 Club of the Year. The club was recognized for its outstanding activities and its strong alignment with Skål International’s organizational values, including a significant commitment to sustainability.
Get Involved
Calling All Sustainability Champions!
Skål USA is committed to advancing sustainability throughout the tourism and hospitality industry. Through our clubs, we have a unique opportunity to serve as leaders, advocates, and ambassadors for the more than 12,000 members of Skål International worldwide.
To further this commitment, the Skål USA Sustainability Engagement Group (SEG) invites each U.S. Club to designate a Sustainability Champion who will represent them in a monthly one-hour virtual meeting.
These meetings provide a forum for sharing successful sustainability initiatives, exchanging best practices, and discussing ideas that clubs can implement within the current calendar year. The goal is to encourage meaningful projects that can be completed locally and potentially submitted for consideration in the annual Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards.
In addition, Skål USA will highlight and promote club sustainability efforts through monthly newsletters and social media channels. Sustainability Champions will play an important role in providing updates and helping showcase the positive impact being made across our organization.
Prospective Sustainability Champions can submit their name and contact information to Iris Salazar at irissalazarmail@gmail.com.
Together, we can strengthen Skål USA’s leadership in sustainability and contribute to a more responsible and resilient future for the travel and tourism industry.
Yours in Skål!
Recognition
Skål International Sustainability Awards
The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards are a prestigious global competition that recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and best practices in responsible travel. Open to public and private entities, NGOs, and government agencies, the awards celebrate initiatives that balance environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
🌿 Environmental
Nature preservation, carbon footprint reduction, and resource efficiency.
🤝 Social
Cultural preservation, local community involvement, and fair labor practices.
💼 Economic
Local employment, long-term profitability, and employee training.
Award Categories
- ✓ Accessible Tourism
- ✓ Accommodation, Food, and Hospitality Services
- ✓ Communication
- ✓ Community, Government, and Service Companies
- ✓ Educational and Social Programs
- ✓ Innovative Sustainable IT Solutions
- ✓ Land and Marine Biodiversity
- ✓ Tour Operators and Travel Agencies
Annual Sustainability Award applications are due on May 31 with winners announced at the Annual World Congress
Giving Back
A Living Tribute
The Skål USA Sustainability Group supports A Living Tribute by honoring friends and loved ones in bereavement or in celebration with the gift of trees benefitting present and future generations. Honor someone by planting trees in multiple forests throughout the National Forest system where the need is currently the greatest or where you prefer geographically.
Skål members receive a 10% discount when using the promo code SKALUSA.
