LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Globe International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:GGII), the worldwide owner of the Green Globe brand, today commented on the recent launch of Green Globe University -- the world's first e-learning initiative for sustainable tourism training, which is being delivered by Green Globe Certification, which is currently represented in over 83 countries with a network of preferred partnerships in Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and India as well as Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong, among others. In celebration of the launch, Green Globe Certification is offering its online auditor training course with free auditor registration for the first year.
The Green Globe Auditor Accreditation Course encompasses 20 hours of detailed course materials and is available for $1,990. The course fee includes the Green Globe Certification annual auditor fee, valued at $1,000, for all candidates successfully completing the accreditation.
"Any initiative which results in more exposure for the Green Globe brand and allows additional sustainability professionals around the world to become involved in Green Globe programs is a very positive development, and the Green Globe University is certainly expected to produce positive financial results for the brand over time," said Steven R. Peacock, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green Globe International. "Kudos to the Green Globe Certification team for launching this program, and we look forward to its successful growth in markets around the world."
Green Globe auditors are environmental or sustainability professionals who provide Green Globe members with third party verification in line with ISO 19011 standards for auditing management systems. Utilizing the Green Globe Standard for sustainable operation and management of tourism and related businesses, auditors ensure all Green Globe members are performing to the highest standards.
Throughout the Auditor Accreditation Course, candidates complete a range of online assessments to ensure a detailed understanding of the Green Globe Standard and its application to their clients. Once complete, auditors receive a certificate of accreditation and an introduction to Green Globe partners within their region. Auditors are also registered on Green Globe's website for assignment to businesses completing certification.
The e-learning solution is fully web-based and includes a comprehensive range of functionality to assist users including online registration, course payment portal, self-paced instruction lessons, integration with social media extensions including YouTube and Facebook, downloadable course material, progressive examinations, printed course completion certificates, intuitive online help and 24-hour email based support.
Green Globe University manages both the training and accreditation of Green Globe certification auditors. Tutorials are focused on providing a foundation in sustainability issues and practices and encompass all aspects of the Green Globe Certification Standard including its history, certification process, detailed compliance framework, auditor guidance notes, subjective evidence gathering, auditor code of conduct, and policy statements.
Throughout the course, prospective auditors complete a range of online assessments to ensure a detailed understanding of the Green Globe Certification Standard and its application to their clients.
Green Globe University also delivers new training programs to travel industry professionals who want to improve their understanding of sustainable operation and management. Green Globe Sustainability Courses deliver a comprehensive overview of the key practices that now underpin the internationally accepted standards for sustainability.
Supplementary courses are also offered on specific industry sectors including Accommodation, Administration Offices, Conference Centers, Green Events, Attractions, Spas, and Cruise Ships. Live tutorials and coaching by an accredited Green Globe trainer is available.
For more information regarding Green Globe University, please visit www.greenglobeuniversity.com
The Green Globe brand and program, which traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 Heads of State endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of Sustainable Development, has primarily been used in the travel and tourism industry but is now being expanded to include a growing number of environmentally responsible businesses in a variety of market sectors. The Green Globe brand is an ideal symbol for the world's increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and response to global climate change.
The company encourages all shareholders and others interested in following the progress of the Green Globe brand to subscribe to receive email alerts whenever new information is made public. To subscribe, please visit http://www.greenglobeint.com/stayconnected/email/.
About Green Globe International, Inc.
Green Globe International, Inc., through its 88% majority ownership in Green Globe, Ltd., a UK corporation, is the worldwide owner of the Green Globe brand, the recognized leader of sustainability certification and benchmarking programs, carbon footprint calculation and offset programs, and a broad range of consulting services. Green Globe International is an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the business leaders' forum for the travel and tourism industry, is a major shareholder of Green Globe International. For more information on the company and its programs, please visit www.greenglobeint.com or call 888-528-0883.
The Green Globe International, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6582
For information on Green Globe Certification, please visit www.greenglobe.com. To see sustainable travel options, please visit www.greenglobe.travel.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of Green Globe International, Inc., which involves risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual future results could materially differ from those discussed. The Company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the "Safe Harbors" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.