Virginia Green consists of a network of tourism-related organizations that are committed to protecting the environment while promoting responsible tourism. The statewide program works to reduce the environmental impacts of the Commonwealth's tourism industry and raises awareness about green tourism.

The program is a partnership between DEQ, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association, Virginia State Parks, and the Virginia Green Travel Alliance (VGTA). DEQ's Office of Pollution Prevention provides technical resources and oversight of the certification content. The VGTA manages the certification process and helps members promote their green efforts.

Virginia Green Travel Partners commit to implementing sustainable practices in core areas, including:

  • Recycling
  • Eliminating polystyrene disposables
  • Energy conservation and efficiency
  • Water conservation and efficiency
  • Green events and meetings
  • Consumer engagement

There are two levels of Virginia Green participation:

  1. The Commitment Level requires that basic commitments to sustainable practices are in place, such as recycling and energy and water conservation.
  2. Full Certification requires that several sustainable practices are fully implemented for a larger array of environmental media. To become a Fully Certified Virginia Green Travel Partner, members make a commitment to the six core practices above and provide metrics and additional details on their green programs.

Apply to Virginia Green here.

    Virginia Green Travel Star Awards

    The Virginia Green Travel Star Awards recognize the efforts of participants of Virginia Green, Virginia's campaign to promote environmentally friendly practices in the tourism industry. The annual Green Travel Stars Awards Program will be presented at Busch Gardens Williamsburg March 20-21, 2025. 

    • Green Program Award - Applicants will be judged against similar facilities on how comprehensive and effective their greening programs have been in terms of reducing environmental impacts, involving staff and engaging customers.
    • Innovative Green Project Award - Applicants will be judged on the project's uniqueness, its environmental benefit and the potential for other tourism facilities to learn from the project.
    • Green Supplier of the Year Award - Applicants will be judged on how their green products and services are helping Virginia Green participants in their own greening efforts. This category is primarily for members of the Virginia Green Suppliers Network but is open to all Virginia Green participants.
    • Green Team All-Star Award - Nominate the green team member that has brought your program to the next level. Nominations are judged based their leadership, initiative and dedication to green programs.
    • People's Choice - A People's Choice Award will be open to any Virginia Green Member that submits an award in one of the above categories.

    The application period for the 2025 Virginia Green Travel Star Awards is now open. Once completed, send the application and any supporting documentation to VirginiaGreen@deq.virginia.gov. Applications are due by Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

    As part of the Virginia is for Lovers website, VTC hosts an online database that allows consumers to search for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, events and conference facilities that participate in Virginia Green. The website also has information about preserving and protecting the environment through eco-friendly travel and includes green travel tips, trip ideas, eco-friendly events and much more. VTC and VRLTA both work to market Virginia Green to the hospitality and tourism industry.

    Check out the Virginia Green promotional video.