Introducing the Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation: Revolutionising Sustainability in the Wedding Industry
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation, a first-of-its-kind standard for sustainability in the wedding industry. The accreditation is designed to help wedding businesses achieve a higher level of sustainability and align their practices with the principles of environmental, social, and financial responsibility.
At the heart of the accreditation process is the Sustainability Assessment, a comprehensive framework that evaluates a business’s sustainability across various dimensions. By employing the “plan, act, check, do” approach, the assessment enables businesses to identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies to enhance their sustainability efforts.
“The Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation is a game-changer for the wedding industry,” said Michelle Miles, Founder of SWA. “We have taken the core principles of business management and combined them with sustainability, resulting in a framework that not only focuses on environmental impact but also encompasses the overall operation and social responsibility of wedding businesses.”
Recent surveys indicate that couples planning their weddings are increasingly seeking out sustainable venues and suppliers. In a survey conducted in Spring 2022, 69% of couples expressed a preference for wedding businesses with a sustainable accreditation or certification, with an additional 18% stating their openness to the idea. The Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation provides a clear and accessible way for couples to identify businesses that have been independently verified for their sustainability practices.
Unlike existing environmental standards, which primarily concentrate on the environmental aspects of events, SWA’s accreditation goes beyond to encompass the entire business and the weddings it is involved in. By meeting the criteria of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation, businesses demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, financial success, and carbon emissions reduction, striking a balance between people, profit, and the planet.
Upon joining, members of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance undergo the Sustainability Assessment, which follows the circular framework of “Plan, Do, Check, Act.” This approach allows businesses to continually improve their sustainability practices and adapt to changes in the industry and the world at large.
The duration of the accreditation process varies depending on the business’s current sustainability practices. For businesses already working sustainably, accreditation can be achieved immediately during the assessment, while those at earlier stages of their sustainability journey may require additional time. SWA is confident that with dedication and commitment, businesses can achieve accreditation in a relatively short timeframe.
Upon successful accreditation, businesses receive a digital certificate and accreditation badge that can be prominently displayed on their website, social media platforms, and marketing materials. Additionally, SWA showcases accredited businesses through a dedicated blog post on the Conscious Couple Planning Blog, further enhancing their visibility within the conscious consumer market.
In addition to the recognition and marketing opportunities, accredited businesses receive ongoing support from SWA. They undergo annual reassessments to ensure they maintain the required sustainability standards. Furthermore, accredited businesses enjoy a 25% discount on their future annual membership fees, providing long-term value and continued access to the Sustainable Wedding Alliance community.
Join the Sustainable Wedding Alliance today and embark on your journey towards accreditation. Together, we can transform the wedding industry into a beacon of sustainability, inspiring couples and businesses alike to create weddings that leave a positive and lasting impact.
