The process of becoming a GEO Certified® Development is overseen by GEO Foundation, a code compliant member of the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL). There are a number of assurances that authenticate and give accreditation through our subsidiary GEO Certification Limited to the independent verifiers who are part of the certification process.
The Sustainable Golf Development Voluntary Sustainability Standard (VSS) represents industry best practice and the highest standards of sustainable development in golf. It also forms the criteria for GEO Certified® Developments. The standard evolves with the times, so it stays relevant and keeps pushing the boundaries of sustainability in golf. This document is the latest edition. It's the result of a 10-week open public consultation and an impact review by the International Expert Working Group which brings together golf and non-golf representatives. The standard is revised every five years, with the 3rd Edition published in October 2026.
This open-access document is designed to inform the process of delivering an internationally recognised sustainable golf development. It covers nature protection and enhancement, resource efficiency, climate action and community connections. The practices within it apply to golf courses of every scale, and they're adaptable, open and affordable for all.
The criteria in the VSS are what each GEO Certified project is measured against during certification. This ensures every project is designed and constructed in the most sustainable way possible.
Click below to download the standards
