Articles on: Technical Requirements

3.- Conformity Assessment

At Certitur, we have developed a streamlined and efficient digital off-site audit process for vacation rental properties. The audit process is facilitated through the Certitur dedicated dashboard, empowering vacation rental owners or managers to upload property documentation and photos seamlessly. Our external auditors are able to review the information via their own dedicated Certitur dashboard.

3.1.- Evaluation and Verification System

The audit process involves three types of auditors: the verifier, the reviewer, and the auditor. Each has their own access to the “validation dashboard” of Certitur.

The External Verifier
The verifier plays a crucial role in the assessment process. They meticulously check all uploaded photos and documentation against the established criteria, validating each submission. Once the verifier completes their review, the information is automatically sent to the reviewer.

The External Reviewer
The reviewer holds a unique access level that allows them to thoroughly examine the information provided by the verifier. In cases where the reviewer identifies discrepancies or rejects certain validations made by the verifier, the property information is automatically sent back to the verifier for necessary corrections. This ensures a comprehensive and accurate assessment before proceeding further.

Once the reviewer is satisfied with the assessment's accuracy and completeness, they confirm the validation process as complete. Our sophisticated system then generates a digital badge using the Accreditable software, certifying that the property has scored at least 20% against the defined criteria for sustainability. The badge serves as a tangible and verifiable proof of the property's commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

The External Auditor’s Oversight
The auditor in our certification process holds a pivotal role as "the super admin" overseeing the entire assessment procedure. They possess a comprehensive view of the audit process and have access to all the data in order to be able to conduct the surprise assessment (see 5.4.- Random or Surprise Assessment).

3.2.- Post-Certification Actions
Post-certification actions refer to the activities that vacation rental providers undertake after obtaining certification.

3.2.1.- Marketing
Additionally, vacation rental providers are encouraged to display their certification status prominently to build trust and confidence among potential guests. They can use the certification as a marketing tool to showcase their commitment to quality and adherence to industry best practices.

3.2.2.- Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
At Certitur, we follow the ISO methodology of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle as a continuous loop to ensure ongoing improvement and sustainability in vacation rentals. The PDCA cycle involves four stages: planning, doing, checking, and acting. After a vacation rental property has obtained the certification badge, the PDCA cycle comes into play to drive continuous enhancements in sustainability practices.

Planning: Once certified, vacation rental owners or managers are encouraged to set new sustainability goals and objectives for the upcoming year. They will develop a clear plan to further improve their sustainability efforts and reduce their environmental impact.

Doing: In the "doing" phase, vacation rental providers implement the planned sustainability initiatives. They actively put into action the measures and practices that align with the defined criteria, aiming to surpass the sustainability percentage achieved during the previous certification period.

Checking: During the "checking" stage, the vacation rental's sustainability performance is thoroughly evaluated and measured against the new goals and objectives set in the planning phase. This assessment involves a comprehensive review of the property's practices, performance data, and impact on the environment and local community.

Acting: Based on the results of the evaluation, the vacation rental makes data-driven decisions and takes necessary actions to address any areas requiring improvement. The "acting" phase involves refining strategies, implementing adjustments, and seeking innovative solutions to enhance sustainability efforts.

As previously stated, in order to maintain the certification badge in subsequent years, vacation rental properties must demonstrate progress and improvement compared to their previous sustainability percentage. This process of continuous improvement through the PDCA cycle ensures that vacation rentals remain committed to sustainability and are constantly striving to reduce their environmental impact and contribute positively to the communities they serve.

By embracing the PDCA cycle as a continuous loop, vacation rentals foster a culture of ongoing improvement and sustainability, aligning with the principles of ISO methodology. This approach strengthens their commitment to environmental preservation, encourages innovation, and contributes to a greener and more responsible vacation rental industry for the benefit of guests, communities, and the planet.

Updated on: 27/09/2024

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