The annual awards programme is open to all Green Globe 21 members and is judged on the thirteen principles of Agenda 21 which have been defined for the tourism industry by the World Travel & Tourism Council, World Tourism Organization and the Earth Council.

The projects initiated by members in 1998 included: the implementation of company wide environmental management systems; campaigns launched on World Environment Day (5 June) to raise environmental awareness; sponsored beach and resort clean-ups; supporting local community co-operatives who produce traditional gifts and souvenirs; developing eco-rooms in hotels as models of good practice; creating and maintaining local wildlife habitats and species; involving guests, employees and suppliers in all parts of the environmental programme and supporting new technology such as alternative energy, waste water treatment plants and electric cars.