June 4, 2025
When you come to Amelia Island you’re not just choosing sunshine, salt air, and Southern charm—you’re also supporting a destination committed to sustainability. Many of Amelia Island’s accommodations have taken meaningful steps to reduce their environmental impact by earning Audubon International’s Green Lodging Certification.
Audubon International is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing global environmental sustainability through practical, science-based programs. The Green Lodging Program focuses on promoting eco-friendly practices within all types of lodging facilities. Through comprehensive on-site evaluations, the program assesses a property’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Facilities are certified based on their efforts to conserve water, improve water quality, minimize waste, conserve resources, and enhance energy efficiency. Audubon International awards certification at three levels—bronze, silver, and gold—each determined by how well a property meets established environmental criteria.
Here’s a look at certified green hotels across Amelia Island, from cozy inns and mainstream hotels, to luxurious beachfront resorts:
These properties have demonstrated top-tier environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
A romantic, historic B&B located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach, The Addison provides recycling bins in each guest room and in the dining room for glass, plastic, aluminum, paper, and cardboard items.
Luxury meets sustainability at this five-star resort, offering award-winning service along with motion sensors in non-guest areas to conserve electrical usage, and tinted balcony doors to reduce heat intrusion in guestrooms. They also partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to receive donations of unused food to help those in the community facing hunger.
A newer addition with modern comforts and Gold-certified environmental initiatives, just a short walk from the beach. A few of their efforts include reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, promoting local sourcing, and engaging with the local community. NOTE: The Courtyard & Springhill Suites by Marriott both moved up from Silver to Gold
With ocean views and upscale amenities, this all-suite hotel prioritizes both guest comfort, environmental impact, community involvement, cultural heritage, and the local economy. NOTE: The Courtyard & Springhill Suites by Marriott both moved up from Silver to Gold
Perfect for extended stays with in-room kitchens and an easy walk to the beach, The Residence Inn, Amelia Island is proudly certified Gold through their energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. NOTE: The Residence Inn moved up from Bronze to Gold
The Surf and Sand Hotel is Audubon certified gold through their four, Green Key Global certifications that demonstrate their commitment to environmental management and corporate social responsibility.
These properties have implemented commendable environmental practices that go above and beyond the basics.
A family-friendly favorite located just across the street from the ocean, blends comfort with eco-conscious touches.
With a tropical pool area and pet-friendly rooms, this stay lets you enjoy paradise responsibly. To be environmentally friendly, the hotel changes guest room linens every fourth day, while still providing daily housekeeping services like replenishing towels and soap.
Steps from the sand and just minutes from Fort Clinch, this intimate inn shows silver-level commitment to sustainability including water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and the use of eco-friendly toiletries.
These hotels are making great strides in implementing green policies, earning them Bronze distinction.
As part of Hilton’s global sustainability goals to halve its environmental footprint by 2030, the Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Harbor Front has eliminated single-use plastics and is shifting to full-size bath amenities among other green lodging processes.
Purposely situated under a canopy of oaks, Sea Cottages features use of LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, low voltage landscape lighting, and the use of low energy appliances and implementation of a recycling program.
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