Millenium Hotel Queenstown is the first hotel in the resort to receive an Enviro Gold Qualmark endorsement.
Enviro Gold endorsements are awarded to tourism operators displaying a commitment to sound environmental and social practices.
It is Qualmark's highest award for responsible tourism.
The award recognises the work required taken to achieve sound environmental performance without compromising the quality of service.
General manager John Clarke said the award illustrated an enormous team effort.
There had been a particular focus on community projects including a proposed beach clean-up and the introduction of a worm farm, which was being used as a pilot project for Queenstown accommodation providers, he said.
The farm is on the grounds of the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, where hotel food waste from kitchens and restaurants was "processed".
"The worm farm produces vermicast, or worm juice, which is very high in nutrients and is being used as a liquid garden fertiliser in the gardens of . . . the Millennium," he said.
