They are not reliable. It is also hampered by the complete lack of trust that the tourism community has in the government's Tourism Institute. So, Black Sheep Inn, don't wait for the government to come up with something good. I waited for the CST, who swore that they would be doing the exact same thing as the New Key green rating was doing. But of the 68 hotels which appear on our green rating, only 7 appear on the CST list.
Cultural mores are often incompatible with certification programs.
So let the guidebook writers who really understand the country culturally help make ratings work in their country of expertise. You know how many tourism and ecotourism and conservation organizations there are in Costa Rica. Maybe someday they will get together, but I don't see it happening soon. It would be easier for the guidebook writers to get together. But those readers who dig a little bit will find some guidance.