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Written by travelgreen Team
Publication date: 01 Mar 2024

Sustainable Hotel Certifications:

What They Mean

Publication date:

01 Mar 2024

Sustainable Hotel Certifications:

What They Mean

Why Sustainable Hotel Certifications Matter*

Sustainable hotel certifications set standards for environmental and social responsibility, helping hotels reduce waste, conserve resources, and adopt eco-friendly practices. Beyond reputation, these certifications offer benefits like lower costs, engaged employees, and loyal eco-conscious guests.
*This is a non-exhaustive list

Internationals certifications


Certification Name
Scope/Focus
Criteria
Validity
Biosphere Logo
Scope/Focus
Biosphere is an international certification body focused on sustainable development in the tourism sector. Its goal is to promote responsible practices in environmental, social, and economic areas. Recognized by UNESCO, Biosphere has a global presence, with a strong foothold in Spain.[1]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Social Economic Equity
  • Cultural Preservation
Validity
2 years

EarthCheck Logo
Scope/Focus
EarthCheck is an International scope. Focus on benchmarking and certification for sustainability in tourism. Worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe and in Asia.[3]
Criteria
  • Energy & water efficiency
  • Waste management
  • Community engagement
Validity
1 year

Fair Trade Logo
Scope/Focus
Fair Trade Certification Promoting ethical and sustainable tourism practices. Trusted in the U.S. market[4]
Criteria
  • Fair Wages, Working conditions
  • Environmental Impact
  • Community Support
Validity
1 or 2 years

Green Globe Logo
Scope/Focus
Green Globe Certification is a Global scope. Focus on Sustainability management. Global, including ASEAN countries.[5]
Criteria
  • Environmental practices
  • Employee engagement
  • Biodiversity conservation
Validity
2 years

Green Seal Logo
Scope/Focus
Green Seal: Sustainability across industries, and hospitality. Trusted in the U.S. market[6]
Criteria
  • Waste reduction
  • Water conservation
  • Non-toxic products
Validity
1 year

Green Tourism Logo
Scope/Focus
Green Tourism Certification Sustainability in hospitality and travel services[7]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Waste Management
  • Green Guest programs
Validity
2 years

GSTC Logo
Scope/Focus
GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Global criteria for sustainability in tourism and hospitality. Certifies other programs rather than hotels directly[8]
Criteria
  • Sustainable Management
  • Socio-Economic Benefits
  • Cultural and Environmental Protection
Validity
5 years

LEED Logo
Scope/Focus
LEED (Leadership Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is a Global US based. Focus on Building sustainability[9]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Sustainable site design
  • Materials used
Validity
5 years

Travelife for accommodation Logo
Scope/Focus
Travelife for Accommodation Sustainability in Hotel operations. International certification for hotels focusing on sustainability and ethical tourism. Endorsed by major tour operators (eg. TUI)[10]
Criteria
  • Environmental Management
  • Human Rights
  • Local Engagement
Validity
1 year


Asean certifications


Certification Name
Scope/Focus
Criteria
Validity
Biosphere Logo
Scope/Focus
The ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is a regional certification program developed by the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs). It recognizes hotels that implement environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).[14]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Water conservation
  • Waste management
  • Sustainable sourcing
Validity
2 years

Biosphere Logo
Scope/Focus
Green Building Index (GBI) is a green building rating tool from Malaysia that assesses the environmental sustainability of buildings, including hotels. Malaysia, but it can be applied to hotels across Southeast Asia.[15]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
  • Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SSPM)
  • Materials and Resources
  • Water efficiency
  • Reducing Carbon Footprint
Validity
5 years


Europeans Certifications


Certification Name
Scope/Focus
Criteria
Validity

Ecolabel Logo
Scope/Focus
EU Ecolabel assesses various aspects of sustainability in hotel operations, focusing on areas such as:[11]
Criteria
  • Reduction of energy consumption
  • Efficient water management
  • Minimization of waste and emissions
  • Use of environmentally friendly products and services
Validity
3 years

Green Key Logo
Scope/Focus
Green Key assesses various aspects of sustainability in hotel operations. Found in many European countries, including Denmark, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and others.[12]
Criteria
  • Waste management
  • Efficient Water use
  • Energy conservation
  • Eco-friendly purchasing and practices
Validity
1 year

Biosphere Logo
Scope/Focus
Biosphere is an international certification body focused on sustainable development in the tourism sector. Its goal is to promote responsible practices in environmental, social, and economic areas. Recognized by UNESCO, Biosphere has a global presence, with a strong foothold in Spain.[13]
Criteria
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Waste management
  • Waste reduction
  • Responsible practices
Validity
2 years