Eco checklist: 9 ways to assess how green your hotel is

 

## Eco Checklist: 9 Ways to Assess How Green Your Hotel Is

As sustainability becomes a priority for travelers, understanding how to assess the eco-friendliness of hotels is essential. Here’s a checklist of nine key factors to consider when evaluating whether a hotel is genuinely green.

### 1. **Energy Efficiency**

Check if the hotel has implemented energy-saving measures. Look for features such as:

- **LED lighting** throughout the property.

- **Smart thermostats** and energy-efficient appliances.

- Programs for measuring and reducing overall energy consumption.

### 2. **Water Conservation**

Sustainable hotels often prioritize water-saving practices. Look for:

- **Low-flow fixtures** in bathrooms and kitchens.

- Policies encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens.

- Rainwater harvesting systems or greywater recycling.

### 3. **Waste Management Practices**

Assess how the hotel handles waste. A green hotel should:

- Have a comprehensive recycling program.

- Reduce single-use plastics by offering refillable amenities.

- Implement composting for organic waste.

### 4. **Sustainable Sourcing**

Inquire about the sourcing of food and other products:

- Does the hotel use **locally sourced ingredients** in its restaurants?

- Are there options for organic or sustainably produced food?

- Look for partnerships with local farmers or suppliers.

### 5. **Eco-Friendly Certifications**

Check if the hotel has any recognized sustainability certifications, such as:

- **Green Globe Certification**

- **Green Key Eco-Rating**

- **LEED Certification** (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

These certifications indicate that the hotel adheres to specific environmental standards.

### 6. **Community Engagement**

A sustainable hotel should contribute positively to its local community:

- Look for employment of local staff and support for local businesses.

- Check if the hotel participates in community development or conservation projects.

### 7. **Transportation Options**

Evaluate the transportation options provided by the hotel:

- Does it offer a **shuttle service** to reduce car usage?

- Are there facilities for bicycles, such as bike racks or rentals?

- Does it promote public transportation options?

### 8. **Chemical Use Policies**

Investigate the cleaning products and chemicals used by the hotel:

- Are they committed to using **green cleaning products** that are free from harmful chemicals?

- Do they provide information on their chemical use policies?

### 9. **Guest Education and Participation**

A truly eco-friendly hotel will engage guests in sustainability efforts:

- Look for educational materials about local ecology and conservation efforts.

- Check if they encourage guests to participate in sustainability initiatives, such as beach clean-ups or conservation activities.

### Conclusion

By using this eco checklist, travelers can make informed decisions about where to stay while supporting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Choosing a green hotel not only enhances your travel experience but also contributes positively to the environment and local communities. As awareness grows, hotels that prioritize sustainability will likely attract more eco-conscious travelers, fostering a culture of responsible tourism.

Citations:

[1] https://greenbusinessbureau.com/industries/hospitality/sustainable-hospitality-how-to-create-a-sustainability-plan-for-hotels/

[2] https://biofilico.com/news/sustainable-hotel-resort-certifications

[3] https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Hotel%20Sustainability%20Basics-Toolkit.pdf?ver=2022-08-16-131107-417

[4] https://ecotourism-world.com/checklist-to-see-if-youre-staying-in-a-sustainable-hotel/

[5] https://www.greenkey.global/self-assessment

[6] https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/hospitality/eco-friendly-hotel-ideas

[7] https://ruaf.org/assets/2019/11/Private-sector-engagement-in-city-region-food-systems-analysis-report.pdf

[8] https://desapublications.un.org/file/67/download