EarthCheck’s rigorous, science-backed, and people-focused certification process help travel and tourism brands to demonstrate their long-term sustainability commitment.

To ensures that hotel clients know where they’re starting from, where they’re heading, and that the team and stakeholders are engaged from the outset, Specialist will assist hotels in:

• Engaging hotel team and stakeholders to establish your sustainability policy.
• Benchmarking your business in key areas such as energy use, water use, carbon emissions, chemical use, community and employee impact, paper use, and waste management
• Certifying your organisation under EarthCheck standards.
• Auditing and promoting your certification level annually.

4 STEPS TO KICKSTART THE SUSTAINABILITY PROBRAMME

1. Engagement and Commitment

To commit hotel businesses to a sustainable pathway and take action, Specialists will help engage the hotel team and stakeholders, and develop a Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Policy.

2. Benchmarking and Performance Tracking

Specialists will monitor the hotel’s performance in real-time, identify any critical issues, and benchmark the hotel against other businesses in areas such as energy use, water use, carbon emissions, chemical use, community and employee impact, paper use, and waste management. Hotels can also add custom indicators based on specific needs. Specialists will document these findings so the hotel know exactly where the business stands, enabling the hotel to make more informed decisions and continue improving. At this stage, the hotel can achieve Bronze Benchmarked status.

3. Implementing a New Sustainability Management System

Specialists will assist in implementing a sustainability management system with criteria, guides, templates, and experts to guide the hotel through every step. Once implemented, the hotel can easily measure and manage sustainability activities and be ready for certification.

4. Certification

Submit an audit report to Auditor that reflects the organisation’s performance against the EarthCheck Certified Standard 2-3 month before an audit. An independent auditor will visit the hotel to conduct the audit, and engage the hotel team. Hotels that meets the requirement will be awarded a certification and will be granted the use of the EarthCheck Certified logo to promote achievement. Additionally, the certification level will be upgraded based on the number of years in the certification scheme.

The EU Ecolabel is a recognised label across all member states of the European Union, as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. This voluntary label, introduced by an EU regulation in 1992 (Regulation EEC 880/92), has become a key reference for consumers seeking to reduce pollution by purchasing more environmentally-friendly products and services.

Identify Sustainable Choices for a Wide Range of Products

The EU Ecolabel is awarded to products and services that have a lower environmental impact compared to similar alternatives, enabling consumers to identify more sustainable and healthier choices. The label covers a wide range of products, from cleaning agents to electrical appliances, textiles, lubricants, paints and varnishes, as well as accommodations and campsites. However, at present, the label does not extend to food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices.

Guide to Achieving the EU Ecolabel

Specialists assist businesses in obtaining the EU Ecolabel, guiding them through the stringent environmental criteria required. From supply chain verification to the implementation of best sustainable practices, they will support hotels at every stage of the certification process.

Align with European Standards

Specialists are fully aligned with European standards, ensuring that hotel clients meet requirements and the prestige that this label brings to their brand.

The Voluntary Nature of the EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary system, meaning there is no obligation to use it. However, we believe it offers an invaluable opportunity to differentiate products and services in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

The Application Process

To obtain the EU Ecolabel, manufacturers, importers, service providers, and retailers can apply through the relevant national body, such as RAL gGmbH in Germany. Specialists will assist with the preparation and submission of all necessary documentation, ensuring that each client meets the specific criteria and achieves certification efficiently.

Keeping Up with Innovation: Regular Updates to Criteria

The criteria for the EU Ecolabel are reviewed and updated every three to five years. Specialists stay informed of these updates to ensure that hotel clients continue to meet the most recent standards to secure the successful renewal of their certification.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management

ISO 14001 focuses on minimising environmental impact through sustainable practices. This standard is crucial for industries striving to reduce their carbon footprint. Specialists will work closely with hotels to implement eco-friendly processes that comply with legal requirements and enhance a brand’s reputation as a responsible enterprise.

ISO 9001 Quality Management

ISO 9001 is the cornerstone of quality management systems which ensures that business processes are consistently delivering products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. For manufacturers, this means enhanced operational efficiency and product consistency. In the hospitality industry, it translates to superior guest satisfaction and service quality.

ISO 50001 Energy Management

Energy efficiency is at the heart of ISO 50001, which provides a framework for managing and improving energy performance. This standard is particularly vital for manufacturers looking to optimise energy usage and reduce costs. In the hospitality sector, it aids in creating more energy-efficient operations, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

ISO 26000 Social Responsibility

While ISO 26000 is not a certifiable standard, it is essential for businesses aiming to align their operations with ethical practices. It provides guidance on social responsibility, including human rights, labour practices, and community engagement. Specialists will helps hotels to integrate these principles into corporate strategies, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

WHICH is the legislation on social and cultural aspects?

The legislation is called Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, and it includes provisions referring to the environment and social aspects which are more difficult to measure.

HOW are consumers protected against unfair practices?

The ECGT directive will protect consumers against misleading ‘green’ claims, including unfair claims about carbon offsetting. It will also clarify the traders’ liability in cases of information (or lack of information) on early obsolescence, unnecessary software updates or the unjustified obligation to buy spare parts from the original producer. The directive will also improve the information available to consumers to help them make circular and ecological choices. For instance, products across the EU will bear a harmonised label with information on the commercial guarantee of durability.