Hotel sustainability certifications explained

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Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the face of rapid climate change, and green hospitality and travel companies are eager to prove their commitment to sustainability. The key is finding an assessment process that is publicly accepted and reliable. Certifications are just exactly the solution! Hotel sustainability certifications provide a way for companies to demonstrate that they have met certain standards and achieved certain goals within their sustainability commitments and management approaches.

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In this blog post, we will explore some of the available sustainable travel certifications and how they help tourism and hospitality businesses prove their commitment to sustainability. We'll also look at other ways businesses can show their customers that they are taking meaningful action on social and environmental issues.

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What is sustainability management?

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The term “sustainability management” refers to the process of incorporating sustainability principles and initiatives into an organization’s decision-making and operations. The goal of sustainability management is to create long-term value for the organization and its external stakeholders while minimizing its environmental impact and maximizing social and economic benefits.

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To be effective, sustainability management must be integrated into all aspects of an organization’s operations, from strategy development to day-to-day decision making. It requires commitment from senior leaders and buy-in from all employees.

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The benefits of certification for hotels and tourism operators‍

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Certifications are important for several reasons. First, they provide independent, third-party verification that an organization is adhering to best practices currently available within sustainability. This can help the organization attract and retain customers, as well as improve its bottom line. Additionally, certifications can help an organization access new markets (like online travel agencies or booking platforms like google) and build trust with stakeholders. Finally, certifications can serve as a motivational tool for employees, helping to engage them in the organization's sustainability efforts.

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For a short guide stating the full benefits of a certification, download our whitepaper today!

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In summary, the benefits of a hotel becoming sustainability certified include:

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• Environmental performance improvement: Certifications provide a structured framework for hotels to reduce their environmental footprint by focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and resource optimization.
• Operational efficiency and cost savings: Certified hotels often implement energy-saving technologies and water-saving initiatives, leading to reduced utility bills and operational expenses. This improves profitability while minimizing environmental impact.
• Enhanced guest satisfaction and market appeal: Hotels with sustainability certifications typically receive higher guest satisfaction ratings, as eco-conscious travelers prefer accommodations with verified green credentials. About 65% of travelers feel more confident staying at certified properties, and some are willing to pay a premium for them.
• Competitive advantage and increased bookings: Certified hotels can gain a first-mover advantage, differentiating themselves in a crowded market.
• Credibility and trust: Third-party certification reassures guests that the hotel’s sustainability claims are credible, countering greenwashing and building brand loyalty.
• Employee engagement: The process of achieving and maintaining certification fosters teamwork and shared purpose among hotel staff, improving morale and operational commitment to sustainability.
• Community and social benefits: Certifications encourage hotels to engage with local communities, support sustainable development, and promote cultural heritage, enhancing the hotel’s social impact and reputation.
• Futureproofing and compliance: Certification helps hotels meet regulatory requirements and futureproof their properties by adopting sustainable practices that maintain long-term resilience.
• Guest involvement: Studies indicate that eco-certification encourages guests to conserve resources, amplifying the overall sustainability impact.

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The different types of sustainability certifications

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There are numerous certifications that organizations can pursue to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. There are both industry-agnostic certifications such as ISO 14001, which is an internationally recognized standard that outlines requirements for an effective environmental management system, and those that are tailored to specific industries. The table below includes some specific to travel & tourism businesses.

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Performance-based and process-based certifications in hospitality

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When evaluating certifications, it's helpful to distinguish between performance-based and process-based certifications. Performance-based certifications require businesses to demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes, like reduced energy and water consumption, waste minimization, or verified carbon reductions. These certifications focus on hard data and specific thresholds, making them ideal for showcasing concrete sustainability achievements.

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On the other hand, process-based certifications like ISO 14001 emphasize environmental management systems, staff training, and continuous improvement. Rather than enforcing fixed targets, they assess how sustainability is embedded in daily operations. Many modern sustainability certifications in the hospitality industry, such as Green Key, Green Globe and GreenSign, combine both approaches to ensure a balance of accountability, performance, and long-term commitment.

Key factors beyond certification type to consider when choosing hospitality sustainability certifications

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In addition to understanding whether a sustainability certification is process-based or performance-based, hospitality businesses can also choose a certification based on a few other key characteristics that align with their goals and operations:

1. Scope of application

It is important to consider what exactly the certification covers. Some certifications apply to entire destinations or regions, while others focus on individual businesses like hotels, vacation rentals, or tour operators. It's alsoimportant to know whether the certification assesses the building itself (e.g., energy efficiency or construction standards), the operational practices, or both.

2. Focus area

Not all certifications take a holistic approach. Some are comprehensive, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Others are specialized, targeting just one area—such as environmental impact, water use, or carbon footprint. Choosing the right focus can help you align with your guests’ values or your ESG reporting needs.

3. Geographic reach

Finally, consideration needs to be given to where the certification is recognized and applicable. International ecolabels are widely accepted across countries, which can be beneficial for properties serving global travelers. In contrast, national schemes are often tailored to local regulations and consumer expectations but may not have the same recognition abroad.

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How to choose the right certification for your business

Choosing the right ecolabel isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding a certification that best supports your hospitality business's sustainability journey and communicates your efforts effectively to your guests.

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With over 200 sustainability-related certifications in the hospitality industry, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To help navigate this complexity, two key organizations serve as independent evaluators of certification programs, ensuring credibility and consistency across the sector:

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The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) was the first organization in the hospitality sector to standardize and assess sustainability certifications. Today, it plays a leading role by establishing global baseline standards for sustainable tourism. Additionally, the GSTC accredits certification bodies that assess tourism businesses and destinations, ensuring that their certifications align with internationally recognized sustainability criteria.

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Travalyst ,a sustainability initiative founded by a coalition of travel companies, serves as a neutral and transparent standard-setter. It validates sustainability certifications in the accommodation sector, helping both travelers and industry professionals identify trustworthy certifications. Their curated list of accepted certifications supports more informed travel choices and encourages consistent, credible sustainability practices across the industry.

The Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA)unites leading global certification bodies under a shared brand, representing19,000 certifications. TSCA sets baseline sustainability criteria that allmembers must adopt when certifying tourism businesses, ensuring credibility and consistency. Its mission is to harmonize standards, creating a common, internationally recognized framework for sustainable practices across the tourism industry.

While the initiatives mentioned above are voluntary, upcoming legislation will further standardize and strengthen the credibility ofenvironmental certifications. Directive (EU) 2024/825 on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, along with the Green Claims Directive, will elevate the role of credible certification schemes while raising the bar forwhat counts as reliable and compliant. Schemes lacking scientific rigor,transparency, or independence will likely be phased out, while those that adapt stand to gain from increased demand and regulatory legitimacy.‍‍

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‍How to get certified: the starting point

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To achieve sustainability certification, start by researching the available certification programs and selecting one that fits your needs. Keep in mind that certification processes and the level of support provided can vary between programs. Use the program’s resources to understand the requirements. Before applying, assign a responsible person to oversee progress and develop a plan for gathering data and completing documentation. Once ready, submit your application for third-party verification.

‍‍‍Want a simple guide on how to get started when exploring a sustainability certification? Download our guide here.

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The importance of certifications cannot be overstated. They offertransparency into a company’s environmental and social practices while assuringcustomers that their purchases support sustainability. By undergoingcertification, businesses demonstrate a genuine commitment to minimizing theirenvironmental impact and supporting local communities — building trust andleaving a positive, lasting impression on consumers who value responsiblepractices.

Find out how BeCause can support your business by effectively acquiring the necessary certifications and data management thereafter!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an eco-certified hotel?

An eco-certifiedhotel is an accommodation independently assessed and certified for its dedicationto environmental and social sustainability. This certification verifies thatthe hotel meets rigorous standards in energy efficiency, water conservation,waste management, and reducing environmental impact, as well as upholding humanrights, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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Which certifications are shown for my property on Google?

The list is available here: Google

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How does eco-certification impact hotel bookings and online visibility?

1. Increased booking appeal: In a study conducted by Booking.com found that 65% of travelers confirmed that they would feel better about staying in a particular accommodation if they knew it had a sustainable certification, showing strong consumer interest in eco-certified properties.
2. Online visibility benefits: Eco-certified hotelsare increasingly highlighted on major booking platforms like Booking.com andGoogle Travel, which feature filters and badges for sustainable accommodations.This enhanced visibility can improve search rankings and attract eco-conscioustravelers actively searching for green options.

How can guests verify a hotel’s sustainability claims?

1. Look for recognized certifications: Choose certifications overseen by reputable, well-recognized organizations. For guidance, consult bodies like the GSTC, Travalyst, and TSCA to evaluate various certification options.
2. Review certification logos and details: Verify the certification logos by cross-checking with the certifying body’s official website or database to confirm the hotel’s certification status and validity period.
3. Look for transparency and documentation: Genuine eco-certified hotels provide detailed information about their sustainability policies, practices, and performance metrics.
4. Independent audits and verification: Certifications require independent audits, including on-site inspections and document reviews by accredited certification bodies. Guests can inquire whether the hotel’s certification involved such third-party verification to ensure credibility.
5. Use booking platforms with sustainability filters: Many travel booking platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Google Travel) offer filters for sustainable accommodations. These platforms usually quality-check certifications before adding such badges, helping guests identify certified hotels easily.

How do sustainability certifications impact hotels?

See the benefits section above.