How to pick an eco-friendly hotel?

How to Pick a Sustainable Hotel

1. Look for Certifications (Trusted Eco-Labels)

These verify a hotel’s sustainability claims:

• LEED Certification (energy-efficient buildings)

• Green Key (global standard for eco-friendly hotels)

• EarthCheck (scientific benchmarking for sustainability)

• B Corp Certification (ethical business practices)

• Rainforest Alliance Verified (supports biodiversity & communities)

2. Check Their Energy & Water Use

• Do they use renewable energy (solar, wind, or carbon offsets)?

• Do they have water-saving systems (low-flow showers, rainwater harvesting)?

• Is there smart lighting & HVAC (motion sensors, energy-efficient cooling)?

3. Waste Reduction & Recycling

• Do they avoid single-use plastics (refillable toiletries, glass bottles)?

• Do they compost food waste or donate leftovers?

• Do they use biodegradable cleaning products?

4. Sustainable Food & Sourcing

• Do they serve local, organic, or plant-based meals?

• Do they source fair-trade coffee & tea?

• Do they have a zero-waste kitchen policy?

5. Support for Local Communities

• Do they hire locally and pay fair wages?

• Do they support indigenous cultures & artisans (e.g., decor, tours)?

• Do they contribute to conservation projects (reef protection, reforestation)?

6. Green Building & Design

• Is the hotel built with sustainable materials (bamboo, reclaimed wood)?

• Does it use passive cooling/heating (natural ventilation, green roofs)?

• Are there EV charging stations for electric cars?

7. Transparency & Guest Engagement

• Do they publish a sustainability report?

• Do they encourage guests to reuse towels, skip daily cleaning?

• Do they offer eco-friendly activities (bike rentals, conservation tours)?

By choosing sustainable hotels, you support businesses that protect ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and empower local communities.