How can tourism ecolabels contribute to more sustainable consumption?

Last week, Green Key’s International Coordinator Isabel Lissner represented the Foundation for Environmental Education in an expert panel discussion to share best practice examples of how tourism can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. She focused on how tourism ecolabels can contribute to SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production.

At this year’s tourism fair FITUR in Madrid, Isabel Lissner was invited to share FEE’s contribution to the achievement of the SDGs in tourism. Isabel has represented FEE in the Affiliate Members Department of the UNWTO’s working party on SDG support since spring 2019. The working party has developed a survey for the tourism industry to evaluate which SGDs are being tackled and which require more attention by tourism stakeholders. The ultimate goal of the working party on SDG support is to collect and disseminate best practice examples that can be easily adopted in different geographical areas and contexts.

At the panel discussion, representatives of IUF-UITA-IUL, the World Leisure Organisation, Chameleon Strategies, FITUR Next, Hosteling International, IATA, NH Hotel Group and FEE were present to share their experiences on specific SDGs. Isabel Lissner talked about SDG 12 – Sustainable Production and Consumption – and how tourism ecolabels can contribute to the achievement of this goal.

She explained that ecolabels like Green Key are a tool for the awarded businesses to monitor their consumption, as many certification programmes ask for annual or monthly water and energy consumption data, for example. The programmes then help the businesses analyse the data and provide tools and guidelines to optimise consumption. In addition, ecolabels encourage their awarded establishments to make more sustainable choices - for example by purchasing local products or those that have a smaller environmental footprint such as organic or fair-trade alternatives.

Furthermore, she explained that ecolabels support sustainable consumption on the traveller’s side. They increase the visibility of sustainable businesses and help consumers distinguish between those that only claim to be green and those that went through a proper accreditation process to prove that they are, in fact, operating sustainably. In addition, ecolabels help consumers adopt more responsible behaviour in the destination they are visiting. Various studies, such as the one from Booking.com, revealed that travellers want to be more sustainable. At the same time, however, they do not seem to be familiar with tourism ecolabels and do not know how to travel more responsibly.

She concluded that there is still an attitude-behaviour gap among travellers but also among businesses, as the low number of awarded establishments worldwide proves. So, while tourism ecolabels have big potential to support sustainable consumption, there are still some barriers that need to be overcome.

She explained that, mainly, certification bodies need to become better at proving the effectiveness of their ecolabels to show businesses that the costs of implementing an ecolabel do pay off. Secondly, certification bodies, tour operators and booking and destination marketing agencies need to better promote ecolabels to raise customer awareness. Establishments will only be willing to invest in an ecolabel if they feel a customer demand for it. Thirdly, the vast number of existing ecolabels is confusing for both businesses and travellers. As there are a lot of less serious ecolabels on the market, it is important for ecolabels to be transparent and verified by a third-party.

The panelists from left to right: Emilio Ferrero Lopez (IUF-UITA-IUL), Cristina Ortega Nuere (World Leisure Organisation), Jens Thraenhart (Chameleon Strategies), Amb. Ion Vilcu (Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department), Mara Balestrini (FITUR Next), Brianda Lopez (Hosteling International), Yue Huang (IATA), Isabel Lissner (Green Key), Marta Martín (NH Hotel Group), Roxana Ashtari (Project Specialist, UNWTO Affiliate Members Department)

Green Key at the "I Meet Hotel" Conference discussing climate emergency and hospitality

On 15 January 2020, Green Key gave a keynote speech at the “I Meet Hotel Conference - Istanbul Edition” about how Green Key can support the hospitality industry in the face of the climate emergency.

I Meet Hotel is the first global industry event connecting hoteliers to the future of hospitality through insightful conferences. The Istanbul I Meet Hotel event was held at the luxurious Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel and was attended by 150 hospitality and travel professionals.

Green Key was represented by Mr Murat Yigitol, the General Manager of TURCEV, the Turkish member organisation of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). He participated in a panel discussion about sustainability in hospitality titled "Climate Emergency and Hospitality: are you on track?" The multi-discipline panel consisted of experts in education, engineering and tourist behaviour.

The focus of the panel discussion was tackling the climate emergency from a hospitality perspective. As the effects of climate change become more visible and begin to impact the world's population, it is vital for the hospitality industry to take concrete actions toward becoming more environmentally responsible. Travellers and consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious and beginning to demand sustainability from hospitality businesses. Mr. Yigitol presented Green Key as a tool that the hospitality industry can use to adapt to the climate emergency situation.

New Green Key video about Green Key criteria is now available

Green Key International is proud to present our new video explaining the main requirements in the Green Key programme

After a general introduction to Green Key, the application process and the global spread of the programme, the video focuses on explaining some of the main criteria within the 13 sections in the international set of criteria. The video underlines that the international criteria are minimum criteria and some national programmes in some countries can choose to have stricter criteria. It also explains the difference between imperative and guideline criteria, and that Green Key’s criteria for hotels and hostels (one of six categories in Green Key) are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, says: “We hope that the new video is helpful in understanding the requirements for interested establishments considering to join Green Key. For any further information and questions, please do not hesitate to contact Green Key International or our National Operators.”  

The video can be accessed from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hANI2JSN9Qk.

To ensure full transparency, the international Green Key criteria and its explanatory notes can be downloaded from the Green Key website here: https://www.greenkey.global/criteria.  

La Ville Hotel & Suites in Dubai receives Green Key Certification

La Ville Hotel & Suites, CITY WALK Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has been awarded the Green Key International Certification for its work towards environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry.

This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by the boutique hotel to adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. A Green Key stands for the commitment to its guests that by opting to stay with the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level.

Constantly striving to involve associates and guests to be a part of preserving and protecting our planet, the hotel sets a benchmark for other properties in the region focusing on the limited use of chemicals and reduction of waste and energy through various activities throughout the hotel.

 “Such recognition shows proof that we are living with the intent to protect the environment. This may mean changing the purpose of how we live.” explains General Manger of La Ville Hotel & Suites, Anke Glässing.

The chic boutique hotel uses the Marriott Environmental Sustainability Hub where Engineering records the following data:

• Energy Intensity

• Water Intensity

• Carbon Intensity

• SRO%

In 2020, the hotel will see more eco-friendly practices that support sustainability and connect guests to the local culture.

• La Ville Hotel & Suites will be eliminating small plastic bottle amenities with the residential bottles in all guest bathrooms to help reduce Marriott’s global environmental footprint.

• La Ville Hotel & Suites aims to reduce the negative impacts of carbon emissions by committing to carbon intensity reduction by 2025.

• The environmental activities “Serve 360” by the hotel, not only focuses on sustainability during the hotel operation process but also the impact within the local communities.

• In line with “Serve 360” La Ville Hotel & Suites’ guest rooms and apartments are 100% non-smoking.

• La Ville Hotel & Suites drives several initiatives to support the environment and participate every year in events such as Earth Hour, donation of clothes to Al Jalila Foundation, waste collection and segregation, Mangrove Clean Ups in Dubai & Abu Dhabi and more.

Every year, as a part of the Marriott International initiative “Road to Awareness”, several activities are put forward to raise money to help children across the continent.

These initiatives are just a few examples of how the hotel has introduced eco-friendly changes that convey the hotel’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

By setting an example of simple yet effective steps towards ‘going-green’ guests of the hotel can enjoy their stay at La Ville Hotel & Suites, knowing that they are also working to reduce environmental harm.

About Autograph Collection Hotels

Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 100 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world’s most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, Autograph Collection properties are hand-selected for their rich character and uncommon details. A personal realization of an individual founder’s vision, these hotels are defined by unique design, differentiated guest experiences and their meaningful role in locality.  Autograph Collection Hotels is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards®, in which members can link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information, please visitwww.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels on Instagram Twitter and Facebook to learn more about championing the independent spirit that is #ExactlyLikeNothingElse.

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Major new study to assess tourism's growing commitment to sustainable development

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with the UNWTO Affiliate Members Working Group on SDGs Support has launched a major new survey to assess how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been incorporated into tourism practices, plans and strategies in destinations across the world. FEE took part in the development of this survey.

As the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting tourism as a tool for sustainable development, UNWTO is supporting the tourism sector to become an effective contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are geared towards reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development worldwide. With the sustainability agenda an increasingly important part of tourism practice, this new study from UNWTO will analyze how the SDGs are influencing practices and policies among its global network of Affiliate Members, drawn from the private sector, civil society, NGOs and academia, to provide their unique insights into the advances being made right across the sector.

Launching the survey, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “2020 will mark the beginning of the decade of action towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and we have 10 years left to make the future we want. Tourism plays a vital role in the achievement of the SDGs and we believe the outcomes of this survey will contribute to further empower tourism stakeholders to incorporate sustainability measures and policies in their daily work and objectives,” he added.

The survey aims to:

• Determine the current levels of awareness and engagement of the tourism sector regarding the 2030 Agenda and achieving its 17 SDGs.

• Identify current business policies and strategies addressing the SDGs.

• Identify best practices and activities addressing the SDGs.

The private sector, academia, civil societies and associations play a significant role in the achievement of the SDGs and they are invited to be part of the momentum for the achievement of the SDGs and share their work through this survey.

The survey is available in three languages: English, French and Spanish.

Landal GreenParks UK recognised for their green credentials

Green Key is happy to present the international environmental award to five Landal GreenParks UK resorts.

Landal GreenParks UK Kielder Waterside Green Key plaque 2019

With four parks in England and one in Scotland, Green Key is delighted to announce that all the Landal GreenParks UK have achieved the prestigious award for their environmental initiatives.

Landal Piperdam in Dundee, Landal Kielder Waterside in Northumberland, Landal Darwin Forest and Landal Sandybrook in Derbyshire and Landal Gwel an Mor in Cornwall now join more than 3,100 Green Key establishments in more than 60 countries.

In England, the scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, said:

We are delighted to award these outstanding resorts Green Key certification for their high environmental standards. Tourism is a multi-billion pound industry in the UK and we need everyone involved in it to ensure that they are doing all they can to reduce their environmental footprint and manage their business in a sustainable way. Their actions can make a significant contribution to the drive to reduce waste and cut carbon emissions.

During the rigorous judging, each holiday resort is assessed against criteria including staff involvement, guest information and sustainable management of energy, waste, water, cleaning and food and drinks. Through making greener choices, each resort is able to significantly reduce their environmental impact, reducing the consumption of energy and water and improve their guests’ experience.

Paul Hardingham, Managing Director of Landal GreenParks UK, said:

We are delighted to have become the first resort business in the UK to have been awarded the Green Key accreditation across all our locations. We look forward to developing this partnership in line with our dedicated Green Pledge to raise further awareness of sustainable travel and drive positive change.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International director, added:

It is a pleasure to see the cooperation between Green Key and Landal GreenParks now also being extended to the United Kingdom. Congratulations to all five Landal GreenParks UK and a special warm welcome to Landal Piperdam as the first Green Key awarded establishment in Scotland!

National Green Key management now present in Brazil

Green Key interested and awarded establishments in Brazil can now apply and get support nationally through the organisation, Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).

The growing interest for Green Key in South America has spread to Brazil: the country has now its own National Operator! The Brazilian member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has decided to become the Green Key National Operator for Brazil. The Instituto Ambientes em Rede is also in charge of the Blue Flag programme for beaches, marinas and boats in the country as well as other school-based environmental education programmes.

The Brazilian Green Key National Operator, Ms Leana Bernardi, says:

“Brazil is a country of amazing natural beauty that is enjoyed by a large number of domestic and international tourists. We believe that efforts to reduce the environmental footprint in the hospitality industry is very important to maintain our beautiful country. We also see a growing interest among tourists, hotels and other establishments and our national authorities for this direction, so we are happy to now launch Green Key in Brazil.”

Since December 2019, Brazil already has its first establishment with Green Key: Eco Pousada Baia do Joao, located in Buzios near Rio de Janeiro.

Other hotels, small accommodations and other tourism establishments in Brazil interested in Green Key are encouraged to contact the Green Key National Operator, Ms Leana Bernardi at gkbrasil@greenkey.org.br or +55 (47) 99947 0267.

Brazil welcomes its first Green Key establishment

Eco Pousada Baia do Joao is the first Green Key awarded hotel in Brazil. Located in Buzios, a popular tourist destination near Rio de Janeiro, Eco Pousada Baia focuses on educating its guests on sustainable living options while they enjoy a fabulous vacation.

©Patrick Dias

The two owners of the 9 rooms Pousada, Karl Schieneman and Rita Melo, renovated the 30 years old establishment in a sustainable way to protect the local environment. The renovation was run along with a Brazilian designer based in Connecticut. Paying attention to every detail, they replaced all of the toilets, showers and faucets while adding new sustainable and locally made furniture. While replacing the tile in the pool and changing the rotting wooden deck into tile, Rita also decided to replace the wooden fence around the pool with glass. In that way, the ocean is viewable from the pool area and from the metal and wooden pub chairs from their Sunset Bar. 

Karl observed, “my hope is that guests will leave Baia do Joao seeing how easy it is to walk or cycle more, to try vegan foods, recycle, and to watch their energy consumption. Hopefully they will take some of these ideas home with them while enjoying an amazing vacation at the same time.”   

As an experienced award winning entrepreneur in the legal field, Karl came up with the idea of designing an Eco Game to help guests earn points based on simple positive behaviors they can do to help the local environment.  As a result, guests are handed a tri-lingual Eco Game pamphlet and learn how they can win gifts such as an assortment of bamboo and wooden items. They also learn about local vegan restaurants, where to rent bikes, and the location and prices for the convenient bus and van system which go to all of Buzio’s beach areas inexpensively. 

©Patrick Dias

©Patrick Dias

Karl, who took on the responsibility of the Pousada’s environmental management said, “one of the things I found most interesting about Green Key is its emphasis on helping guests see how they can impact the environment by staying at a Green Key certified location.”

Along the way, enthusiastic water engineers joined the project and drew up plans for a grey water system. Karl and Rita easily picked water conservation as their Green Key focus for 2019-2020.  In a city surrounded by 20 unique beaches, Rita pointed out that “while people notice the water surrounding us in Buzios, they think less of the wasted water when they bath and flush toilets.”  After 2 months of work, their Pousada now has the first grey water system in Buzios and one of the few grey water systems being used anywhere in Brazil. 

Karl proudly said, “on December 23rd, when we turn the grey water system on, water from many of the showers will flow into a series of tanks, filtered through a series of rock beds, and be pumped back into toilets.  Other used water will be diverted and used to water plants in the Pousada, provide showers for animals in a pet friendly park we are building, and to water some gardens we are building below the Pousada.”  Rita notes, “this will enable us to increase our water usage in a way which does not hurt the environment and between the animals and plants, in a way which helps the environment.” 

©Patrick Dias

The support from Brazil and Buzios since they announced these projects has been huge. Karl and Rita strongly believe that the people of Brazil are very interested in hearing about and supporting sustainable projects. They also have noticed that in several months, it has become easier to find eco-friendly cleaning supplies so they no longer have to fill their truck with cleaning supplies at Walmart in a larger city an hour and a half away. Local stores now carry these products.

Karl and Rita could not be happier to see all of this momentum in Brazil and look forward to having other hotels join them in Green Key to educate their guests on sustainable living options while they enjoy a fabulous vacation at the same time. 

World’s first Green Key awarded winery

Located in Slovenia, Klet Brda winery turns the uniqueness of the Brda local wine into a success story.

Klet Brda unites 400 families who have been working together for over half a century, capturing in their wine the uniqueness of the Brda terroir. Their vineyards planted on demanding terrain and steep slopes cultivation relies almost only on manual labour. This kind of production known as heroic viticulture enhances deep respect for nature and its cycles in the winery day-to-day activities.

Klet Brda wine makers know that nature is their strongest ally. As they see sustainability as the only right way forward, the vineyards are cultivated according to the principles of integrated production.

Moreover, guests from all over the world come to enjoy Klet Brda’s wine tasting tours and guided tours of the winery. From the vineyard to the bottle, guests can discover Klet Brda’s sustainable wine production. They can have a tour of the small viticulture and wine making museum created to commemorate the winery’s 60th anniversary in 2017.

“Our guests can learn about our history and they can see that viticulture has been present in Brda for over two thousand years. We show them how we work with the land that we were given, how we take from it, and how we give back to it. In fact, this is true for every renowned wine region in the world. Wine reflects the terroir and the people who live there and that makes for a great tourist attraction,” summarised Silvan Peršolja, CEO of Klet Brda.

Klet Brda’s passionate wine makers also pay a lot of attention to their responsibility towards territory and people by passing the traditional know-how from fathers to sons. In that way, the winery contributes to the richness of cultural landscape and to sustainable development of remote rural areas.