Green Your Vacation: Understanding Green Hotel Certification Labels

The star rating system for hotels has made it easy to determine which hotels are preferred by guests. But how do you determine how green a hotel is? Finding a green hotel or lodge used to be difficult. A growing number of green hotel certification labels have made it easier to find a place to stay that shares your commitment to the environment.

EPA Energy Star Labeled Hotel
Hotels that have earned the EPA Energy Star label meet the strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The hotels with the Energy Star distinction use at least 35 percent less energy than accommodations without the rating. To find a hotel that has earned the Energy Star rating visit the Energy Star website.

Green Globe
Green Globe certification takes a number of aspects into consideration before granting a property certification. The factors considered include energy efficiency, conservation, waste management, and land use and employee commitment to green efforts. Certification is offered in three levels including gold, silver and bronze levels. To find a listing of hotels for your next green vacation, visit the Green Globe website.

Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program
When looking for a place to stay that embraces green and socially responsible practices, look for hotels that have earned Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification. This green hotel certification program measures the social, environmental and cultural impacts of the property. Certification is awarded by committee members and the level of commitment is awarded from one to five stars.

The Green Hotels Association
The Green Hotels Association provides a listing of members on their website. Hotels that are members of the association are committed to reducing their energy and water consumption and waste while greening the lodging industry.

Green Seal
Green Seal has implemented a program to certify green hotels. Certification is offered on three levels including bronze, silver and gold. Hotels that have received Green Seal certification have demonstrated waste reduction, recycling programs, energy efficiency, energy reduction, water management, environmentally-responsible purchases and minimal use of hazardous substances.

Beyond staying at a green hotel, you can also reduce your impact while away from home. Make sure to turn off all the lights and electronics when leaving the room for the day. Open the curtains to let natural light in. Bring your own shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you use the bath products provided by the hotel, they will discard the unused portion. When checking out, return the key card to the front desk for reuse.

Sources:

The Green Hotels Association - http://greenhotels.com

Sustainable Travel International Website http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

EPA Encourages Ways to Travel Green, http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/44FDC6A9F44B027A852577300058830C

Green Seal Lodging Program - http://www.greenseal.org/programs/lodging.cfm