Green Lodging Guidelines
Lodging is one of the largest industries in the world where amenities exceed all else. The companies promoted on our Ecotourism pages have met a minimum of 10 guidelines from the below standards list, and have been approved following an onsite inspection. We are pleased to promote their conservation efforts.
Lodging Company Green Guidelines
- The Three R's-Reuse Reduce Recycle.
The property must have a recycling program in tact with visible recycling receptacles in common areas and/or guests rooms. Guests should be informed about recycling efforts. - Chemical Free Cleaning.
The property must use Eco safe, biodegradable cleaning supplies and laundry detergents. - Carbon Offset.
The property must participate in a carbon offset program or purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's.) We recommend www.terrapass.com and www.carbonfund.org. - Towel & linen Reuse Program.
Reusing linens are encouraged on the property. Incentives can be offered for participation. - Refillable Toiletry Dispensers.
Individually wrapped toiletries are replaced with refillable containers throughout the property thus cutting down on packaging waste. Disposable toiletry containers are replaced with refillable toiletry dispenses throughout the property. - Reusable Serving Materials.
The property has replaced existing disposable service ware and encourages guests to use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles while traveling. - Energy Audit.
An energy audit has been performed on the property with the local power company. Low efficiency bulbs have been replaced with Compact Fluorescents and other high efficiency bulbs throughout business as well as inspections on the HVAC units. - Onsite Water Conservation.
The property has replaced existing fixtures with low flow toilets and shower heads. Water conservation is practiced throughout the property. - Eco friendly building materials.
The property has invested in eco-friendly paints, carpets and fixtures. - Invest in natural forms of power.
The property has offset all or partial power supply with solar or wind power. They also promote the use of natural daylight during regular hours of operation. - Energy Preservation.
The property encourages guests to conserve energy when not on site. Natural lighting is encouraged when available. - Go Paperless.
The property has initiated and encourages an electronic filing system, offers e tickets and confirmations and encourages electronic communication. - Eco friendly marketing material.
The property has cut back on excessive materials and designs company material to be eco-friendly. - Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling systems.
The property has installed energy efficient/energy star appliances and follows natural heating/cooling processes and regulated room temperatures. - Social & Community Investment.
The property is locally owned or operated and supports other local businesses. They also must support community services, efforts and organizations creating respect for the local area. - Transportation Efficiency.
The property offsets their carbon footprint and supports local transportation efforts. They also encourage guests and employees to use public or low impact transportation by utilizing alternative fuel options and offering complimentary rides or bicycles. - Off Season Discounts.
The property encourages off season travel to decrease impact on natural surroundings during high traffic seasons. - Educate Guests About Ecotourism.
The property utilizes their website and on site information to educate guests and potential guests about their green actions. - Educate Staff About Ecotourism.
Employees are required to follow and support eco practices on site and off. They are also encouraged to carpool and take public transportation among other personal green actions. - Newspaper Program.
The property has made publications available upon request or in public areas thus cutting back on wasted materials.