Five Leading Hotel Certification Programs

A recent Travel and Leisure Survey indicated that there are now Five Hotel Certification Programs being utilized to date in the U.S. and Internationally.

Energy Star

The U.S.-based EPA program rates the energy efficiency of appliances used in businesses. More than 241 hotels participate in the United States. A score of 75 out of a possible 100 is the minimum to be considered energy-efficient. You can search for certified hotels on energystar.gov.

EU Eco-Label

This for-profit consulting company certifies hotels and campsites for all of the European Union’s 25 member states, and its searchable Web site, eco-label.com, offers an eCatalogue of eco-designated accommodations.

Green Globe

Based on stringent guidelines, Green Globe certifies properties in more than 80 countries. Its Web site, greenglobe.org, lists certified hotels by region and country.

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council created this program to certify that buildings meet standards of energy efficiency, conservation, and community sensitivity. Go to usgbc.org.

Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas

This joint effort of the Rainforest Alliance and the International Ecotourism Society links five different green certification programs in the Americas. eco-indextourism.org.

According to Travel and Leisure and the U.S. Green Building Council, there are 118 hotels that have registered for LEED certification. Of these properties, only one hotel, the Gaia Hotel Napa Valley has earned the gold certification (the highest level).

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