8.5. European Accommodation Eco-Label

European eco-label for tourist accommodations (with an emblem of the EU Flower) is the only sign of environmental quality that is valid throughout Europe and certified by independent organization, therefore, it seems most reliable to the customer and represents the unique marketing tool.

The European Eco-label distinguishes products that meet high standards of both performance and environmental quality. Every product awarded the European Eco-label must pass rigorous environmental fitness trials, with results verified by an independent body.Other environmental labels cover specific environmental concerns such as recyclability or energy efficiency, but the Flower of the European Eco-label stands for low environmental impacts throughout a product’s life cycle — from manufacturing to disposal. Consumers can find it across the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Criteria exist for more than 23 types of products and services, with new categories continuously being adopted. The Flower adorns, among other items,environmentally friendly appliances, clothing, gardening products and tourist accommodations.

The European eco-label aims to promote sustainable tourist accommodation business and contributes to limiting energy and water consumption, reduction of waste production, use of renewable resources and substances less hazardous to the environment, as well as to environmental education.

In order to take concrete steps and apply for the European eco-label, you need to know the eligibility, ecological and performance criteria that are summarised below.

Eligibility criteria:

Applicant must be a sheltered overnight accommodation provided in appropriately equipped rooms, including at least a bed, offered as main service to tourists, travellers, and lodgers, and implement a number of ecological and performance criteria.

The ecological/performance criteria are split in two groups: 37 mandatory and 47 optional ones. The (planned) compliance with the former is a necessary condition, while the latter act on the basis of score point system. Each optional criterion has a value expressed in points. The optional criteria complied with should correspond at least to the minimum of 16.5 points out of 77 possible. Here, however, we’ll only look at the mandatory criteria. If your accommodation can comply with them, please, check website with detailed overview of mandatory and optional ecological criteria (criteria are valid until April 2007 and are to be complied with where appropriate).

If you are interested to find out more detailed information on the application procedure for the European eco-label, you can check out the website http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel. There you will find General information on European eco-label for Tourist Accommodation service, an application pack with criteria and verification forms, as well as a list and explanation of Ecological criteria.