Stay in truly special eco-hotels and sustainably accredited hotels - meaningful stays in superb hotels that are better for the planet, society, and local economies.

Where you stay has a crucial role in the sustainability of an event. The idea that a sustainable stay means a night under the canvas of a yurt is fanciful. Sustainable accommodation can be truly exceptional, featuring remarkable design and architecture, unique identities, and wonderful menus based on local influences.

Historic or cutting-edge, sustainable hotels offer everything from a dive into local history and culture to mesmerising architectural masterpieces. Whether new or old, sustainable hotels benefit both the planet and the soul.

As well as protecting the environment, sustainability also relates to economic and social factors. An eco-hotel strives to lessen the impact on the planet, a sustainable hotel does this plus economic and social good. One of the biggest budget components of an event is the accommodation

Spending on a sustainable hotel can deliver significant local sustainability benefits to the accommodation and its local supply chain. Profits stay in the local economy and help generate further economic activity amongst local support services and suppliers.

WHY PLAN A SUSTAINABLE EVENT?

Apart from those burning the candle at both ends, event attendees will spend the most time in the hotel, and the hotel stay usually consumes the biggest portion of the event budget as well.

So, for the event planner who is looking at corporate social responsibility and environmental, social, and governance compliance, the choice of hotel is a priority. In addition to complying with noble corporate goals, stays in sustainable hotels can be truly extraordinary experiences.

Service, dining, views, facilities, and location are all key considerations for a hotel stay. But consider supplementing those aspects with an experience of sustainable, guilt-free living.

Being looked after by staff who care deeply about their product and whose local suppliers are beneficiaries of your stay. Sustainable hotels are good for the soul and can be wonderfully enjoyable.

SUSTAINABLE EVENT HOTELS - WHAT TO EXPECT

SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS

There are a range of accreditation schemes for hotels operating in Europe. Green Key is one such accreditation, an eco-label widely used in France, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The certification process relies on meeting several sustainability criteria in economic, social, and environmental fields.

Environmental criteria go as granular as developing policies for indoor air quality and requiring that ecological products be used in renovation work. Staff training for the circular economy and waste reduction are also mandated. An eco-hotel is a term used to describe hotels that minimise their impact on the natural world. They or may not have broad sustainability accreditation, whose criteria also include social and economic considerations.

SUSTAINABLE PLEASURES

A happy house makes for happy people. Hotels with sustainability accreditation rely on infrastructural and service / behavioural compliance. This requires a great deal of commitment from the hotel staff, who are often passionately behind the pursuit of sustainability.

The harmonious ambience of a sustainable hotel can be an absolute pleasure to experience. Sustainability practices are numerous but can also be staggeringly simple. It wasn’t too long ago that you would be in the Alps and presented with bottled water at dinner. Thankfully, it is becoming common to get pure alpine water piped to a carafe and served in pristine condition - no waste, shipping, or sitting on a pallet.

MORE SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVENT PLANNERS

Truly credible sustainability accreditation begins with the UN sustainable development goals, as evidenced by national eco-label schemes.

Environment, social, and economic factors determine an event's sustainability, along with practical sustainability frameworks and topics.

Mural art of a woman in Stavanger

Social

Empowerment of women and minorities through positive action is a corner-stone of social sustainability.

Men buying fish from a trawler in Italy

Economic

When event revenue remains in the local economy, it facilitates the development of local supply chains, grows local employment, and improves education opportunities.

View over an off-shore wind farm

Environmental

A few key decisions can significantly reduce event carbon footprints, with minimal impact on the delegate.

Sand yachts racing across a beach

Dining & activities

Some of the most thrilling event activities are also the most environmentally sound. Dining on local produce helps develop local supply chains.

Tram on the streets of Bordeaux

Travel

Travelling to and within an event destination has a significant impact on the carbon emissions of the event. Green travel makes a big difference.

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