Many Parisian hotels are working toward green and sustainable goals. In order to reach those goals, and outwardly demonstrate their sustainability commitment, hotels will join a group of like-minded organizations that adhere to similar goals. These organizations provide check lists and confirmations that the hotel is meeting the outlined goals for sustainability.
When researching places to stay, look for sustainability designations by the Paris tourist office’s Charter for Sustainable Accommodation in Paris, Green Key, Green Globe, EarthCheck or the European Union Ecolabel.
Hotels in the Paris Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s Sustainability Program
The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging Paris hotels to take a sustainable approach to operations through its program, “Sustainable Accommodation in Paris.” Through its workshops, check lists and audits, the bureau encourages environmental, social and societal sustainability.
Since 2012, 463 places providing accommodation have signed on to the program. The hotels use their best efforts to:
- Promote sustainable development goals, whether in terms of in-house management or vis-à-vis everyone they have dealings with (transparency, ethics, compliance with laws, respect for human rights, etc.)
- Reduce water and energy use
- Reduce and recycle waste
- Implement an eco-responsible purchasing policy
- Make suppliers and staff aware of sustainability policies
- Inform guests of sustainability goals and encourage guests to participate in green effort during their stay
- Welcome guests with a disability (physical, sensory or mental) to the best possible conditions and offer them appropriate information on accessibility to tourism establishments and activities
- Improve working conditions for staff, and their well being at work
- Promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Paris region (~From Parisinfo.com)
How Can You Tell If A Parisian Hotel Is Green? Look for these Labels:
Green Key
The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. A Green Key stands for the promise to its guests that by opting to stay with the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits. Green Key is eligible for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants and attractions. ~From the Green Key website.
Green Globe
Green Globe is the global certification for sustainable tourism. Membership is reserved for companies and organizations who are committed to making positive contributions to people and planet. Green Globe’s International Standard for Sustainable Tourism was the first standard developed by and for the travel & tourism over 20 years ago. Today Green Globe’s Standard is recognized as the highest level of sustainability certification by leaders in green travel and responsible & eco tourism.
Green Globe Members commit to managing and operating their business and organizations to the highest level of sustainability. They are committed to benchmarking and managing the use of energy and water with the aim of reducing the use of these resources as well as promoting reuse and recycling of materials.
Green Globe members promote diversity and inclusiveness in their work force, while respecting local cultures and ensuring equitable relations and rewards for all. The members invest in protecting the culture and heritage of their host destination.
Members commit to act in accordance with local law and respect and promote global compacts promoting equality, health, welfare and human rights and prohibiting child exploitation. And, these fundamental achievements are managed through a sustainability plan targeting over 300 activities that are carried out at all levels of the company. ~Find out more at Green Globe.
EarthCheck
Member companies are required to develop and document a policy for environmental and social sustainability for the entire organization based on: energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, potable water consumption, water savings, waste sent to landfill, waste recycling, community commitment, community contributions, paper products, cleaning products, pesticide products and corporate social responsibility. By meeting benchmarks set by the Earthcheck, a hotel or business can be certified as a member. Find out more at EarthCheck.org.
European Ecolabel
The European Union Ecolabel is found on products and services – such as accommodations – that respect the environment. Its criteria guarantee that a given product is fit for use, and that it will have a reduced environmental impact throughout its life cycle.
To qualify for the EU Ecolabel, products have to comply with a stringent set of criteria. These environmental criteria take the whole product life cycle into account – from the extraction of the raw materials, to production, packaging and transport, right through to your use and then your recycling bin. This life cycle approach guarantees that the products’ main environmental impacts are reduced in comparison to similar products on the market. ~From EU Ecolabel.
Take a look at this brochure outlining the meaning and showing how to put the EU Ecolabel to work.
Are you interested in how Paris got so many Green Spaces? Read more here.
