Ecolabelling

One of our landmark projects is to obtain the European Ecolabel certification in the “tourist accommodation” category. We have carried out all the necessary procedures and our application is currently being processed. Ecolabel (www.eco-label.com) is a certification system destined to help European consumers identify greener products and services which are more environmentally-friendly. Some of the practices it indicates include particularly economical energy and water consumption, reduced waste production, the use of renewable resources and the raising of guests’ awareness of environmental issues. In France, certification is granted by the Association française de normalisation (www.afnor.org). It represents the efforts undertaken by establishments to be more environmentally-friendly. Although certification is expensive – which means that some “green” establishments do not attempt to obtain it – this does not explain why France is lagging so far behind in this field! There are no more than 10 or so certified establishments in France, most of which are hotels in the Best Western chain. This is a tiny number compared to countries like Italy and Denmark. Even in the United States, the worst polluter on the planet, “Green Hotel” chains have emerged…
Although it’s expensive, I think it will pay off in the long term! It’s one way of raising awareness of environmentally-friendly initiatives and attracting guests who share our convictions. It would be a reward of sorts for all our labours. The certification commission should be meeting soon, so perhaps we will have a pleasant surprise for the hotel’s centenary!