The ECOTEL Certification

The ECOTEL Certification is based on five areas of environmentalism, each of which is designated by a Globe award. These five areas are referred to as the cornerstones of environmental responsibility, or simply as Globes.

Environmental Commitment
Solid Waste Management
Energy Efficiency
Water Conservation
Employee Education & Community Involvement

Hotels can apply for 1 to 5 Globe awards, although all hotels certified or recertified after 1999 must achieve at least two globe awards to be certified.

BENEFITS:
Members of the ECOTEL Collection realize a number of benefits. Primarily the value of the business will improve due to increased exposure in the marketplace, higher staff morale, and better control of operating expenses. We have discovered that the ECOTEL Collection of hotels caters to a variety of groups, including not only traditional ecotourists, but also discerning business travelers with interest in the environment, Fortune 500 companies with advanced environmental programs as part of their own corporate cultures, corporate meeting planners, travel agents, eco-friendly vacationers, and of course business, travel, and environmental media.

Because of the integrity of the ECOTEL certification and inspection system, travelers and the media rely on this endorsement of a hotel's environmental performance. When presented properly, the certification can be a powerful marketing advantage and motivator of sales.

HVS International, 372 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501. Tel: 516-248-8828; Fax: 516-742-3059.