Motivations for and Comparisons of Green Certificates within the Hotel Industry

Abstract

A blooming hotel industry has the downside of an increased negative environmental impact. At the same time, many hotel guests and employees have become conscious of eco-friendliness and green practices. In addition, 2017 was by United Nations declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, with the emphasis on (among other elements) resource efficiency and environmental protection. A hotel that has obtained green certificate(s) promises green services, products, and operations, and possesses thereby (potentially) important strategic assets, when it comes to attracting customers and employees. Many green certifications are offered within the hotel industry, such as for example Green Globe and Green Key. However, which certificate(s) to choose is a strategic choice for the hotel management. In this paper, we examine green certifications in order to determine similarities and differences among them. As part of the research, we analyze the usage of green certificates in different regions (e.g. Southeast Europe). Even though many of the certifications are offered internationally, we identified clear differences in dissemination across regions. In addition to region, our motivation factor analysis shows that belonging to a hotel chain/brand seems to be highly influential on the choice of certificate(s).

Drivers for Pursuing Sustainability through IoT Technology within High-End Hotels—An Exploratory Study

“…Previous research has indicated that not only sustainable practices, but also environmental green certificates are components which can develop the green image of a hotel and ultimately represent a competitive advantage for the hotel. Green certificates (e.g., the EU Ecolabel) may improve the hotel's relationships with its close stakeholders, like customers and suppliers [18], but also result in an improved corporate image and reputation among the general public [5,19]. It is also important to integrate internal stakeholders, the managers and employees, in the educational efforts to increase sustainability awareness and specific knowledge, including specific training programs about environmental protection [5,20].…”

“…Green certificates (e.g., the EU Ecolabel) may improve the hotel's relationships with its close stakeholders, like customers and suppliers [18], but also result in an improved corporate image and reputation among the general public [5,19]. It is also important to integrate internal stakeholders, the managers and employees, in the educational efforts to increase sustainability awareness and specific knowledge, including specific training programs about environmental protection [5,20]. Buffa et al [21] took a broader view, emphasizing that hotels' sustainability policies can contribute to destination competitiveness by building collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and actors in the local environment.…”

“…The United Nations declared 2017 to be the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, and some of the core focus elements were resource efficiency and environmental protection [5]. Given the increasingly widespread awareness of environmental and ecological conservation, hotels are facing pressure to adopt sustainability initiatives.…”

Applicability of green certification system for domestic construction projects in Sri Lanka

“…Utilizing alternate water sources, such as rainwater, surface water, and recycled water, is one example of direct conservation strategies. Examples of indirect water conservation strategies include pressure management and the use of efficient fixtures (Eskerod, P. and Duric, J., 2018). Due to the performance of the materials used to construct these structures, residents of green buildings enjoy numerous health benefits.…”

“…The construction industry has been recognized as an economic regulator of any nation due to its substantial contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product and its economic multiplier effect. (Giang, D. T. H. andSui Pheng, L., 2011, Eskerod, P. andDuric, J., 2018). Even though construction is important to the national economy, it has a negative influence on the natural environment.…”