Green certifications for hotels: what hoteliers need to know

In recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed a shift in consumer preferences, with sustainability emerging as a top priority for many travellers. More than ever, guests are becoming eco-conscious, actively seeking out accommodations that align with their values of environmental commitment. 

This growing demand for eco-friendly options has transformed sustainability from a niche concern into a mainstream expectation. Today, it’s not just about luxury or convenience—guests increasingly want to know that the hotels they stay in are doing their part to protect the planet. Factors such as carbon footprints, water conservation, waste management, and the ethical sourcing of materials are becoming key decision-making elements for travellers.

In this context, obtaining green certifications is no longer just a way to stand out: it has become a necessity for UK hoteliers to stay competitive. Green certifications serve as formal recognition that a hotel has met rigorous environmental standards. 

These certifications can range from well-known global systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) to more niche or locally-focused certifications like Green Key and EarthCheck. Each certification assesses various aspects of a hotel’s environmental performance, from energy efficiency to waste reduction and the use of sustainable materials.

By investing in these certifications, hoteliers cannot only reduce their environmental impact but also appeal to the increasing number of eco-aware travellers who are looking for sustainable accommodation options. 

The importance of green certifications

Green certifications signal to guests that a hotel is committed to sustainability. They are especially appealing to eco-conscious travellers who actively seek accommodations that align with their values.

 In the UK, sustainability has become a major factor in consumer choice, as people become more aware of climate change and the environmental impacts of their actions. 

According to a Booking.com survey, 81% of travellers worldwide have expressed a desire to stay in sustainable accommodations. Certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can enhance a hotel’s reputation and offer a tangible way to demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Aside from attracting more guests, green certifications can offer other advantages, including cost savings through energy efficiency, reduced waste, and improved operational performance. Many of these certifications are designed not only to improve a building’s environmental footprint but also to optimise water use, energy consumption, and indoor air quality, which can ultimately lead to lower operating costs for hoteliers.

LEED certification

LEED is one of the most widely recognised green building certification systems in the world. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED offers a comprehensive framework for green building design, construction, and operation. Although it originated in the United States, LEED is applicable worldwide, including the UK.

LEED evaluates buildings based on several criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, sustainable site development, and materials used. Hotels can earn points in each of these categories, and the total score determines the level of certification—Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

For hoteliers, obtaining LEED certification can demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, as the standard is recognized globally. It also allows properties to appeal to international travellers who are familiar with LEED and seek out certified hotels. LEED also offers certifications for existing buildings, so even established hotels can benefit from retrofitting their properties to meet LEED standards.

Why choose LEED?

– Global recognition: As one of the most widely recognized sustainability certifications, LEED can appeal to both local and international eco-conscious travellers.

– Energy efficiency: LEED-certified buildings typically consume 25-30% less energy than non-certified buildings, which can result in significant cost savings.

– Brand differentiation: Hotels that achieve LEED certification stand out from competitors and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

BREEAM certification

While LEED is globally recognised, BREEAM is the UK’s premier certification for sustainable building practices. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM is a comprehensive assessment method that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings. It covers various aspects of a building’s sustainability, from energy use to the health and well-being of occupants.

BREEAM assesses buildings across a range of categories, including energy, water, health and well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste, and management. Like LEED, BREEAM uses a points-based system, and buildings are rated on a scale from Pass to Outstanding. The assessment is rigorous and provides an in-depth analysis of a building’s environmental performance.

BREEAM is particularly important for UK hoteliers because it is tailored to the UK’s environmental and regulatory context. Achieving BREEAM certification can help hotels comply with national regulations while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Why choose BREEAM?

– UK relevance: BREEAM is designed specifically for the UK market, making it more tailored to local environmental policies and building regulations.

– Comprehensive assessment: BREEAM covers a wide range of sustainability metrics, offering a holistic approach to improving a hotel’s environmental performance.

– Credibility: BREEAM is well-respected within the UK, and certification can bolster a hotel’s reputation as a responsible, sustainable business.

Green Key certification

Another certification worth considering is Green Key, an international eco-label awarded to hotels and other tourism establishments that commit to sustainable operations. Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key is a popular certification for hotels that want to demonstrate environmental responsibility without undergoing the more rigorous process required by LEED or BREEAM.

Green Key focuses on sustainable management and environmental education. To obtain the certification, hotels must meet criteria related to energy and water conservation, waste management, green activities, and staff and guest education on sustainability. Green Key is more affordable and less complex than LEED or BREEAM, making it accessible for smaller hotels or those just beginning their sustainability journey.

Why choose Green Key?

– Accessibility: Green Key is more accessible to smaller hotels or those with fewer resources to invest in complex certification processes.

– Focus on education: Green Key encourages both hotel staff and guests to participate in sustainability efforts, helping to create a culture of environmental awareness.

– International recognition: While not as globally recognized as LEED, Green Key is well-known in Europe and can appeal to eco-conscious travellers, particularly within the EU.

EarthCheck certification

EarthCheck is another option for UK hoteliers seeking green certification. This certification is designed specifically for the travel and tourism industry, making it highly relevant for hotels. EarthCheck offers a range of services, from benchmarking and certification to consulting on best practices in sustainability.

EarthCheck evaluates a hotel’s performance in areas such as energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, and waste management. The certification is data-driven, and hotels are required to measure and report their environmental performance over time. EarthCheck provides detailed feedback, allowing hotels to continually improve their sustainability efforts.

Why choose EarthCheck?

– Industry-specific: EarthCheck is tailored specifically for the tourism and hospitality sectors, making it highly relevant for hotels.

– Benchmarking: The certification process involves benchmarking against industry standards, allowing hotels to measure their performance against peers.

– Continuous Improvement: EarthCheck encourages hotels to improve their sustainability efforts over time, with annual assessments and feedback.

Other certifications

In addition to the certifications mentioned above, there are several other green certifications that UK hoteliers may find useful.

– ISO 14001: This certification focuses on environmental management systems and can help hotels systematically improve their environmental performance.

– EU Ecolabel: This is an EU-wide certification that recognizes products and services that meet high environmental standards, including hotels.

– Green Tourism: A UK-based certification that assesses the sustainability of tourism businesses, including hotels, across various criteria such as energy, water, waste, and social responsibility.

Certifications like LEED, BREEAM, Green Key, and EarthCheck not only help reduce a hotel’s environmental footprint but also attract the growing number of eco-conscious travellers who prioritise sustainability. 

By obtaining these certifications, hoteliers can differentiate their properties in a competitive market, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.