A Guide to Choosing Green Hotels in Europe

Should we still travel? Of course! Yet your expectations are changing at the same pace as our world. You still want to explore new places – but in a more ethical and sustainable way. Slow travel and alternative transport options have sparked debate around ways to travel and where to stay. Sustainability is increasingly a consideration when planning a holiday that fits with your values. How can you choose a more sustainable hotel? What criteria are important to you? Will your travel experience be compromised in any way? Read on for answers to all these questions and more in just five minutes.

From sorting and recycling waste to limiting the time you spend in the shower, doing your bit for the planet has likely become part of your routine. And the same is true in the hotel industry. Hotel teams that care about limiting their impact are working hard behind the scenes to roll out carbon-cutting initiatives without compromising on comfort. Green hotels are not only driven by a sustainable vision, but are actively committed to change. Simply put, for a hotel to be considered green, it must meet the following conditions:

• Minimise environmental impact
• Work with local growers in short-circuit supply chains
• Reconsider their design and facilities

Top tip: Wondering how to make a better choice when you book your next holiday? Look out for sustainability certifications – they’re a reliable indicator of a hotel's ecological commitment.

Awarded by independent audit firms, ecolabels and green accreditation schemes help you select an eco-certified hotel. Transparency is everything. There are several levels of certification, which can have national or international status. Ideally, look for reputable ecolabels that meet standards recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, such as:

• Green Globe: Popular with high-end hotels, Green Globe certification requires social and economic commitments as well as environmental practices.
• Green Key: Hotel practices are screened to meet strict environmental criteria and establishments must implement effective actions that can be rapidly put in place.

Good to know: In France, Green Key certification goes by the French name of Clef Verte.

You’re enjoying a hotel meal on holiday. A family leaves the next table, leaving half-full plates behind. A waiter clears away the leftovers, tipping them into a large bin bag. Does this alarm you? It shouldn’t – many hotels around the world have introduced schemes to combat food waste in restaurants and bars.

Did you know? If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind China and the United States (source: the French GoodPlanet Foundation).

In practical terms, this means building partnerships with businesses that redistribute unsold food, or using technology to automate and optimise food logistics. In Canada, the Fairmont Palliser hotel has equipped its kitchens with smart cameras that monitor the percentage of food waste in real time. By analysing the statistics, the chef can readjust menus to use the ingredients available. In Europe, a partnership between the Accor Group and the Too Good To Go app has prevented 225 tonnes of waste and seen 450,000 meals redistributed.

Wherever you go on holiday, part of sustainable tourism is saying "yes" to local produce and artisanal wares. Not only does this benefit the local economy, it's a gateway to an authentic cultural experience. What better way to get a taste for a place than savouring aromatic herbs, fruit and vegetables straight from the hotel’s garden? Cheeses matured in nearby cellars, served on traditional bread. Freshly caught fish sourced from the harbour. Discover local flavours with purpose and pleasure. And whether you’re shopping as you go or looking for a souvenir to take home, promote responsible consumption by seeking out locally crafted goods.

You’ve become used to switching off the lights when you leave a room, turning off the tap when you brush your teeth or controlling the heating at home. These small everyday actions are replicated on a large scale in green hotels. Dig a bit deeper before booking your accommodation to ensure a more sustainable stay.

• Is waste water recycled to water the gardens?
• Are guests encouraged not to change towels or bed linen every day?
• Do bedrooms have smart thermostats?
• Does the hotel use solar energy and LED bulbs?
• Does the bathroom have a water-saving shower and dual-flush toilet?

Read this guide to renewable energies in the hotel industry to help you choose a greener hotel.

The concept of a green hotel starts on the drawing board. Gone are the days of concrete beachfront resorts. Architects are rethinking every aspect of hotel design to create more ethical environments that blend naturally into the local landscape. From living walls and a preference for local materials, to heat recovery systems and EV charging stations, more eco-conscious design is defining the future of sustainable hospitality. City-centre hotels can make a difference to the urban environment. In Poland, the Mercure Katowice Centrum is a benchmark for modern hotels, with its rainwater collection system and pollutant-absorbing living wall.

Ready to plan a more sustainable trip? Before choosing your hotel, consider how you’ll get there. Opt to travel by train rather than plane if possible. If you like a bit of a challenge, why not cycle around Europe? Take your pick from a growing choice of destinations with a strong environmental ethos, starting with Switzerland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. Looking for sun? Spain has a strong circular tourism system that supports the planet and local economy. Or head to Italy and Portugal, both green mobility destinations within easy reach of the UK and Northern Europe.

And then of course, there’s France. With an impressive rail network linking stunning destinations, it’s a responsible traveller’s paradise. Explore majestic mountains and endless coastlines, green valleys and historic cities. From family-friendly seaside resorts to eco-certified hotels in the heart of Paris, a dizzying array of lower-impact adventures awaits. All that’s left to do is choose the right hotel for you.