about ecohotel
Through sharing ideas about environmental sustainability in the tourism industry and promoting green travel within Australia, the aim of the ECOHOTEL WEB DIRECTORY is to raise the standard of environmentally responsible accommodation within Australia and to discourage the use of 'eco' or 'green' as a marketing tool, unless properties have accreditation or evidence of genuine environmental initiatives.
We carefully screen every operator against our criteria for responsible accommodation. We don't claim to be perfect, and we acknowledge the difficult nature of the whole concept of 'ecotourism". We do however aim to encourage and promote those operators who have invested a great deal of time, effort and money to gain Australian eco accreditation and to lessen their impact on the environment in whichever way they can.
criteria for listing on our site
contact ecohotel
green cred checklist
greening your business
being a green guest
Accommodation providers operators who are working towards environmental sustainability and/or accreditation are most welcome to use the resources on the ecohotel directory to help move towards this goal. We encourage all accommodation operators who wish to list with us to consider the AAA Green star rating scheme as a starting point only.
Guests are welcome to comment about the environmental initiatives of any of the ecohotel properties found on this site. You can be assured that any accommodation that doesn't live up to our standards will no longer be listed on ecohotel. Just send your comments to info@ecohotel.com.au
Our aim is not to set up yet another scheme, but to support and promote the best of the accreditation schemes currently available. Our team at ecohotel relies on external Australian and international accreditation schemes for the assessment of sustainability initiatives of properties. It will not be published to protect your privacy.
Until the long awaited introduction of one national scheme, which is presently being undertaken by the Federal Government, we remain reliant on the existing accreditation programmes available in Australia. In the long run, it is up to us, as travellers, guests and accommodation providers, to choose or offer accommodation which is making a genuine effort to lessen the impact of running a tourism business.
Unfortunately, there are more than one hundred different certification schemes for Sustainable Tourism in the world. Only schemes which we believe to be both reliable and making a genuine contribution towards increased sustainability are recognized by ecohotel. We have rated the schemes according to the depth of sustainability standards and the rigour of external assessment. The main schemes operating within Australia are:
- ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA - Australia's most highly respected eco certification organization. Much of the criteria is not ideal for accommodation properties in an urban environment.
- GREEN GLOBE
- AAA GREEN STARS - however only properties which also publicly display their environmental initiatives on their website and within their property are able to be listed on the ecohotel web directory.
- SELF EVALUATION - There are a number of properties which have chosen to stay outside the official accreditation system, but are still making significant contribution to sustainable tourism. These properties are however required to list their environmental initiatives publicly. Sometimes these properties are in fact doing more than those with AAA Green Stars as the owners are motivated purely by wanting to make a difference rather than to be publicly acknowledged as being "green".
Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated NPO, and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.
Web: www.ecotourism.org.au
Tourism Australia Sustainability Toolkit and Resources
A useful collection of fact sheets to help tourist operators begin their sustainability journey.
www.tourism.australia.com
World Wildlife Fund Climate Savers Program
For more than 45 years, the World Wildlife fund has been protecting the future of nature. Find out about the work that the WWF is doing to preserve the planet and its resources for future generations.
Web:www.worldwildlife.org/climate/climatesavers2.html
The Green Directory
Promoting Australian Green Businesses
The Green Directory is Australia's leading directory of "green" products and services. The Green Directory is tailored specifically for individuals and green businesses looking for green products and green services.
Greenwash Guides
Information from official Australian and international green organizations about the legal ramifications of making false environmental claims. Check out the Green Cred checklist to make sure you’re doing the right thing!
Planet Ark
Planet Ark gives you up to 40 “world environmental news stories’ every day from Reuter’s newsagency. Also contains eco links such as “Recycling near You” and useful information about environmental issues and eco products.
Web: www.planetark.com.au
Green Globe
Green Globe shows your organisation is serious about the environmental, social and economic performance of your organisation.
Web: www.greenglobe.org
G-Online: the best of green
Monthly environmental publication and online web site packed with loads of up-to-date information about green issues.
Web: www.gmagazine.com.au
AustConserv
AustConserv - Environmental News, information and eco tips for Australians
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