interested in joining us?
Properties listed on the ecohotel web directory have been selected on the basis of a number of sustainability criteria. As we do not have either the resources to inspect each product itself, and nor is it our aim to set up yet another scheme, our team at ecohotel relies on external accreditation schemes for the assessment of sustainability initiatives of properties. We do however make random anonymous visits to properties and any property which does not meet the criteria advertised is immediately removed from our site.
Until the long awaited introduction of one national scheme, which, as of Jan 2010, 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 consumers, to choose 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:
Most credible: Independent certification by an internationally accredited certification scheme
- 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
Second: Accreditation by a respected independent non-governmental organisation
- 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".
Nabers - as of 2010 not enough information publicly available to make an informed decision....
more about criteria for properties >>>
