Green Resort Quality and Safety

How is the quality and safety of green resorts evaluated? Here are some of the areas to check if you want to know if a green resort is safe and of high-quality.

• Guest Participation: Are guests informed of and invited to be involved in resort-wide environmental activities? Are guests given the opportunity and encouraged to diminish their environmental footprint by purchasing carbon credits?
   
• Staff Training: Does the hotel or resort have a strong company culture where all associates are involved in implementing green practices? Every employee plays an important role in implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices from their first day on the job.Working with the maintenance department, the representatives take part in quality control.The team documents consumption, system checks and supports the company culture throughout the resort.
   
• Stewardship: How does the hotel or resort promote environmental preservation within their community? Does it set the example by proactively and publically educating the community? All members take time to share best practices through education in schools and local organizations as well as participation in community events.
   
• Native Environment: Does the resort help promote and protect local culture, fauna and flora? Does the resort sponsor and actively pursue preservation of historical and cultural architecture, national parks and traditions?
   
• Eco-Recognition: Has the resort achieved internationally recognized certification for its policies and standards in environmental protection such as ISO 14001 or Green Globe 21?  Has the resort received green awards from hotel associations and leading travel publications for its exemplary practices?
   
• Renewable Resources: Does the resort harness solar, hydro and/or wind power? Depending on where travelers are vacationing, various natural resources can be used.
   
•  Waste Reduction: Does the hotel track and measure the use of water, electricity and other resources? Are bulk dispensers used throughout the resort to reduce waste? Does the resort use reusable glassware and utensils as opposed to throwaway plastic materials? Are low-flow toilets, faucets and showers in place? Does the resort exclusively use natural cleaning and biodegradable products?
   
• Transportation: Does the resort support local transportation systems that use alternative fuel sources like bio fuels or electrical-powered vehicles to mitigate emissions? Does the resort support use of public transportation and encourage employees to carpool?
   
• Construction: Is the hotel structure designed to allow for breezy, open-air areas to reduce energy consumption by using natural lighting and not running air conditioners? Are the rooms designed to be energy efficient? Does the facility use natural wood from a sustainable farm and local building materials and labor?
   
• Safety and Quality: Are quality control systems such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) in place for food safety?
   
• Future Green Technology: Is the resort at the forefront of green advances and following industry trends, like using the latest energy-saving equipment to mitigate consumption? Are there in-room sensors (for air conditioners, power sources, etc.) to determine if electricity can be conserved in an empty room?
  
  Many resorts brand themselves as "eco-friendly", but EnviroCitizen.org knows that savvy travelers can recognize green-washed resorts from those truly dedicated to protecting the environment.