leaf-l

Travel is important. New experiences and connections bring us closer and break down barriers. But it can come at a cost to our planet and its people.

Our Travel Sustainable Program is designed to champion the efforts of our partners. By bringing properties like yours and sustainability-minded travelers closer, we’ll work together for a better tomorrow.

agoji1

About the Travel Sustainable Program

In order to make sustainable choices easier for everyone, we’ve created the Travel Sustainable Program. It’s designed to offer you externally validated support – no matter where you’re at in your sustainability journey.

Indicate whether or not you carry out each of these practices at your property and your sustainability practices will be shown on your property page. They’re divided into five categories:

  1. Reduce waste
  2. Reduce energy and greenhouse gases
  3. Use less water
  4. Support your local community
  5. Protect nature

How the application process works

Property submits their practices
The property management uses the Booking.com extranet to submit which sustainable practices they are following.

An assessment is conducted
An assessment of the property’s submitted practices is performed against an independently validated criteria model, which considers geographic factors related to accessibility and costs to implement certain practices. Based on this assessment, the model calculates an overall impact score for the property, which determines eligibility.

The property is notified
The property management will receive an email with the assessment outcome within 24 hours of submitting their practices. If the impact score is high enough, the property will receive the badge, which will automatically be added to its listing within two weeks.

agoji2

Qualifying sustainable practices

In order to qualify for a Travel Sustainable Program, the property must practice a significant number of initiatives in the following categories:

Water
Simple efforts, like washing towels less often, save significant energy and water.

Waste
Offer recycling options and cut down on plastic and food leftovers to make a big impact.

Nature
Respect local wildlife and nurture the accommodation’s green spaces.

Energy and greenhouse gasses
Minimize operational emissions with measures like switching to renewable energy.

Destination and community
Promote local small businesses, such as tour guides or restaurants.

See sustainable practices
Water
    • Single-use plastic miniature shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles not used
    • Option to reuse towels
    • Option to opt-out of daily room cleaning
    • Water-efficient toilets
    • Water-efficient showers
Waste
    • Single-use plastic straws not used
    • Single-use plastic cups not used
    • Single-use plastic water bottles not used
    • Single-use plastic beverage bottles not used
    • Single-use plastic cutlery/plates not used
    • Single-use plastic stirrers not used
    • Recycling bins available to guests and recycling of waste
    • The property making efforts to reduce their food wastage
    • Water cooler/dispenser
Nature
    • Bicycle rental
    • Wild (non-domesticated) animals are not displayed/interacted with while captive on the property or harvested, consumed, or sold
    • Green spaces such as gardens/rooftop gardens on the property
    • Most food provided is organic
Energy and greenhouse gasses
    • Key card or motion-controlled electricity
    • Most food provided at the property is locally sourced
    • Most lighting throughout property uses energy-efficient LED bulbs
    • All windows are double-glazed
    • Offsets a portion of their carbon footprint
    • 100% renewable electricity used throughout
Destination and community
    • Invest a percentage of revenue back into community projects or sustainability projects
    • Tours and activities organized by local guides and businesses offered
    • Local artists are offered a platform to display their talents
    • Provide guests with information regarding local ecosystems, heritage and culture, as well as visitor etiquette
agoji3

Qualifying certifications

Third party certifications can be reported through Booking.com extranet and are taken into account to be part of the program:

  • Green Tourism
  • EU Ecolabel
  • Green Seal
  • Nordic Swan Ecolabel
  • Green Hospitality Ecolabel
  • Ibex Fairstay
  • Fair Trade Tourism
  • LEED
  • Edge
  • All certifications accredited or recognised by the GSTC

For more information about the Travel Sustainable Program, the benefits of having a badge and how you can apply, please click here.

agoji4