Eco-friendly accommodation: what exactly is it?

You see it more and more often when you search for places to stay. But what exactly is eco-friendly accommodation?

What is eco-friendly accommodation?

It is a property that meets criteria guaranteeing respect for the environment, most of them certified.

So you will find:

• Unusual accommodation (cabin, gypsy caravan and so on)
• The ecolodgeor the eco-gîte
• The youth hostel
• Thecampsite
• Theholiday village
• The hotel, from one star to five stars

These properties are planned, designed, built and run in line with responsible environmental and social principles.

Ideally they use renewable energy and support sustainable development and waste reduction.

The labels to look out for

If you would like to stay in eco-friendly accommodation, you can look out for the following labels:

• Green Key: with 603 certified properties in France and more than 2,700 properties across 56 countries, it is theleading international environmental labelfor tourist accommodation and catering.
• Éco gîte: a label created byGîtes de France®. These are properties designed or renovated using techniques or materials recognised as having a low impact on the environment.
• Ecolabel
• Gîtes panda:houses built in the heart of a protected area, to which theWWFawards its label under certain conditions.

And do not forget, going green works both ways. So remember to sort your waste, buy local and cut down on your water and energy use during your stay!

So, fancy an eco-friendly holiday?.