Glossary
This glossary is also used as "Sustainable Global Type" - Standard.
1
- 100% organic cotton bed sheets, towels and mattressesThe sheets, towels and mattresses are made of 100% organic cotton for the comfort of guests, and because dries quickly and does not require ironing, which makes it more efficient.
à
- À la carte restaurantThe provider is or offers an "À la Carte" restaurant, meaning individual dishes can be ordered off a menu rather than a set multi-course menu.
a
- Activities operated in a controlled areaThe area of activities is specially designated and controlled areas to minimize the impact on nature and the surrounding area
- Activities operated with an ecological trained guideAssociated with a guide who is trained to respect and teach the ecological impact.
- Activity avoids pollution or direct impactThe activity avoids disturbing nature and being conscientious of things such as not introducing pollutants (e.g. suncream on the ocean).
- At least standard rate payment for employeesEmployee remuneration is based on minimum wage standards and employees should not be paid below minimum wage.
- Avoiding of packaging wasteThe use of single use plastics is reduced. This can be amenities, dishes, cutlery, bottled water, plastic straws and other plastic packaging. Instead reusable or biodegradable alternatives should be offered.
b
- Ban on plastic bagsThe provider bans the use of plastic bags to reduce single-use plastic waste. Instead the provider uses and provides reusable bags or biodegradable bags.
- BeekeepingBeekeeping is the the rearing and breeding of honeybees; apiculture.
- Bike rentalAn offer for bikes should be available for at least 10% of the total number of guests
- Boat rental (canoe, rowboat, Sailboat, E-Boat)An offer to rent man-powered, windkraft, or electrically powered watercraft is available. This includes watercrafts such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats, E-boats , etc.
c
- Car Sharing StationAccess to a car sharing station is within walking distance or no further than one kilometer away and can be used without restriction in the destination
- Career advancement opportunity are offeredOffering Career Development means the progressive development of employee skills to promote productivity, job satisfaction and upward mobility through work assignments and education and training, both government sponsored and achieved through individual e
- Classes for local handicraftLocal handicraft classes are offered to showcase handicrafts in the local communties and regions.
- Classes taught by locals: cookingLocal cooking classes are offered to showcase more of the local culture.
- Classes taught by locals: local handicraftLocal handicraft classes are offered to showcase handicrafts in the local communties and regions.
- Classes taught by locals: traditional dancingLocal traditional dancing classes are offered to showcase more of the local culture.
- Classes taught by locals: traditional dancing, cookingLocal traditional dancing and cooking classes are offered to showcase more of the local culture.
- Climate compensation programA climate compensation program is designed to compensate for self-initiated greenhouse gas emissions. Compensationor offsetting is done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or by sequestering carbon in the form of carbon sequestration elsewhere.
- Càmping GloboEnergy consumption is regulated with motion sensors and automatic timers to ensure no energy is being wasted when systems such as lights, air conditioning and heating, ventilation, etc. are not needed or not in use.
- Cogeneration unitThe property uses a combined heat and power plant (cogeneration unit) to join the production of heat and electricity into a single process to reduce carbon emmissions and cost, and to increase energy efficency.
- Connection to the local network of public transportThe connection to public transport should be no more than 5 minutes on foot or a maximum of 500 meters away
- Cooperation with local businessesThe provider actively cooperates with local companies to support the local community and economy and provide resources for the hotel.
- Country-specific architectureThe provider's buildings are country-specific architecture to fit in with the area and represent local architecture.
- Cover ImageCover image is placed in the head of your entry single page
d
- Deliveries of foods are bundledThe delivery of foods is bundled to recuce the environmental impact, specifically carbon emissions, caused by uncessary excess transportation for deliveries.
- Dishes for allergy sufferersMeals include dish options or customizations for those with allergies and are prepared avoiding possible cross contamination
- Drinking fountainsDrinking fountains are available.
- Drinking water in reusable glass bottlesDrinking water is only offered in reusable glass bottles inorder to further reduce plastic waste.
- Drinking water soda machinesSoda machines are available.
e
- E-Bikes availablePedalling is partially or completely supported by an electric engine with an electric bicycle (or e-bike).
- Eco-Days and Clean-Up operationsThe provider supports Eco-Days and Clean-Up operations such as beach clean ups, turtle relocation, tree/mangrove planting, etc.
- ECO-Tourism toursThe provider offers environmentally friendly tourism tours which involve people visiting fragile, unspoilt areas that are usually protected, without harming those locations.
- Electric-ScooterElectric Scooter means a device with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, which is solely powered by an electric motor and/or human power.
- Energy consumption 100% CO2-neutralThe energy consumption is 100% CO2 neutral, meaning any carbon that is emitted is offset by funding projects that sequester or avoid carbon emissions to ensure minimal enviornmental impact of the hotel.
- Energy consumption 100% CO2-neutralThe energy consumption is 100% CO2 neutral, meaning any carbon that is emitted is offset by funding projects that sequester or avoid carbon emissions to ensure minimal enviornmental impact of the hotel.
- Energy-efficient lightingEnergy saving describes actions to reduce the energy consumption. An example is the installation of Energy saving lamps or insulating glass windows.
- Energy-saving house servicesThe provider uses energy saving building technology such as energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, proper insulation, etc.
- Environmental friendly activitiesActivities which reduce or eliminate pressures on the environment and which aim at making more efficient use of natural resources.
- Environmental friendly diving with an ecological trained guideEnvironmental diving without disturbing nature and being conscientious of things such as not introducing pollutants in the water and not touching the creatures in the sea. Associated with a guide who is trained to respect and teach the ecological impact.
- Environmental friendly snorkeling with an ecological trained guideEnvironmental snorkeling without disturbing nature and being conscientious of things such as not introducing pollutants in the water (e.g. suncream) and not touching the creatures in the sea. Associated with a guide who is trained to respect and teach the
- Environmentally compatible garbage disposalThe property operates an environmentally friendly waste disposal system, recycling whenever possible, turning organic waste to compost, utilizing garbage disposal units, etc. to minimize waste that ends up in landfills.
- Environmentally friendly constructionThe main objectives of sustainable building design are to reduce, or completely avoid, depletion of critical resources like energy, water, land, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their
- Environmentally neutral trips and excursionTrips and excursions are carried out in an environmentally neutral manner. Trips such as hiking, biking, or sailing, or traveling via train, public transportation, or E-car, and trips that have minimal enviornmental impact.
- Excursions in small groupsExcursions are carried out in small groups of a maximum of 15 people to create a more personal experience and to make the groups more managable to limit possible enviornmental damage during excursions.
- Excursions to explore the flora and the faunaExcursions to explore the flora and the fauna is a travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions
- Excursions with localsTrips and excursions are carried out by local companies and individuals to support the residents of the region.
f
- Fair tradeThe provider respects the principles of fair trade in procurement that fair prices are paid to the producers.
- Fair Trade bathing and cosmetic productsBath and cosmetic products are exclusively fair trade products, meaning it has been ensured that they have been produced to meet sustainability and fair labor standards.
- Fair-trade furnishingThe facility consists of fair trade furniture to ensure the furniture was made to sustainability and labor standards.
- Family-run hotelThe hotel is a family run hotel, as the owners are more likely to be closely involved with every-day operations, which allows quicker recongnition of issues and quicker adjustment to changing needs to ensure the hotel is running smoothly.
- Farm shop with self-produced goodsThe provider offers a farm shop that contains self-produced goods to encourage purchasing locally.
- Foodwaste reductionThe provider uses systems and strategies to reduce food waste. Some ways to achieve this can be by limiting menus, implementing special regulations, or by using only local grown food.
- Fresh-air exchange systemThe provider uses a fresh air exchange system, which is a system that circulates fresh outisde air into the hose while moving the old indoor air out.
- Fresh-air exchange system based renewal energyAir Exchange Systems uses the difference between inside and outside temperature. Depending on the outside temperature, these systems actively force or stop the air exchange inside the building. With this technology the use of high energy consuming air con
- Fresh water poolThe pool is a fresh water pool, which is more sustainable than a saltwater pool due to the reduced electricity use, cheaper cost, and simple maintenance.
- FSC furnitureThe facility consists of FSC Standard based furniture to ensure the furniture was made to sustainability and labor standards. (FSC - Forest Stewardship Council Standard)
g
- Geothermal energy for underfloor heatingThe provider uses geothermal energy for underfloor heating as an abundant, emissionless, and energy efficient heating source.
- Global Type AmmenitiesFully integrated sustainable global types which have been developed by DRV (German Travel Association), Peakwork and Green Travel Index to clearly standardize definitions of all categories of tourism services.
- Green cosmetic amenitiesbamboo toothbrush, razor, etc.
- Green cosmetic amenitiesThe supplier uses "green cosmetics", i.e. sustainable cosmetics made with biodegradable ingredients and using ingredients from renewable plant and bacterial sources, with reduced pollution and transparent production processes. E.g. bamboo toothbrush, razo
- Green electricityThe electricity is fed exclusively from green or sustainable sources including solar power, geothermal, wind power, certain biomass sources, and low-impact hydroelectric sources.
- Green EnergyThe property uses green energy or renewable energy, where they get their power supply through renewable enery sources like solar or wind energy.
- Green meeting facilitiesThe provider should hold meetings located in green facilities with energy-saving lighting and appliances to minimize envionmental impact of the facility. Meetings should also implement sustaianble practices by utliizing locally sourced food, sustainable d
- Greenhouse with private vegetable growing / vegetable gardenA Greenhouse with private vegetable growing / vegetable garden exists and uses sustainable practices such as organic gardening, composting, using water conservation techniques, and using ecofriendly materials.
- GuestCard for free use of public transportA guest card that entitles to free use of public transport
- Guests can participate in environmental projectsThe provider offers guests to participate in environmental projects such as beach clean ups, turtle relocation, tree/mangrove planting, citizen science etc.
- Guided tours about the hotel’s sustainabilityOffer of regular guided tours for guests about the hotel's sustainable activities. This could include proividing guided beach tours, tours of the hotel's garden, recycleing facility tours, providing kitchen tours to show sustainable practices in use, etc.
h
- Health insurance also for the employees familyEmployee compensation includes offer for health insurance for employees and their family members.
- Homemade cakesCakes and pastries are made in-house to ensure organic and sustainable ingredients are used.
- Horse Riding at the beach in controlled areasHorseback riding on the beach in specially designated and controlled areas to minimize the impact on nature and the surrounding area.
i
- In a nature areaThe location is in a natural area. Nature area means a national park or other area proclaimed in terms of legislation for conservation purposes and where the land use is controlled via national legislation, and nature park has the same meaning
- In a nature parkThe provider is located in a nature park, which is are large areas of protected land and nature reserves that strive for enviornmentally sustainable land use through recreation and sustainable tourism.
- Inspections of surrounding organic farmsThe provider offers to visit organic farms to ensure operations are running well and properly, as well as to show support.
- InsulationThe insulation of the buildings is energy efficient and complies with the latest guidelines to maximise effciency and reduce heat or cooling loss.
- Integration of locals by inviting them to concerts and other eventsThe provider involves the local population in the implementation of cultural offerings such as concerts or other events.
- Intelligent ventilation systems with heat recoveryThe provider uses intelligent ventilation systems, which adjust ventiliation rates depending on indoor and outdoor conditions, and with heat recovery to prevents heat loss while still ciculating fresh air.
l
- LED light for the whole hotelThe entire property is powered by LED lights, as they are the most energy efficient lights, last longer, are more durrable, and offer the best light quality.
- Listed buildingThe buildings are an officially registered building
- Local cooking classesThe provider offers classes or events providing information about local cooking to teach local culture and encourage engagement with the local communties.
- Local dishesMeals include dish options with local or regional culture food using local products grown in the surrounding area.
- Local drinks / products in minibarThe range of beverages available in the minibar is of regional production
- Local furnitureThe facility consists of regional furniture
- Local providers on the premises of the hotelWeekend street food market etc., art exhibitions
- Local recruiting of employeesThe provider prefers and prioritizess local employees when filling new positions, as they are familiar with the local area and language, and it helps support the local community.
- Local workforce of employeesThe provider prefers and prioritizess local employees when filling new positions, as they are familiar with the local area and language, and it helps support the local community.
- Locals are involved in decisions that affect their lifesThe provider involves local people in the implementation of cultural offerings like concerts or other events
- Low-flow showerheads, taps and faucetsThe shower heads, taps, and faucets have low water consumption by using water saving appliances that either regulate the flow of the water or aerate the water to reduce quantity.
- Low-flow toiletsThe toilets have low water consumption using either a low-flow toilet or a two-stage flush system to reduce water use.
m
- Materials or programs for guests (and staff) for cultural awareness/informationThe provider enables access to information to create cultural awareness, which refers to the ability of an individual, team, or organization to recognize and appreciate cultural differences in order to successfully interact with people from different back
- Measures against light and noise emissionsNo floodlights on the beach at night, or music, intelligent outdoor lighting that adapts to wildlife needs
n
- Natural and organic cosmetic products (shampoo, body lotion, soap)The property uses natural and organic cosmetic products such as shampoo, body lotion, and soap, which come in sustainable packaging and reusable bottles to make them as sustainable as possible.
- Natural oasisA shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
- Natural spa area of natural materialsThe property offers a natural spa area and uses only natural, organic materials free of chemicals and enviornmentally friendly.
- Natural swimming pond / poolsNatural swimming pools and ponds are pools that use plants and other biofilters instead of chemicals to keep the water clean.
- No exploitation or child laborExploitation or child labor is avoided in any form and is prohibited by the provider. The provider will also avoid purchasing goods created through child labor and from companies known to exploit children.
- No gender or racial discrimination of any typeA gender and racial discrimination is avoided in any form and is prohibited by the provider. Disiplinary and preventative measures will be taken by the provider if issues with discrimination arise.
- No plastic during meals The meals are offered without the use of plastic by using non-plastic or biodegradable dishes, cutlery, water, straws, etc. used during meals.
- No Single Use PlasticNo Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, which are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These items are things like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging.
- Non-smoking environmentThe accommodation offers a non-smoking environment and a separate space for those who are smokers to smoke, keeping them separate from the other guests when smoking for the health of the other guests.
- #NV#NV
o
- Oasis of BiodiversityA shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary in accordance with the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Offer of health insurance also for the employees familyEmployee compensation includes offer for health insurance for employees and their family members.
- Organic beauty treatmentThe property offers organic beauty treatments, which are free from chemicals and made primarily of active ingredients, making the treatments better for the skin.
- Organic fair traded coffeeThe coffee offered is certified fair trade and organically produced to meet sustainability and labor standards without the use of chemical or syntheic fertlizers.
- Organic fair traded coffee from certified organic coffee merchantsThe coffee offered is certified fair trade and organically produced to meet sustainability and labor standards without the use of chemical or syntheic fertlizers.
- Organic fair traded tea from certified organic tea merchantsThe tea is sourced from certified organic tea merchants, grown and produced without the use of chemical or synthetic fertilzers.
- Organic food qualityThe term organic stands for foods from ecologically-controlled cultivation free from pesticides and chemical fertilisers. They also contain less additives than general foods.
- Organically grown meat and fish from regional farmsThe offered fish and meat are sourced from organic regional farms to support local communties and reduce transportation of imports.
p
- Paper from sustainable forestryPaper is used exclusively from forests with sustainable forestry and harvested with sustainable logging practices, meaning the trees were harvested by selective cutting or group selection to ensure the least enviornmental impact on the forests.
- PaperlessThe use of paper is eliminated or greatly reduced. Instead documents etc. are given in digital form.
- photovoltaic systemThe accommodation uses a photovoltaic system (solar panels) to capture sunlight and convert it to electrical energy.
- Possibilities for tourists to discover local practices, convictions and natural remediesThe provider supports possibilities for tourists to discover local practices, convictions, and natural remedies, for tourists to learn more about local communties and culture.
- Preference of local and regional suppliers of goods and services to reduce transportationThe provider has a preference of procuring goods from local and regional suppliers of goods and services to reduce transportation
- Private organic agriculturePrivate organic agriculture is a production system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act and regulations to respond to provider-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological(...)
- Private recharge station for electric vehiclesThe property has its own charging station for electric vehicles for guests to use for their personal electric vehicles or rentals to further encourage the use of EVs.
- Private wine/oil productionThe wine or oil production is private or owner-run to ensure sustainable and organic practices are in use.
- Promotion and support of local, social and cultural projectsThe provider supports local, social and cultural projects and presents them to its guests to share and spread local culture.
- Promotion of local talentsThe provider supports the promotion of local talents in ways such as employing local singers and dancers, or local artists or performers.
r
- Rain collecting tank for watering the gardenThe garden irrigation is operated from a rainwater collection tank rather than the main water supply of potable water.
- Recharge station for electric vehiclesA charging station for electric cars is specifically designed and built for electric cars or vehicles.
- Recycling bins in the whole hotelWaste sorting - sorting by recyclables, organic waste, hazardous waste, and solid waste - is used throughout the property and there is an offering of recycling bins throughout the hotel and in every room.
- Recycling of waste waterGreywater (wastewater) recycling means the reuse of slightly soiled water from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines for example toilet flushing or watering gardens.
- Reduced hazardous wasteThe provider reduces hazardous waste wherever possible, which would include waste such as batteries, paints and solvents, cleaners, pesticides, oils, and other waste items that could potentially be harmful.
- Regional construction materialThe buildings of the accommodation were made with regional construction materials to support regional buisnesses and avoid long distance imports.
- Regional oil productionThe oil production is private or owner-run to ensure sustainable and organic practices are in use.
- Regional wine productionThe wine production is private or owner-run to ensure sustainable and organic practices are in use.
- Regular trainings with the topics of waste separationThe provider conducts regular training sessions on the subject of waste separation. The waste is sorted by different elements, separating organic waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste, and non-recyclable solid waste, in order to optimize the waste disp
- Renewable EnergyThe property uses green energy or renewable energy, where they get their power supply through renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy.
- Rental for electric vehiclesIt is possible to rent electrically powered vehicles for use by guests instead of gas powered vehicles. (E-Scooter, E-Bikes, E-Cars, E-Golf-Carts)
- Responsibility for managing human rightsThe provider takes responsibility for managing human rights. This can be done by enforcing and upholding human rights in the work place, discussing social issues with empolyees, ensuring employees feel safe at work, supporting political instiutions that u
- Reuse of towels and bed sheetsTowels and linen are used several times and not changed daily.
s
- Salad buffet with seasonal offerThe salad buffet includes seasonal offers using products only available at certain times a year when they are in season in the region.
- Seasonal CuisineSeasonal cuisine uses products, which are only available at certain times a year.
- Seawater poolThe saltwater pools use only sea water, making it much gentler on swimmer's eyes, skin, and clothes, and safer than chlorine freshwater pools.
- Shop with regional productsThe products offered in the shop are mostly made locally or in the region to support and showcase the local community and culture.
- Social cooperation with surrounding villagesThe provider supports social cooperation with surrounding villages actively
- Solar collector: Self-sufficiency with solar powerThe provider utilizes solar panels and thus achieves selfsufficiency with solar energy as the main energy source with no carbon emmissions.
- Solar thermal energyThe provider uses solar panels to capture solar energy to generate thermal energy for the hotel.
- Staff for environmental managementThe provider has designated employees for environmental management to ensure the company is maintinaing sustainable practicices and continuing to have minimal enviornmental impact, while continuing to research and implement more methods of reducing envior
- Staff for managing the welfare and labour standardsThe provider has designated employees for managing the welfare and labour standards to ensure employees are safe in the workplace, properly compensated for their work, and are not being overworked.
- Support for environmental schemes or projectsThe provider supports environmental schemes or projects that also help to improve sustainability
- Support of local talentsThe provider supports the promotion of local talents in ways such as employing local singers and dancers, or local artists or performers.
- Support of school projectsThe provider supports school projects actively. This can be done by donating, sponsoring school events, holding school events, offering volunteering or shadowing opportunities, etc.
- Surrounded by botanical gardens or a forestThe provider is surrounded by botanical gardens (Botanical Gardens and Arboretums means gardens in which a variety of plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes) or a forest (Forest means an area of land defined by the minimum values for are
- Sustainability information for guestsThe provider provides its guests with information about its sustainable activities and the opportunity for guests to make their own sustainable contribution through activities such as beach or land clean-ups, local tree planting, local photography excursi
- Sustainability policies for guestsThe provider has a sustainability policy detailing the hotel's sustainable practices, suggestions for sustainble guest behavior, and any prohibed guest behavior in place to protect the enviornemnt. This policy should be made available to guests in a clear
- Sustainability Trainings and career advancement opportunityThe provider offers its employees training for sustainability and opportunities for advancement
- Sustainability trainings are offeredThe provider offers its employees sustainability training which consists of classes, seminars, and literature that teaches business professionals how to behave in an environmentally responsible manner and basics of sustainable criteria in the specific bus
- Sustainable certified sea foodSeafood certified by MSC
- Sustainable heating technology with pelletsThe provider uses sustainable heating technology with pellet fuel appliances, which are more convient to operate than wood burning appliances and have higher combustion and heating efficencies while producing very little air polution.
- Sustainable painting courses in naturePainting courses in nature based on sustainable criteria such as production and manufacturing methods, material origin and quality, social compatibility, environmental protection and resource conservation.
- Sustainable sea foodSeafood certified by MSC
t
- Tee from certified organic tee merchantsThe tea is sourced from certified organic tea merchants, grown and produced without the use of chemical or synthetic fertilzers.
- Toilettes with rainwaterToilets should run on rainwater rather than the main water supply to reduce unnecessary potable water consumption.
- Towels are changed if requiredTowels will be changed only if necessary or requested to reduce washing and the water use that comes with it.
- Traditional/Regional cuisineThe meals include traditional/regional/culture cuisine using local products grown in the surrounding area.
- Traditional wellness treatments / massagesThe property offers spa treatments and massages to aid personal wellness.
- Trekking tours with local guidesThe hiking or trekking tours are conducted by local guides, since they know the landscape and local communty well and it helps to support local residents.
u
- Urban gardeningUrban gardening is the practice of growing plants in an urban environment.
- Use of environmentally-friendly packagingThe provider uses environmentally friendly packaging, meaning the packaging avoids plastics and is either recyclable, biodegradable, or plant-based, and made with manufacturing processes that have had minimal enviornmental impact.
- Use of non-toxic cleaners and detergentsOnly ecofriendly cleaning agents and laundry detergents are used.
v
- Vegan optionsVegan cuisine forbiddens the consumption of any animal products.
- Vegetarian optionsVegetarian cuisine provides lacto-ovo vegetarian meals which exclude meat or fish.
- Visits of local partners (e.g. farms)The provider offers the visit of local farms or manufacturing companies inorder to show support of local partners.
w
- Walk with a natural scientistThe hiking or trekking tours are carried out by scientists, providing more detailed information from experts during treks.
- Wastewater treatment plant belonging to the hotelThe property has a bio-sewage treatment plant. This is because hotels create large quanities of wastewater, so it is more sustainable, productive, and cost efficient for hotels to have on-site treatment plants rather than having to pay for wastewater disp
- Water conservationWater conservation describes actions to reduce the waste of water. For this purpose, water conservation technologies like low-flow shower heads and toilets are used.
- Water reclamationWater reclamation describes the process of converting wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes. This process takes place in a wastewater treatment plant.
- Wild life protectionThe provider actively supports both local and global wild life protection and wildlife organizations
- Wood burning saunaThe sauna area is heated with wood to eliminate the use of electricity in the sauna.