From treetop retreats to solar-powered seaside stays, eco-friendly accommodation has come a long way from composting toilets and cold showers. Today, it’s all about comfort with a conscience, and the choices you make as a traveller really do matter.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away in the Lake District or a long-haul escape to Southeast Asia, the places you choose to stay can help protect the destinations you love.
But let’s be honest – how can you be sure a “green” hotel is truly sustainable and not just jumping on the eco-bandwagon?
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll help you spot genuine sustainability, avoid the greenwashing traps, and choose accommodation that helps make travel better – for people and the planet.
Why choosing eco-friendly accommodation matters
As the travel industry continues to bounce back, more people are thinking not just about where they go, but how they go. Sustainability is no longer a bonus – it’s becoming a priority.
Accommodation accounts for a significant chunk of a trip’s carbon footprint, from heating and cooling systems to waste, water usage and food production. By choosing an eco-conscious place to stay, you can:
- Reduce your energy and water consumption
- Support local jobs and communities
- Minimise plastic waste and pollution
- Help preserve nature and cultural heritage
In other words, you get to sleep well in more ways than one.
How to choose eco-friendly accommodation
From jungle lodges to chic city stays, sustainable options are popping up everywhere, but not all of them are what they seem. How can you tell if a place is truly eco-friendly or just good at looking green? Let’s break it down.
1. Look for recognised eco-certifications
The most reliable way to identify truly eco-friendly accommodation is by checking for certified sustainability labels. These aren’t handed out lightly. They involve audits, monitoring, and a real commitment to sustainability.
Top certifications to look for include:
- Green Key – Internationally respected, covering energy, water, waste, and community engagement.
- EarthCheck – Widely used in the Asia-Pacific region, often by eco resorts and island lodges.
- EU Ecolabel – For accommodation across Europe that meets high environmental standards.
- Travelife Gold – Recognised in over 50 countries and focuses on ethical sourcing, fair labour, and resource use.
- LEED Certification – For buildings that are energy-efficient and sustainably designed.
Don’t be swayed by words like “eco,” “green,” or “sustainable” alone. Look for a badge or read the fine print to make sure they are truly committed to sustainable practices.
2. Dig into the property’s environmental practices
Even without a label, a genuinely sustainable stay usually has clear values, and they’ll proudly share them.
Look for properties that mention:
- Renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines)
- Water-saving measures, like low-flow showers or greywater systems
- Waste management, including composting, food donation and recycling
- Plastic-free initiatives, such as refillable toiletries and filtered water stations
- On-site gardens or farm-to-table food programmes
- Conscious construction, like buildings made with reclaimed or local materials
Some properties go above and beyond replanting trees, supporting wildlife rehabilitation, or even offering educational tours on conservation. These touches create unforgettable memories while doing real good for the planet.
3. Think local and low-impact
One of the simplest ways to lower your travel impact is to support local businesses. Choosing locally-owned accommodation means:
- You’re keeping money in the community
- You get authentic cultural experiences
- You’re often treated to a more personal, heartfelt stay
Family-run B&Bs, traditional homestays, and boutique guesthouses tend to leave a lighter footprint than large chains. The welcome is often warmer, too.
And if you’re looking to level up your green game? Look for accommodation that:
- Employs local staff
- Sources goods and food locally
- Gives back through education or community projects
Your holiday can directly support the destination’s development in sustainable, long-lasting ways.
4. Consider the location and transport
An eco-friendly hotel in the middle of nowhere might sound dreamy, but if it requires three taxis and a charter flight to get there, the carbon costs can outweigh the benefits.
When booking, ask yourself:
- Can I walk, cycle or use public transport to explore the area?
- Is the hotel close to local attractions or city centres?
- Do they offer shuttle services or bike hire?
Staying central means fewer emissions and more spontaneous adventure. Plus, you’ll see more of the real destination when you’re not stuck in traffic.
5. Read reviews (and read between the lines)
A property can say whatever it likes on its website, but the real story comes from previous guests.
Look for reviews that mention:
- Reusable or refillable amenities
- Clearly marked recycling bins
- Staff knowledge of eco-initiatives
- Responsible water and energy use
- Local sourcing and community impact
You can also use eco-specific booking platforms like:
These sites allow you to filter by sustainability features and provide clear breakdowns of what makes each property environmentally sound.
6. Be a greener guest
Even the greenest hotel can only do so much if guests leave the taps running or pile up plastic bottles. Fortunately, you can make a big difference with a few small habits:
- Switch off lights, TVs and air conditioning when leaving the room
- Bring your own reusable toiletries and water bottles
- Take shorter showers
- Reuse towels and sheets instead of having them replaced daily
- Avoid unnecessary printing or paper waste
Think of yourself as a sustainability partner, not just a visitor.
Don’t forget your travel insurance
Travelling greener often means going a little further off the beaten path. Whether that’s a jungle eco-lodge, a rural retreat, or a family-run guesthouse far from the crowds.
Wherever you’re heading, travel insurance helps keep your plans protected. From medical emergencies to delayed luggage or unexpected cancellations, it’s one less thing to worry about on the road.
Your accommodation matters
Choosing eco-friendly accommodation isn’t about perfection; it’s about making better choices wherever you can. From solar-powered safari tents to cosy local B&Bs, there are more sustainable stays out there than ever before.
Every time you pick a greener place to stay, you’re helping protect the world we all love to explore. And that’s something worth packing for.