In our modern era, it’s crucial to extend our commitment to sustainability beyond our everyday choices and into our travel choices. The impact of the tourism industry on the environment is significant, and one way to reduce your personal carbon footprint is to opt for more sustainable lodging when you travel. In this article, we’ll explore various sustainable lodging options that can increase your positive climate impact.

One sustainable lodging option is to choose locally-owned hotels instead of large chains. Choosing locally-owned hotels contributes more to the local economy and further enhances community resilience compared to a large chain. As an added benefit, local businesses tend to have a smaller ecological footprint compared to larger chains.

Another (potentially complementary) option is to choose LEED- or BREEAM-certified hotels. These certifications indicate that a building meets high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall environmental sustainability. By choosing LEED- or BREEAM-certified accommodations, you can rest assured that your stay aligns with your eco-conscious values.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, ecovillages are a unique option. An ecovillage, also called a sustainable housing community, is a community of people dedicated to living “low-impact, high-quality” lives. Ecovillages emphasize a whole-systems approach to sustainability, including social, cultural, economic, and ecologic dimensions. To achieve these goals, ecovillages emphasize participatory processes, leadership growth, skill building, and respecting traditional practices. There are a wide variety of ecovillages around the world, each with its own unique culture, practices, rules, and visitor/guest policies. Explore the Global Ecovillage Network’s database at the “Action” link below.

As with any sustainable lifestyle choice, it’s important to do your own research to ensure the accommodations you select are truly eco-friendly and are not greenwashing. By supporting locally-owned hotels, choosing LEED- or BREEAM-certified accommodations, or immersing yourself in an ecovillage, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of natural resources, supporting local economies, and promoting responsible tourism. In addition, by making these conscious choices, you’ll also contribute to the growing movement towards sustainable tourism. As more of us opt for sustainable lodging options, the tourism industry will adapt and prioritize environmentally friendly practices, leading to a global transformation in the industry.