12 Carbon-Free Journeys That Will Define the Future of Sustainable Tourism

6. Green Hotels and Verified Certification

Accommodation choices can change a trip’s emissions profile. Certified green hotels adopt measures such as on-site renewable energy, smart water management, waste diversion, and bans on single-use plastics. Verification through programs like Green Globe or LEED adds transparency and avoids marketing-only claims. Green hotels often publish metrics such as percentage renewable energy, liters of water saved per guest night, or waste diversion rates — indicators travelers can use to compare properties. Energy-efficient heating and cooling, rooftop solar, and locally sourced food reduce emissions and support local businesses. For planners, ask hotels for their certification status and recent sustainability reports, and favor properties that publish measurable outcomes rather than vague statements. Choosing certified accommodations helps ensure guest spending supports infrastructure and conservation actions that deliver real, measurable benefits.