Environmental certification schemes: Hotel managers' views and perceptions

Wouter Geerts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper contributes to research into environmental certification schemes in the hospitality industry, by discussing three objectives of such schemes: (1) promote the implementation of sustainability practices in the hospitality industry; (2) increase profitability; and (3) provide more accurate information to guests. This paper provides a first insight into the perception of managers towards certification schemes. Interviews with 21 London managers from a range of star-rated hotels, and an analysis of 196 websites of London hotels, indicates that these objectives are not all achieved. It is discussed how certification schemes provide knowledge to hoteliers and helps against claims of ‘greenwash’. The effect of certifications on profitability, however, is questioned, and due to limited communication of certifications by hotels, certifications are failing to provide guests with more accurate information. Implications,recommendations and limitations of the research are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-96
JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2014

Keywords

  • Environmental certification
  • Accreditation
  • Sustainability
  • Greenwash
  • London
  • Green Globe

Cite this