Environmental certification schemes: Hotel managers’ views and perceptions

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 i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hospitality management 2014-05, Vol.39, p.87-96
Main Author: Geerts, Wouter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accreditation
Environmental certification
Green Globe
Greenwash
London
Sustainability
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0278-4319
1873-4693
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhm.2014.02.007