Hoteliers of Europe, this is the moment to take sustainability seriously!

European regulations surrounding sustainability are evolving rapidly, and this has direct implications for your hotel. There are two critical questions you should be asking yourself right now:

1. Is your hotel already green certified, or are you planning to achieve this?
2. Does your current certification comply with the new, stringent European guidelines concerning Greenwashing, the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), and the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards)?

These new EU rules are designed to promote transparency in sustainability and create uniformity in how companies report their progress. The aim is to ensure that hotels and other businesses accurately measure, report, and improve their environmental performance. However, this also means that 2024 is the year when hotels must thoroughly collect and report their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data. Time is of the essence!

Key deadlines:

• From 2024, large companies and organisations in the EU must begin reporting their ESG data according to the new standards. This applies to many hotels, especially if your organisation is part of a larger group or falls under the CSRD.
• In 2025, these rules will be further tightened, and smaller enterprises may also be subject to these obligations. This means that it is essential to take action now to be prepared.
• Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with these new requirements could not only result in legal consequences but also damage your reputation and undermine the trust of your guests.

If you are unsure whether your hotel meets these new guidelines, or if you are considering upgrading your sustainability certification, now is the time to take action. Choosing the right green certification is crucial to meet the new requirements and to prepare your hotel for the future.

Why is this so important?

• Greenwashing: The European Union is placing increasing emphasis on combating greenwashing, where companies falsely claim to be sustainable. Your certification must be demonstrable and credible to avoid these risks.
• CSRD & ESRS: These reporting requirements are much more comprehensive than previous regulations and require detailed data on your environmental performance, social impact, and governance processes. It is no longer sufficient to report the basics – you must demonstrate that your hotel is actively committed to sustainability.

I am here to help you navigate these new regulations and ensure that your hotel meets the requirements. Whether you need support in selecting a certification or advice on how to effectively collect and report your ESG data, I am here to guide you.

Don’t make hasty decisions, but take the time to choose the right certification. This is an investment in the future of your hotel and an opportunity to make a truly positive impact.

Contact me at a.fellenberg@green-partner.nl to discuss how we can work together towards a sustainable and successful future for your hotel.