Ecotourism Certification- Draft

8/10/2019 Ecotourism Certification- Draft

1/62

i

ECOTOURISM CERTIFICATION

ACCREDITATION OF LODGES AND RESORTS AROUND

ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS


2/62

ii

Contents

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................1

Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................

List of Acronyms........................................................................................................... 2

Lis t o f Tab les ............................................................................................................. 3

List of Figures ............................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 5

1.1 Host Organization ..............................................................................................5

1.1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................5

1.1.2 Vision...........................................................................................................5

1.1.3 Mission ........................................................................................................5

1.1.4 Objectives....................................................................................................5

1.1.5 Project Background at Host Organization....................................................6

1.1.6 Project/Problems Definition .........................................................................6

1.1.7 Objective of the Project to the Organization ................................................6

CHAPTER 2: ECOTOURISM .........................................................................................7

2.1 Ecotourism .........................................................................................................7

2.1.1 Activities Focused in Ecotourism .................................................................7

2.1.2 Ecotourism Destination Features.................................................................8

2.1.3 Problems in Ecotourism Industry.................................................................8

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................9

3.1 Present System..................................................................................................9

3.1.1 Systems for Tourism.................................................................................... 9

3.1.2 Systems for Ecotourism.............................................................................11

3.2 Difference between existing accreditation system and Eco-rating System 11

CHAPTER 4: ECO-RATING PROPOSAL ...................................................................13

4.1 Eco-rating Proposal for Government................................................................ 13

4.1.1 Need and Scope of the Project.................................................................. 13

4.1.2 Ecological benefits of the project ............................................................... 13


3/62

iii

4.1.3 Economical benefits of the project.............................................................14

4.2 Eco-rating Proposal for Hospitality Industry ..................................................... 15

4.2.1 Principles and Structures........................................................................... 15

CHAPTER 5: PROJECT METHODOLOGY ................................................................. 16

5.1 Multi-consultation approach in developing standards and norms..................... 16

5.2 Phase one Identification of best eco-friendly practices in Lodges and resorts

Industry ......................................................................................................................16

5.3 Phase two Suggestions and Addition............................................................19

5.4 Phase Three Evolvement of Specification, Standards and Norms................23

5.4.1 Principles................................................................................................... 23

5.4.2 Criteria and Indicators ............................................................................... 24

5.4.3 Benchmarking and Threshold Value.......................................................... 295.4.4 Standards and Norms................................................................................29

5.4: Phase Four Development of Eco-rating System ...........................................30

5.4.1 A weighed scoring system.........................................................................31

5.4.2 Eco-Rating Ranges ................................................................................... 34

CHAPTER 6: PILOT TESTING.............................................................................. 36

6.1 Objectives of Pilot Testing ............................................................................36

6.1 Pilot testing team and methodology adopted................................................36

6.2 Observations and Findings ........................................................................... 36

6.3 Results.......................................................................................................... 37

Chapter 7: Summary and Conclusions .....................................................................38

Bibl iography ................................................................................................................40

APPENDICES...............................................................................................................41

Appendix 1: GLOSSARY ...........................................................................................41

Appendix 2: Eco-rating System.................................................................................. 44

Appendix 3: Questionnaire for Weighted Score ......................................................... 55

Appendix 4: Questionnaire for Collection of Best Eco Friendly Practices in Lodges and

resorts Industry .......................................................................................................... 57


4/62

1

Executive Summary

With the rapid increase in ecotourism industry, it is being observed that ecotourism is

leaving negative impacts on natural resources and the ecosystem of the ecotourism

destination. Also due to the increase in environmental awareness ecotourist are payinggreater attention towards protecting the environment and safeguarding human beings

health. All countries and regions have enacted corresponding laws and statutes and

established various policies and measures. Many organizations set environmental

business norms to promote environmental protection. Thus, all organizations take into

consideration how their operations, products and services affect the environment.

The ecotourism destination development depends on the situation of the local

environment. As a mainstay of the ecotourism industry, the lodges and resorts industry is

trying to protect the environment and make reasonable use of resources. This is directly

correlated to the development of the ecotourism industry and also affects sustainabledevelopment in society. Therefore, this project has been developed with aim of

developing norms for accreditation of lodges and resorts for ecotourism and also to

provide opportunities to lodges and resorts to improve their operational activities.

The Eco-rating for lodges and resorts that are at ecotourism destinations is a new notion,

which requires lodges and resorts to include objectives of ecotourism as part of lodges

and resorts management in general. Taking the objectives of ecotourism as the

principles, it is necessary for lodges and resorts operators to adjust their mindsets,

development strategies, management modes and service, to provide eco friendly

services to the guests with the involvement if local communities, while conservingenvironment and generating conservation & nature education.

The Eco-rating System is a kind of guidelines or system for lodges and resorts operators

to achieve their environmental goals and objectives. In order to guide present practice,

an eco friendly lodges and resorts is define by the criteria like lodges and resorts with

the concept of sustainable development, which insist and encourage green

consumerism, protect the environment and make reasonable use of resources. Its aim is

to strengthen protection of the environment and the sustainable use of resources. But

when a lodges and resorts is located at ecotourism destination, the concept behind an

eco-friendly lodges and resorts should differ, because both the characteristic of theguests and objectives of tourism become different in ecotourism.

The Eco-rating System has been developed by taking ecotourism objectives, principles

and vision. The system not only checks the environmental performance but also other

principles of ecotourism and sustainable management practices of the lodges and

resorts.


5/62

2

List of Acronyms

ACF - Assistant Conservator of Forest

CCF - Chief Conservator of Forest

CF - Conservator of Forest

DFO - Divisional Field Officer

HVAC - Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning

IFS - Indian Forest ServicesIIFM - Indian Institute of Forest Management

MPEDB - Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board

SDO - Sub Divisional Officer

TIES - The International Ecotourism Society

JFM - Joint Forest Management


6/62

3

Lis t o f Tables

Table 1: List of the referred accreditation systems......................................................... 12

Table 2: List of the referred accreditation systems......................................................... 19

Table 3: List of the referred case studies in hospitality industries: ................................. 19

Table 4: The eco ratings................................................................................................. 35

Table 5: Objectives Achieve........................................................................................... 37


7/62

4

List of Figures

Figure 1: Eco-rating System & Four Principles..............................................................24

Figure 2: Community Participation Criteria and Indicators ......................................... 26

Figure 3: Environment Conservation Criteria and Indicators....25

Figure 4: Conservation/Nature Education Criteria and Indicators...26

Figure 5: Ecological Orientation Criteria and Indicators....26

Figure 6: Eco-rating System Framework....28

Figure 7: Weights for Criteria of Community Participation ..30

Figure 8: Weights for Criteria of Environment Conservation ..30

Figure 9: Weights for Criteria of Conservation/Nature Education ..31

Figure 10: Weights for Criteria of Ecological Orientation .31

Figure 11: Weights of Principles ..32


8/62

5

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Organization

Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board

Urja Bhawan, Link Road No.2

Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal, M.P.

Phone: 0755-2768798, Fax- 2768805

Email- [email protected]

1.1.1 Introduction

Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board is an autonomous organization ofMadhya Pradesh Forest Department. It was constituted with a view to conserve natural

resources through ecotourism and with a mission to achieve sustainable forest

management through ecotourism on 12.07.2005. The board has been registered under

Society Registration Act, 1973. The current president of MPEDB is the Hon'ble Forest

Minister of MP state Shri Sartaj Singh. The MPEDB consists of a General Body and

Executive Committee.

1.1.2 Vision

Ecotourism becomes a means of nature resource conservation.

1.1.3 Mission

Mainstreaming ecotourism in sustainable forest management

1.1.4 Objectives

to facilitate the policy environment to institutionalize ecotourism;

to raise awareness on nature conservation;

to spread messages on the best practices of ecotourism;

to popularize the concept of ecotourism through print and electronic media;

to identify the ecotourism destination in state;

to develop infrastructure facilities for ecotourist; to build the capacity of local community members as key stakeholders in

ecotourism; and

To coordinate with other Government and Non-Government Stakeholders in

ecotourism.


9/62

6

1.1.5 ProjectBackgroundatHostOrganization

The Ecotourism industry keeps growing. It has become one of the fastest growing

sectors of tourism industry, growing annually by 10-15% worldwide (Miller 2007).

Worldwide ecotourist arrivals have increased in India especially in Madhya Pradesh due

to its natural beauty, world heritage sites, historical & cultural heritage, national parks,

nature reserves, fairs & festivals etc. However, this growth comes with more need ofaccommodation for ecotourist. To meet this need in sustainable manner MPEDB took an

initiative of developing norms for accreditation of lodges and resorts for ecotourism so

that it would be possible for a governmental agency to rate on a scale the lodges and

resorts involved in the business of catering to the needs of tourists at ecotourism

destinations according to their level of conformity to those standards.

1.1.6 Project/ProblemsDefinition

The project aims at developing norms for accreditation of lodges and resorts for

ecotourism. The project will be guided by the following Objectives:

Objectives:

to compile a list of lodges and resorts industry's best eco-friendly practices;

suggestions and additions to compiled list;

evolve specifications, standards and norms;

Develop a rating system.

1.1.7 ObjectiveoftheProjecttotheOrganization

To become authentic agency for granting Eco-rating to the lodges and resorts involved in

the business of catering to the needs of ecotourist at ecotourism destinations.


10/62

7

CHAPTER 2: ECOTOURISM

2.1 Ecotourism

Defining "Ecotourism" has proven to be a difficult task given all the different players

attempting to define it. People tend to define things in terms that are beneficial to

themselves, hence the variety of definitions. There are however several workable

definitions currently in wide use.

The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as: "responsible travel to

natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people".(The International Ecotourism Society)

The Australian Commission on National Ecotourism Strategy defines Ecotourism as:

"nature-based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural

environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable. (The International

Ecotourism Society)

The UN world tourism organization defines Ecotourism as: a form of tourism that is

practiced in relatively undisturbed natural areas, for the main purposes of admiring them

and learning more about habitat. (The International Ecotourism Society)

Oxford Dictionary defines Ecotourism as: "tourism directed towards unspoiled natural

environments and intended to support conservation efforts. (Oxford Dictionary)

One more definition of ecotourism is the practice of low-impact, educational, ecologically

and culturally sensitive travel that benefits local communities and host countries.

(Honey, 1999)

Based on the above definitions, Ecotourism can be defining as:

A tourism that orient tourist towards ecology with the help of local communities,while conserving environment and generating environment education.

2.1.1 ActivitiesFocusedinEcotourism

Responsible Tourism;

Nature Conservation;

Conservation Awareness;


11/62

8

Responsible Garbage Disposal;

Promoting Non-Conventional Energy;

Adventure Tourism;

Rural Tourism;

Herbal Tourism;

Involving Local Stakeholders.

2.1.2 EcotourismDestinationFeatures

plenty of natural beauty;

optional resource use;

clean and hygienic arrangement;

recycling of organic waste;

use of compost;

no use of music or scent or noise;

plastic free zone;

litter free zone; Non conventional energy resources, etc.

2.1.3 ProblemsinEcotourismIndustry

Environmental key aspects still play a minor role in the selection of a destination and

accommodations in ecotourism industry. Under the pressure of environmentalists and

the growing concern among the public on environmental questions, this situation is bond

to institutionalize some uniform evaluation system for the ecotourism sector activities.

Examples of problems:

Rapid increase in ecotourist arrival; Rapid increase in lodges and resorts industry at ecotourism destination;

Adverse effects in local culture;

Negative impacts on local communities;

Rehabilitation of local communities;

Gross violations of fundamental rights;

Environmental hazards;

Decrease in the ground water level; etc.


12/62

9

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 PresentSystem

Globally and at country level many accreditation systems have been developed and are

in functional for checking the environmental performance of the lodges and resorts

industry. Following systems has been referred during the project:

3.1.1 SystemsforTourism

Green Globe 21

The Green Globe 21 (GG21) scheme is an accreditation system aims at checking

sustainability of lodges and resorts industry. It was launched in 1994 by the WorldTourism and Travel Council (WTTC) and the International Lodges and resorts and

Restaurant Association (IH&RA) as a result of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. The Green

Globe 21 initiative is focused to improve the environmental performance of companies

which belong to travel and tourism sector. It has following four operational standards:

The GG21 Company Standard;

The GG21 Community Standard;

The GG21 International Ecotourism Standard; and

The GG21 Design and Construction Standard (GG21, 2005).

Criteria and Procedure of Green Globe 21

Green Globe 21 uses a series of earth check quantitative indicators to benchmark the

key aspects of environmental and social performance of tourism industry. The results of

indicators for a particular type, activity, market and location of an enterprise are

compared with benchmarking. These benchmarking values are developed for each

country based on the data published worldwide in industry surveys and audits, case

studies etc.

Green Globe Canada (GGC)

Green Globes Canada (GGC) was developed in Canada with the support of federal and

provincial ministries and public utilities, while GEM was developed in the UK by the RICS

Foundation and Faber Maun sell. The GGC/GEM UK is a self-assessment tool based on

BREEAM/Green Leaf. The system aims at helping building owners and managers to

monitor and assess their buildings performance.


13/62


14/62

11

3.1.2 SystemsforEcotourism

As mentioned previously there are many accreditation system developed for tourism

industry but most of them have not been developed from the ecotourism perspective,

which should fulfill ecotourism definitions. Hence the need of the hour remains for

developing a system which is particularly applicable to ecotourism because tourism and

ecotourism differs in their characteristics and operations. Some facts below according tothe study conducted by TIES would ensure that ecotourism is thriving because of ever-

growing concern of people towards environment.

Beginning in 1990s, ecotourism has been growing 20% - 34% per year.

In 2004, ecotourism/nature tourism was growing globally 3 times faster than the

tourism industry as a whole.

Nature tourism is growing at 10%-12% per annum in the international market.

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Conservation International

have indicated that most of tourisms expansion is occurring in and around the

worlds remaining natural areas. Sustainable tourism could grow to 25% of the worlds travel market within six

years, taking the value of the sector to 250 billion (US $ 473.6 billion) a year.

Analysts predict a growth in eco-resorts and lodges and resorts, and a boom in

nature tourism a sector already growing at 20% a year and suggest early

converts to sustainable tourism will make market gains.

More than two-thirds of U.S. and Australian travelers, and 90% of British tourists,

consider active protection of the environment and support of local communities to

be part of a lodges and resorts responsibility.

A survey of U.S., British, and Australian travelers revealed that 70% would pay up

to $150 more for a two-week stay in a lodges and resorts with a responsibleenvironmental attitude. (The International Ecotourism Society and Canopy

Development, 2006)

Based on the above facts, it is clear that there is a need for accreditation system for

lodges and resorts that are at ecotourism destinations. But there is no accreditation

system for lodges and resorts for ecotourism.

3.2DifferencebetweenexistingaccreditationsystemandEco-rating

System

As mentioned above existing systems focus on the key issues of environment. For e.g.

water conservation, energy conservation, air quality and carbon emission etc. But Eco-

rating System focuses on four principles: Community participation, Environment

conservation, Conservation/Nature Education and Ecological orientation. These


15/62

12

principles not only cover the key issues of environment but also cover objectives of

ecotourism. This unique feature of Eco-rating System takes it to another stage of

sustainable practices in tourism industry. Following table compare Eco-rating System

with four other accreditation systems.

Table 1: Comparative analysis of accreditation systems

GreenGlobe 21

GreenGlobesCanada

GreenLodges andresortsGuidelines

IHEIbenchmarklodges andresorts

Eco-ratingSystem

Climatic zones Accountedfor bytemperaturecalculation

Canada International Temperate,Mediterranean,tropical

States by forIndia (yet tobe develop)

Type oflodges andresorts

All All All All Only forEcotourismdestination

Communityparticipation

To someextend

Notconsidered

Notconsidered

Notconsidered

Consideredindetail

Environmentconservation

Consideredindetail

Consideredindetail

Consideredindetail

Considered indetail

Consideredindetail

Conservation/NatureEducation

To someextend

Notconsidered

Notconsidered

Notconsidered

Consideredindetail

EcologicalOrientation

Consideredin

detail

Consideredin

detail

Consideredin

detail

Considered indetail

Consideredin

detailPeriodicalreporting

Annual Monthly for12months

N/A Annual Yet to bedecide

Benchmarking Againstcountrybaselineand bestpractice

Againstotherbuildings inthedatabase

N/A Against otherlodges andresorts in thedatabase andliterature data

Againstcountrybaseline andbestpractice

Cost Approximately to Rs.

1,000(guidelinesonly)

Approximately to Rs.

10,000

N/A Approximatelyto Rs. 10,500

Not Decidedyet


16/62

13

CHAPTER 4: ECO-RATING PROPOSAL

4.1 Eco-ratingProposalforGovernment

The Eco-rating system is a set of principles, criteria & indicators, norms and standards

developed by Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board to encourage excellence

in lodges and resorts industry at ecotourism destination. The Eco-rating System will

make it possible for government to rate, judge and grade lodges and resorts that are at

ecotourism destination.

4.1.1 NeedandScopeoftheProject

The Ecotourism industry keeps growing. It has become one of the fastest growing

sectors of tourism industry, growing annually by 10-15% worldwide (Miller 2007). Fortheir accommodation need lodges and resorts industries become essential to be set up

at ecotourism destinations. However, lodges and resorts industry often comes with

unsustainable consumption practices endangering ecosystem and natural resources.

Thus there is a need for Eco-rating System for lodges and resorts that are at ecotourism

destination.

The Eco-rating System is applicable to all hospitality units which are involved in the

business of catering at ecotourism destinations.

Examples of hospitality units: - lodges and resorts, lodge, resort, etc.The Eco-rating System aims at promoting minimum eco friendly practices of operations

to be met by ecotourism hospitality operators, and will enable ecotourist to make better

choice for accommodation. Acknowledging and supporting accredited hospitality tourism

businesses has expected to help raise service standards, delivery and the development

in quality of hospitality services. The same can be expected from Eco-rating for

ecotourism businesses.

4.1.2 Ecologicalbenefitsoftheproject

As mentions above lodges and resorts are essential for ecotourism, so is ecosystem

conservation. It is often, that ecotourism destination with good climatic condition, water

availability, rich waterfall, rich biodiversity and other ecotourism features attracts

ecotourist and to wildlife. Hospitality operations disturb ecosystem like construction,

especially trough the building of structures, impervious surface and roads, destroys and

fragments habitat and disrupts ecological processes. Invasive species thrive and

pollution increases in these disturbed environments, causing numerous problems for

native species and their habitat.


17/62

14

A lodges and resorts can be eco-friendly, only when it is constructed and operated with

least impact on ecosystem. The Eco-rating System makes it possible to judge a lodges

and resorts according to its impact on ecosystem. The system will promote and motivate

lodges and resorts operators to improve their ecological impacts and to conserve

ecosystem.

4.1.3Economical

benefits

of

the

project

As per the discussion with environment auditors and seen in the pilot testing, (almost) no

lodges and resorts would make high investments just for environmental reasons, as long

as potential increases of revenues are not calculable. Lodges and resorts owners are

entrepreneurs and usually the protection of environment is not their concern. So the

government can either make Eco-rating as mandatory or voluntary for lodges and

resorts. But it is essential to practice marketing for Eco-rating. This marketing will give

reasons to lodges and resorts owners to go for Eco-Rating.

The fees for Eco-Rating grading seem rather unavoidable in accreditation procedure to

finance assessment itself on one hand and the marketing of Eco-Rating on the other.

There are different ways to establish the required amount of money depending on the

point of view of players. But from the point of MPEDB which has developed Eco-rating

System, the fees should cover:

The fees of accreditation team.

The budget for in charge organization (M.P. Ecotourism Development Board, M.P.

Govt.) for grading.

The costs related to marketing the Eco-rating System itself in order to reach a

significant dissemination of it.

These expenses are rather easily identified, although the second and third items depend

highly on the number of applicants to the label awarding.

From the lodges and resorts point of view, the maximum acceptable fee is also easy to

evaluate. It should be inferior to the additional benefit resulting from the augmentation in

frequentation due to the Eco-rating. For e.g. if admitting a 5 or 10% raise in tourist arrival

and a 25 to 50 % margin, this conducts to a fee in a range 0.25% to 0.10% of turnover. It

would also justify that there is some ratio between the present turnover and the future

fee.


18/62

15

4.2 Eco-ratingProposalforHospitalityIndustry

The Eco-rating System will provide Eco-rating to the lodges and resorts that are involved

in the business of catering at ecotourism destination. The Eco-rating for ecotourism is

first in the world of its kind. It will provide the assurance to guest as well as lodges and

resorts operators that lodging facilities and activities are meeting best eco friendly

practices. The Eco-rating System has been developed to meet the lodging industrysdesire to provide quality guest service, while minimizing their impact on environment,

local community etc.

4.2.1 Principles and Structures

The main purpose of Eco-rating is to help ecologically oriented customers to find a

lodges and resorts which offers eco friendly services to ecotourist with the help of local

community participation and conserve environment, while generating

conservation/nature education to society. Another related purpose is to create an

incentive for lodges and resorts industry which is at ecotourism destination to improve

their operational activities.

Consequently the structure and design of the system has been developed by taking

following criteria in consideration:

Induction of substantial improvement of Ecological Orientation of the lodges and

resorts industry;

Induction of substantial improvement of Community Participation in lodges and

resorts industrys activities;

Induction of substantial improvement of Environmental performance of the lodges

and resorts industries;

Induction of substantial improvement of Conservation/Nature Education through

lodges and resorts industry;

Transparency and comprehensibility in the system;

Easy to check;

Provide strong initiative to all primary and secondary stakeholders.


19/62

16

CHAPTER5:PROJECTMETHODOLOGY

5.1 Multi-consultationapproachindevelopingstandardsandnorms

Identification of various players and stake holders and their consultation was the basis

for developing the standard and norms for assessing the eco friendly practices in lodgesand resorts industry, which are business venture of the ecotourism industry in India and

elsewhere in the world. This involves various stages/ phases, which were systematically

followed. Following the approach of the study in developing Eco-ratings system for

assessing to rate the best eco-friendly practices of the lodges and resorts for ecotourism

purpose.

5.2 PhaseoneIdentificationofbesteco-friendlypracticesinLodges

andresortsIndustry

The first phase has an objective of identifying and compiling a list of best eco-friendly

practices in lodges and resorts industry. A list was built up with the aim of making the list

as large as possible because it seemed preferable to remove later which were either

being repeated or did not fit suitable to the objective than missing any. The list was

compiled from the following sources

Visit to lodges and resorts;

Interviews with lodges and resorts operators;

Discussion and interaction with lodges and resorts operators;

Either a questionnaire has been sent via e-mail or visited personally to the lodges and

resorts representative in Madhya Pradesh, India from 12 April 2010 to 25 April 2010,

while collection of answer and extraction of the results were completed from 26 April

2010 to 30 April 2010. The lodges and resorts representatives were reminded to fill and

send back the questionnaire in time. Out of 110 questionnaires sent out including

personal interviews, only 23 questionnaires were received with positive results. Based on

these 23 positive results it became possible to identify best eco-friendly practices in

lodges and resorts industry. The copy of questionnaire is attached. (Appendix 2)

A list of environmental domains, topics and eco-friendly practices was prepared for

discussion with lodges and resorts operators. The main aim of discussion was to extract

and gain more insight understanding about eco-friendly practices and lodges and resorts

activities.

During the process of collecting eco friendly practices in lodges and resorts industry from

lodges and resorts representative, literature were also referred to collect already


20/62

17

identified eco-friendly practices. The details of literature work have already been

discussed in literature review chapter.

Following is the resulted compile list after the refinement of eco-friendly practices in

lodges and resorts industry:

WATER

Installation of flow restrictors, low-flow showerheads and aerators in guestrooms;

Regular checking of water distribution channels for leaks;

Regular adequate water supply in water tanks to prevent the forming of bacteria;

Covered water tanks, swimming pool to protect them from dust, pest and other

sources of contaminations;

Installation of water conservation signage;

Changing towels, sheets and other clothes on demand;

Grey water recycling and reutilization; environmentally sound water purification;

Encourage and motivate staff for water conservation.

ENERGY

Installation of energy-efficient lamps;

Use of photovoltaic lighting for the outdoor terrace;

Use energy-saving lighting techniques;

Use of energy efficiency tools;

Execution of energy auditing; shut down power in sections of the lodges and resorts boundary that are not in

use;

Encourage and motivate staff for energy conservation.

WASTE

Use of reusable or recyclable products;

Minimum use of paper;

Reuse papers which have already been printed on one side;

Use of reusable cloth laundry bags;

Recycling of grey water and use of gray water for non-drinking purposes;

Purchase Organic soap and amenities in bulk;

Use naturally scented, non-toxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaning

products for housekeeping;

Encourage and motivate staff for waste conservation.


21/62

18

Ai r

Use electric cars and other non-carbon emitting vehicles for short and frequent

distance;

Regular checking for air pollution of other carbon emitting vehicles;

Installation of ventilation system with a limiting system for chimney in the kitchen;

Non- smoking area sign;

Separate smoking zone;

Regular servicing and cleaning of the air filters in the rooms and common areas;

Encourage and motivate staff to minimize air pollution.

PURCHASING

Preference to locally manufactured products and materials;

Preference to local supplier;

Purchasing in reusable and returnable packaging; Preference to Ecolabel products

Bulk purchasing.

TRAINING AND MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES

Environmental training programs for employees;

Regular newsletters and site inspections to ensure staffs efficiency and

environment performance;

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Minimum communication gap for internal environmental issues;

Environmental activities information program for guests;

Leaflets or other brochures to inform guests on environmental subjects and

domains

Involvement of staff in events like World Environment Day, World Anti-Smoking

Day etc. through activities such as clean up drive, no plastic bag and pollution

under control campaigns.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Training and educational programs for local communities;

Employment generation for local communities;

Promotion to local culture and crafts wherever possible;

Culture exchange;

Host cultural program in festival/promotion.


22/62

19

5.3 PhasetwoSuggestionsandAddition

The phase two has an objective of suggesting and adding eco-friendly practices to the

compiled list with the aim of maximizing the list of suggestion and additions, because it

seemed preferable to remove later than missing any suggestion and addition. For this

purpose various books, case studies, existing accreditation systems for tourism were

referred. Based on these sources suggestion and addition process has been executed.

Table 2: List of the referred accreditation systemsName Of the Project Country

DEHOGA scheme Germany

Lodges and resorts Label Austria

Tourist accommodation eco label Luxembourg

Green Keys Denmark

Nordic Eco labeling Scandinavian countries

Catalan Emblem Catalunya

Eco label for the Tourist Industry Austria

Green Deal Guatemala

Green Flags for Greener Lodges and resortss EU Countries

Green Globe 21 International

Green Key Scandanavia

Green Suitcase Europe

Green Leaf Eco Rating Program Canada

Lodges and resorts Environment Building Assessment

Scheme

Hong Kong

ISO International

Table 3: List of the referred case studies in hospitality industries:Case Study State, Country

The Orchid Lodges and resorts Mumbai, India

Lodges and resorts Madhuban Dehra Dun, India

Lodges and resorts Mocking Bird Hill Port Antonio, Jamaica

Saunders Lodges and resorts Group, The Lennox and Copely

Square Lodges and resortsBoston USA

Lodges and resorts Kurrajong Australia

The Severin Sea Lodge Mombasa, Kenya

Golden Tulip Goes Greener: Environment Management at

Golden Tulip Lodges and resortsInternational

Bass Lodges and resorts & Resorts (BHR) International

EMS Taj Group India


23/62

20

Following is a list of suggestions and additions to the list of best eco friendly practices

after the refinement:

WATER

Rain water harvesting system;

Installation of pressure flushes in toilets and urinals; Encourage and motivate guests for water conservation.

ENERGY

Energy management system for heating / air conditioning;

Peak load management system;

Automatic temperature regulation;

Use gas or induction ranges instead of electric ranges;

Promotion of less energy consuming dishes;

Thermal insulation in rooms;

Encourage and motivate guests for energy conservation.

WASTE

Separate collection and disposal of waste produced;

Promotion and use of reusable/washable dishes;

Develop and implement a waste management system;

Separate buckets for the recyclable waste collection;

Use a compression machine to the reduce the volume of waste; Use of recyclable garbage bags;

Return packaging material to the suppliers for reuse;

Donation of food waste;

Reuse newspaper waste for other;

Donate old equipments to college and schools for education purpose;

Encourage and motivate guests for waste reduction.

AIR

Installation of covered sanitary bins;

installation of signage at parking area to encouraging guests not to idle their

vehicles;

Indoor plantation;

Outdoor plantation;


24/62

21

Avoid room freshener and other air purification product to provide natural indoor

environment to guest;

Encourage and motivate guests to minimize air pollution.

PURCHASING

Consider ecological aspect in its purchasing policy; No pesticides or insecticides purchasing policy;

Written statement for environmental friendly purchasing policy;

Encourage and motivate suppliers to offer their own innovative suggestions for

reducing packaging waste.

TRAINING AND MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES

External training programs for employees;

Staffs participation in external training courses on environment management;

Implementation of results of external trainings;

Quality of staff.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Information signs for guest;

A gold book or opinion questionnaire for guests;

interpretation center;

A website of lodges and resorts preferably with opaque background and must

provide environmental information to guests and visitors; On line/e-booking facility for reservation;

Eco-magazine and/or Eco-news paper at lobby;

Educate ecotourist/guest about ecotourism spots and destination;

Educate local people, guest and staff about the importance of wild life

conservation;

Educate local people, guest and staff about the importance of environment

conservation;

Educational programs for local communities;

Aware/inform guests about harmful species or places in the area.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Promote and contribute in local festivals;

Promote and contribute in local market;

Involve local people in decision making process;


25/62

22

Share profit with local communities;

Promotion to Local food and beverage.

ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Organize eco tour; Security to guest from wildlife;

Security to wildlife from guest.

HOSPITALITY SERVICES

100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses for guest;

Reusable bags for laundry;

Accept credit cards for payments;

Wake up call service on request;

Use only naturally-scented or scent free, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and

biodegradable products for laundry.

SEWAGE

Either connectivity with public sewage line or onsite sewage treatment plant;

Recycle or reuse sewage water.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Water glasses for windows in guest rooms; All floors and walls have non-porous surface;

White and/or reflective roof;

Reuse existing building material for the construction of the building;

Maximum height of 25 feet;

No fencing for lodges and resorts boundary;

No swimming pool;

Use of earthy colors for painting walls;

Use locally manufactured carpets and other decoration products for lodges and

resorts decoration;

Local labor for construction work;

Use local technology for construction activities;

Maximum distance from ecotourism destination or parks gate;

Minimum distance from village;

Minimum distance from local market;


26/62

23

Maximum distance from rail tracks;

Maximum distance from highways;

Maximum distance from forest corridors;

Located in forest fringe area;

Surrounding wild life view;

Link to main road.

5.4 PhaseThreeEvolvementofSpecification,StandardsandNorms

Based on the environmental, economical and social dimension of the sustainable

management and best eco friendly practices for natural resources management, the

basic principles involved in the eco-tourism were identified. Based on them the

principles, criteria & indicators, standards and norms to measure the trend of the

ecological conditions and sustainable management of the same have been developed.

Standard value or Norms are also fixed based on the experiences gained from theprevious phases of the study.

5.4.1 Principles

Principles are defined as a fundamental truth or law as the basis of reasoning or action.

They are seen as primary framework for lodges and resorts operations in eco friendly

way. They provide justification for the Criteria, Indicators and Verifiers.

Example:

Community participation in lodges and resorts activities;

Environment conservation initiatives.

Developed definition of the Ecotourism for the project-

A tourism that orient tourist towards ecology with the help of local communities,

while conserving environment and generating environment education .

The Eco-rating System has four principles and these principles have been derived from

developed definition of ecotourism mentioned above. The four principles are given below

and shown in the following figure.

Four principles:

Community Participation,

Environment Conservation,

Conservation/Nature Education, and

Ecological Orientation.


27/62

24

Figure 1: Eco-rating System & four principles

5.4.2 CriteriaandIndicators

Criteria and indicators are tools which can be used to conceptualize, evaluate eco-

friendliness of a lodges and resorts. Criteria define and characterize the essential

elements, as well as a set of conditions or processes, by which the eco-friendliness of a

lodges and resorts can be assessed. Indicators define and characterize criteria, as well

as a set of tool to monitor criteria.

Criterion:

Defined as a standard that a thing is judged by or an identifiable element of

eco friendliness against which a lodges and resorts can be assessed.

Criteria set out the key elements or dimensions that define and clarify each

principle or a second order principle, one that adds meaning and

operationality to a principle without itself being a direct yardstick of

performance.


28/62

25

Criteria are the intermediate points to which the information provided by

indicators can be integrated and where an interpretable assessment

crystallizes.

Examples:

Various benefits to local community Promotion of Local Culture

Environmental policy and training policy

Information and Communication

Indicator:

Indicators should convey meaningful message i.e. information

Indicators present an aggregate of one or more data elements with certain

established relationships

When periodically measured indicators gives trend/ progress

Examples:

Information and communication methods

Noise pollution measurement practices

Energy conservation techniques


29/62

26

Figure 2: Community Participation Criteria and Indicators


30/62


31/62

28

Figure 4: Conservation/Nature Education Criteria and Indicators

Figure 5: Ecological Orientation Criteria and Indicators


32/62

29

5.4.3 BenchmarkingandThresholdValue

Benchmarking is the process of comparing one's lodges and resorts processes and

performance metrics to industry bests and/or best practices from other industries.

Threshold value is minimum/maximum point that must/must not be exceeded.

To find benchmarking and threshold values for key environment aspects, consumption

per guest can be taken as unit. For e. g. benchmarking or threshold value for energy can

be calculated by:

Here, B = Benchmarking or threshold value

k = 0.25 (here it is being assumed that guests to restaurant consume 4 times less

energy than that of by in house guests.)

The value of k has to be calculated based on the lodges and resorts energy

consumption data,

The same formula can be used for other key environment aspects like water, waste, etc.

However following problems arise:

Data to define adequate threshold values are hardly available;

Lodges and resorts are different by location, comfort level, size of restaurant and

many other factors, so the definition of uniform threshold value or benchmarking is

debatable; and

Environment issues are so complex that benchmarking or threshold value for

criteria & indicators is questionable.

It is found that above mentioned problems can be solved but this process will take time

of one or two months. Hence the benchmarking and threshold values have been

developed on the basis of experience gained through previous study and with the

consultation of experts.

5.4.4 StandardsandNorms

Standards and norms have been developed on the basis of benchmark or threshold

values, and with multi consultation.


33/62

30

5.4: PhaseFourDevelopmentofEco-ratingSystem

The Eco-rating System aims at assessing the degree of environment friendliness of a

lodges and resorts. The system is a set of questionnaire based on the principles, criteria

& indicator, standards and norms. It has been developed by taking following objectives

and goals into consideration.

Specific: The system should be straightforward, simple, and objective, and

should emphasize on ecotourism objectives;

Measurable:The system should be use measurable criteria and indicators to

demonstrate the extent of eco friendly practices incorporated into the lodges

and resorts activities;

Appl icabi li ty: The system should be used on all of the types of hospitality

industrys units that are at ecotourism destinations (e.g., hotels, lodges and

resorts etc);

Relevance: The system should provide a whole lodges and resorts

evaluation rather than an evaluation of an individual activity or design feature;

Timely:The system should be completed within assigned time.

Figure 6: Eco-rating System Framework

Principle

Criterion

Indicator

uestionnair


34/62

31

5.4.1 Aweighedscoringsystem

The Eco-rating System is composite of four principles and seventeen criteria. The eco

friendly performance of lodges and resorts is not reducible to a single factor such as

water conservation practices and also each principle and criteria has their individual

importance in environment and ecosystem. Thus it is essential to have weighed scoring

system for granting Eco-rating to the lodges and resorts.

Weighed scoring survey

As mentioned in above paragraph weighed scoring system was found as the solution for

scoring system. For the same a survey has been conducted with the aim of finding

individual weights for each principle and criterion of Eco-rating System.

Method

A questionnaire was developed based on the principles and criteria and either online link

for questionnaire or personal visit to targeted sample population was done for survey.

The copy of same questionnaire is attached. (Appendix 2)

Targeted Sample Population

Sample population is defined as per primary and secondary stakeholders of the project.

Forest Department:A set of questionnaire was send to 50 forest officers such as

CCF, CF, ACF, DFO, SDO, and Range Officers.

Environment Institutes: A set of questionnaire was send to 25 faculty and

research associate of Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

Hospitality Industry:A set of questionnaire was send to 75 lodges and resorts,

which are involved in catering business at ecotourism destinations.

Environmentally aware general public:A set of questionnaire was send to 250environmentally aware general public, which include students and alumni of

Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

Constraints

Lack of accessibility to forest department and hospitality industry.

Respondent were given only three days time to reply.

Results& Findings

Out of 250 questionnaires 40 positive replies were received. Based on these 40 positive

replies it became possible to obtain individual weightage for each principle and criterion.The questionnaire was developed in such a way that it results in providing preferred

rankings of respondents about principles and criteria. The individual scores of all the 40

respondents for each and every criterion were summed and an aggregated score was

obtained. The maximum aggregate score that can be obtained is 40 multiplied by

number of criteria under the respective principle. For example in case of Principle one


35/62

32

which is Community Participation there are five criteria and hence the maximum

aggregate score would be 40 5 = 200

Rating of one indicates that the criterion holds maximum significance where as higher

rating indicates a lower significance of that criterion.

The aggregate score is subtracted from the maximum aggregate score that can beobtained for that particular criterion and a residual score is obtained. This residual score

is divided by the sum of all the residual scores under the same principle and then

multiplied by 100 to get a percentage weightage. The calculation and details are given in

the attached CD.

Higher the percentage weightage, higher is the importance of the criterion.

The following charts represent weightage for principle and criterion.

Figure 7: Weighted for Criteria of Community Participation


36/62

33

Figure 8: Weighted for Criteria of Environment Conservation

Figure 9: Weighted for Criteria of Conservation/Nature Education


37/62

34

Figure 10: Weighted for Criteria of Ecological Orientation

5.4.2 Eco-ratingRanges

The Eco-rating will be granted to the lodges and resorts according to its weighed score.

The Eco-rating Ranges have been developed after the results of pilot testing which is

explained in the next chapter and with the consultation of experts. Each criterion in the

principle has its weightage and average & maximum weighted score is calculated on the

Figure11:WeightedforPrinciples


38/62


39/62

36

CHAPTER 6: PILOT TESTING

After the development of Eco-rating System, the developed system was sent to group of

individuals including IFS officers, faculty of IIFM, Bhopal, lodges and resorts operators

and environmentally aware general public with the request of providing their views,

comments and ideas. So that appropriate action can be taken towards improvement. On

deliberation with different stake holders it was felt that it will be appropriate to exercise

pilot testing of the system in a few lodges and resorts which are at ecotourism

destinations.

Objectives of Pilot Testing

To check feasibility of the project;

To find scope of improvements;

To find Eco-rating Ranges; and

To check whether SMART goals are achieved.

6.1 Pilottestingteamandmethodologyadopted

A team was form for pilot testing and was given a responsibility of executing pilot testing

of lodges and resorts at Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The team comprised

of two persons. They adopted a uniform approach in pilot testing exercise carried at

Satpura tiger reserve area. Visits to the lodges and resorts, collection of primary and

secondary data, discussion with the lodges and resorts operator and others and physical

review of the lodges and resorts.

6.2 ObservationsandFindings

Local communities local people are those, who have their permanent resident

within the radius of 5 kilometers (as JFM guidelines) from the lodges and resorts.

But at the pilot testing it is found that there are hardly any villages that come in

this range.

Lack of availability of supply from local community It is found that lodges

and resorts operators are willing to purchase from local communities but their

need is much more than the supply from local community.

Lack of human resource It is found that lodges and resorts operators are

willing to hire local employee but there is a lack of local human resource and

quality of employees.

Lack of surface and rain water source It is found that most of the ecotourism

destination are closed during raining season. Lodges and resorts operators also


40/62

37

closed down their lodges and resorts in the same period due to the same reason.

It disables them to collect rain water or to use surface water during the operational

period and they have to meet their water supply need from ground water.

Lack of energy It is found that lodges and resorts at ecotourism destination do

not have proper supply of electricity, which forces them to use electric batteries or

carbon emitting devices to meet their energy requirement.

No sewage line connectivi ty It is found that most of the lodges and resorts at

ecotourism destination have no connectivity with public sewage line. It is

necessary for the well being of ecosystem and local community that wastewater

should be directed to sewage treatment plants for treatment before discharge. But

due to lack of connectivity with either public sewage line or sewage treatment

plants a large volume of wastewater are discharged without treatment at

ecotourism destination.

6.3Results

Two lodges were selected for pilot testing. The lodge owners asked not to disclose their

name in report so they are referred as lodge A and Lodge B.

Table 5: Objectives Achieve

Objectives Result

Feasibility of the project Yes

Scope of improvements Yes

Eco-rating Ranges No

Specific YesMeasurable Yes

Applicability Yes

Relevance Yes

Timely Yes


41/62

38

Chapter 7: Summary and Conclusions

Based on the literature review and experience gained through study following

recommendation for the further development of the Eco-rating System for ecotourism

sector is given.

Take optimum advantage of the experience from existing systems the project

has been developed by taking the experience from the existing systems.

Work in close co-operation with experts, forest & ecotourism department and

lodges and resorts operators

Focus in one direction at one time

Develop a definition of the sector a definition has been developed for

ecotourism and based on the definition this system has been developed;

Define the services provided by the sector and system; Divide project into phases the project has been developed in four phases;

Give more attention to the field learning and testing due to lack of time adequate

field learning and testing of the project has not been done;

Provide flexibility to the standards;

Develop quantitative standards as much as possible;

Define a proper difference between existing accreditation systems and Eco-rating

System

Site specific standards and norms site specification standards and norms have

been developed as much as possible.

Following are the recommendations that need to be exercise before this project can

become functional.

Formation of multi dimensional team;

Further appropriate improvements in the system;


42/62

39

A feasibility study regarding the project;

Economical analysis of the project;

Development of site specific standards and norms;

Implementation of the system at country level instead of only in Madhya Pradesh;

It has been observed that lodges and resorts operators go for accreditation to increase

their market value and enhance their guest arrival. To meet their need the system shouldbe first receive its recognition from tourist. To achieve this requirement the Eco-rating

System is suggested to be implemented by the Ecotourism Development Board, Govt. of

India with the involvement of Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Environment and Forest,

Govt. of India and state Ecotourism Development Boards can be assigned as

accreditation executing bodies.


43/62

40

Bibliography

(n.d.). Retrieved April 5 , 2010, from The International Ecotourism Society:

http://www.ecotourism.org

(n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2010, from Oxford Dictionary: www.oed.com

Honey. (1999).

Paulina Bohdanowicz, B. S. (2005). SUSTAINABLE LODGES AND RESORTSS -

ENVIRONMENT REPORTING ACCORDING TO GREEN GLOBE 21, GREEN GLOBES

CANADA / GEM UK, IHEI BENCHMARKLODGES AND RESORTS AND HILTON

ENVIRONMENT REPORTING.Tokyo.

The International Ecotourism Society and Canopy Development. (2006). TIES Global

Ecotourism Fact Sheet.

Eco Housing Assessment Criteria: International Institute for Energy Conservation

Environment Canada. 2000. Ecological, Assessment of the Boreal Shield Ecozone.p.xi

Environment Canada.1996. Importance of Nature to Canadians: Economic significance

of nature related activities.

Ecotourism Society of Saskatchewan, 2000.

Environment Management Systems, Taj group

Green Flag for Green Hotels, Europe

Sustainable Lodges and resorts environmental reporting according to green globe 21,

green globes canada / gem uk, ihei benchmarklodges and resorts and hilton

environmental reporting

Fowler, K. M., and Raunch, E.M. July 2006. Sustainable building rating system

summary.

Meade, Bill and Pringle, Joe. Environmental Management System for Caribbean lodges

and resorts and resorts

November 2002, Green Building Rating System for new construction & major renovation

(LEED-NC), version 2.1


44/62

41

APPENDICES

Appendix1:GLOSSARY

Action Plan: A detailed plan identifying corrective actions, means,responsibilities, resources, and the time frame necessary for

their implementation.

Checklist: A list of actions that can be used to assess indicators.

Cleaner Production: Cleaner production is the adoption by an enterprise of

production practices and technologies that respect the

environment and that consume fewer resources so that they

generate less waste.

Continuous Improvement: The process of progressively enhancing the

environmental management system to achieve improvements

in the overall environmental performance in line with the

lodges and resorts environmental policy.

Eco-efficiency: A concept that consists in offering competitive goods and

services that meet human needs and guarantee quality of life,

while at the same time progressively reducing the whole-life

ecological impacts and resource demands of the products,

until a level at least compatible with the earths estimated

capacity is reached.

Environment: It is the natural surroundings of the enterprise, including air,

water, soil, natural resources, flora, fauna and human beings,

as well as their interactions.

Environmental Aspect: That element of the activities, products or services of an

enterprise which may interact with the environment.

Environmental Impact: Any modification of the environment whether negative or

positive, total or partial.

Environmental Management System (EMS):Structure, organization and management

methods implemented to meet the enterprises environmental

policy. The goal is continuous improvement.

Environmental Policy: An enterprises commitments, orientations, and general

objectives with respect to the environment as decided by


45/62

42

management. Observing existing laws and regulations is an

integral part of this policy, and so is the environmental

improvement strategy.

Green Stuff: It is a list of eco friendly products for lodges and resorts.

Greenstuffs identifies green products and services on your

behalf, and will help you to "go green" and be awarded greenstar accreditation for your lodgings. Through Greenstuffs you

can become carbon neutral and offer your guests carbon

offsets. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Hazardous Waste: Any waste containing significant quantities of substances

which are especially dangerous to the life or health of living

organisms (including humans) when discharged into the

environment. Dangerous properties include toxicity,

arcinogenicity, or mutagenicity as well as chemical reactivity

and other biologically harmful properties.

Mass Tourism: A mode of tourism that appeared in the 1960s, resulting from

the general provision of paid vacations in many industrialized

countries, which allowed most people to travel and support

the tourism industry.

Non-hazardous Waste: Any waste having a nature and composition that are similar to

those of household wastes, and comprise items whose

longest dimension does not exceed 60 cm. Furthermore, the

handling and storage of such wastes present no particularrisks. Such wastes many be generated by industry,

commerce, workshops or agricultural activities.

Procedure: Written organizational rule describing responsibilities and

sequence of tasks or activities necessary for the realization of

a product or a service.

Recycling: It is an act of processing used or abandoned materials to

reuse either in their original form by creating new products.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs withoutendangering the ability of future generations to meet their

own needs. Sustainable development is contrasted with other

modes of development that lead to social and ecological

damage, at both the local and global levels.


46/62

43

Sustainable Tourism: Management of all resources associated with tourism

activities in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic

needs are met in a way that respects the cultural and

environmental integrity, biological diversity, and lifestyle of the

receiving area.

Local Community: Resides within 5 Km radius from the lodges and resorts, ifthere is no human settlement within 5 Km then the nearest

accessible village

Community Development: Social, cultural as well as economic progress of community

Operational Activ ities: All the activities required to be carried out in lodges and

resorts industry e.g. Hospitality, Catering etc

Lodges and resorts Boundary: Build up and non-build up area owned by the lodges

and resorts

Rainwater Harvesting System: Collection of rainwater, its filtering, use

Waste Management: Waste collection, segregation, recycling, reuse, and disposal

Recyclable Waste: Waste that can be processed and recycle.

Waste Segregate Mechanism: Mechanism followed to separate different types of

waste so as to increase efficiency of waste disposal

HVAC: (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning System) Management

of various heating and cooling operations to maintainambiance


47/62

44

Appendix2:EcoratingSystem

Principle 1. Community ParticipationQ.

no.Question

Yes

/no

Norm/

StandardsScore

Criterion 1.1: Local Suppliers W.2

Indicator 1.1.1: Purchasing from local communities

1. How many and how much of the following products you purchase fromlocal suppliers? And what is your score according to the table?

products / % < 60% 60 to 75% 75 to 90% > 90%

Dairy products 0 1 2 3

vegetables 0 1 2 3

Non-vegetables 0 1 2 3

Fresh beverage 0 1 2 3

Infrastructure material 0 1 2 3

Wine & beer 0 1 2 3

Furniture & Fittings 0 1 2 3

Checking principle: one site inspection through food & beverage department

Minimumpurchasing of

60%

0-21

Criterion 1.2: Various benefits to local community W.28

Indicator 1.2.1: Economic Benefits to local people2. Do you promote and contribute in local festivals?

*Checking principles: on site inspection of festival records through food & beverage

department

1

3. Do you promote and contribute in local market?*Checking principles: on site inspection of purchasing pattern through food &

beverage department

1

4. Do you involve local people in decision making process?*Checking principles: management practices

1

5. What practices do you do for community development?a. Charity/involvement in hospitals

b. Charity/involvement in schools

c. Charity/involvement in marketsd. Charity/involvement in templese. Charity for other local community activities

*Checking principles: development practices for local community

0-5

Indicator 1.2.2: Employment to Local People6. What is the ratio of local employees to total employees?

Ratio 0:10 5:10 6:10 7:10 8:10 9:10 10:10

Score 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

*Checking principles: through A/C & HR department

Minimum

mandatory

ratio = 5:10

0-6

7. How many local people you have trained in last 12 months?Trainings 0 1-2 3-4 4-5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Score 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

*Checking Principle: through A/C & HR department

0-10

8. What is the salary ratio of local employees to total salary paid?Ratio 0:10 5:10 6:10 7:10 8:10 9:10 10:10

Score 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

*Checking principles: through A/C department

Minimum

mandatory

ratio = 5:10

0-6

9. How many local story narrators you have haired?Narrators 0 1-2 3-4 4-5 5

Score 0 1 2 3 4

*Checking principles: through A/C department

0-4


48/62

45

10. Do you share your profit with local communities?*Checking principles: Corporate social responsibility practices

1

Criterion 1.3: Food & Beverage W.14

Indicator 1.3.1: Promotion to Local food and beverage11. How many local dishes do you have in your menu card?

Local Dishes 0 Up to 3 Up to 5 Up to 7 8

Score 0 1 2 3 4

*Checking principles: on site physical inspection

0-4

12. How many seasonal local dishes do you have in your menu card?Seasonal local Dishes 0 Up to 3 Up to 5 Up to 7 8

Score 0 1 2 3 4


0-4

Indicator 1.3.2: Promotion of less energy consuming dishes13. How many less energy consuming dishes do you have in your menu card?

less energy consuming Dishes 0 Up to 3 Up to 5 Up to 7 8

Score 0 1 2 3 4


0-4

Criterion 1.4: Promotion of Local Culture W.26

Indicator 1.4.1: Cultural Activities

14. Do you entertain your guest and local people for culture exchange?*Checking principles: local activity, event practices

1

15. Do you host cultural program in festival/promotion? If yes, then how

many you have hosted in the last 12 months?Program 0 1-2 3-4 4-5 5

Score 0 1 2 3 4

0-4

16. Do you use local technology in operational activities?*Checking principles: food and beverage and housekeeping department

1

Criterion 1.5: Hospitality services W.12

Indicator 1.5.1: Facilities to Guests17. Do you provide on line/e-booking facility for reservation? 1

18.

Do you organize eco tour, if yes then how many eco tour program youorganized in the last year?

1

19. Do you use 100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses for

guest?

1

20. Do you provide encased mattresses and pillows to guest? 1

21. Do you have covered sanitary bins in guest rooms? 1

22. What is the frequency of collecting garbage from covered sanitary bins? 1

23. Do you use reusable bags for laundry? 1

24. Do you use recyclable garbage bags? 1

25. Do you accept credit cards for payments? 1

26. Do you provide wake up call service on request? 1

27. Do you always provide lid, bio-degradable toilet paper and water in

western toilets?

1

28. Do you provide facility of doctor on call? 1

Total Score in Community participation=

Max

86


49/62

46

Principle 2. Environment Conservation

Q.

no.Question

Yes

/no

Norm/

StandardsScore

Criterion 2.1: Water W.23

Indicator 2.2.1: Water quality &Maintenance29. How do you get your water supply?

Supply ScoreFrom utility companies who purify water before distribution 1From surface waters (rivers, streams, etc.) 1From ground waters (well, bore etc.) 0

*Checking principles: on site inspection through maintenance department

minimum use of

ground water

0-2

30. Do you have environmentally sound water purification in your lodges and

resorts boundary?*Checking principles: on site inspection through maintenance department

No chemical in

use

1

31. Do you clean your water storage tank and remove exterior and interior

scales build up?*checking principle: on site inspection through maintenance department

At least in

every sixmonths

1

32. Are the water storage tanks covered and protected from dust, pest, and

other sources of contamination?*checking principle: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

33. Do you have a regular adequate turnover in water storage tanks to

prevent the forming of bacteria?*checking principle: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

Indicator 2.1.2: Water conservation34. How often is the water distribution system checked for leaks, pressure

control malfunctions and other inefficiencies?Frequency Score

Daily by the sweepers 1

Weakly by lobby managers 1

Monthly by maintains managers 1

*Checking principles: on site through maintenance department

1-3

35. Do you regularly check your tanks for leaks?*checking principle: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

36. Have you install pressure flush valves on toilets and urinals?* checking principle: housekeeping department

1

37. Have you installed low flow shower heads and tap restrictors on hand

basins?Area covered Score

< 50% 0

50 % 1

80 % 2

*Checking principles: inspection of guest bathrooms; consulting the manufacturerstechnical specifications. housekeeping department

Minimum

benchmark of50%

0-3

38. Do you have water conservation sign in toilets, bathrooms and in guest

rooms?*Checking principles: on site inspection of signage and through Housekeeping

department

1

39. Do you use grey water for watering plants?*Checking principles: on site checking and through maintenance department

1


50/62

47

40. Do you encourage your employees to save water during daily work

routines?*checking principle: through personal department, training department

1

Indicator 2.1.3: Rain Water41. Do you have a rainwater harvesting system?

*Checking principles: on site inspection of the rainwater harvesting system

1

42. Do you reuse your collected rain water for irrigation and other non-

drinking use?* Checking principles: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

Indicator 2.1.4: Swimming pool43. Do you have swimming pool?

Ans Score

Yes 0

No 2

0 or

2

44. Do you have water saving system in swimming pool?*Checking principles: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

45. Do you use non-pesticides products to purify swimming pool water?*Checking principles: on site checking and through maintenance department

1

Criterion 2.2: Waste W.2Indicator 2.2.1: Waste Management

46. How many of following waste categories, you collect and dispose

separately?Waste Categories Score

Paper/Cardboard 1

Glass 1

food residuals and other organic substances 1

Plastic 1

Metal 1

None 0

*checking principle: written concept and on-site inspection

0-5

47. How many of following hazardous waste categories, you collect anddispose separately?

Hazardous Waste Categories Score

toxic cleaning agent 1

Batteries 1

Fluorescent tubes 1

motor and machine oil 1

paints and organic diluters 1

pesticides/ fungicides 1

None 0

*checking principles: on site inspection and evidence with bills

0-6

48. Are there separate buckets in following areas for the recyclable waste

collection?a. kitchenb. guest roomsc. restaurantd. offices and in reception area

* checking principles: on-site physical inspection of buckets labeling, color etc.

0-4

49. Have you develop waste segregate mechanism?*Checking principles: On-Site inspection of system and review of documentation

1


51/62

48

50. Have you developed and implemented a waste management system for

your lodges and resorts?*checking principles: on-site inspection and verification of written concept

*note: Waste management include products purchasing, waste collection, wastestoring, waste transporting and final disposal

1

51. Do you use only naturally-scented or scent free, non-toxic, phosphate-

free, and biodegradable products for laundry?

1

Indicator 2.2.2: Waste Reduction52. Do you reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk or returnable

containers?Items Score

Food & Beverage 1

Liquor 1

Disposable 1

Toiletries 1

None 0

*checking principles: evidence by bills

0-4

53. Do you return packaging material to the suppliers for reuse?Quantity Score

< 30 % 030 % 1

60 % 2

85% 3

*checking principles: estimation, list of suppliers from F&B department and evidence by bills

0-3

54. Do you utilize and promote reusable/washable dishes?* checking principles: on-site inspection and evidence with bills and By raw

material record book

1

55. Do you use a compression machine for the reduction of the volume of

waste?

*checking principles: On-site physical inspection of machine

1

Indicator 2.2.3: Waste Reuse56. Do you donate your food waste?

*Checking principles:

1

57. Do you reuse papers which have already been printed on one side, using

photocopy paper via actions like dual - face photocopy production, etc.?

1

58. Do you reuse newspaper waste for other purpose? 1

Indicator 2.2.4: Waste Recycling59. Do you donate or recycle your linens like towels, bed sheets etc? 1

60. Have you developed waste recycling mechanism?*Checking principles: physical review of mechanism and documentation

1

Criterion 2.3: Energy W.15Indicator 2.3.1: HVAC Control

61. Where do you preponderantly use energy-saving lighting techniques?a. Corridor and stairs

b. Entrance and lobbyc. Guest roomsd. Outside areae. Restaurant/sf. Toilets

0-7


52/62

49

g. Other area.(.please mention the other areas and they should bealmost equal to above areas)

*Checking principles: on site checking and through maintenance and housekeeping

department62. Are the guests rooms connected to central heating, cooling and warm

water supply?*Checking principles: Inspection of guest rooms, piping and heating space through

maintenance department

1

Indicator 2.3.2: Energy conservation techniques63. Do you shut down power in sections of the lodges and resorts boundary

that are not in use?*checking principle: on site inspection of building management system (BEMS)

1

64. Do you use any of the following energy conservation technique in guest

rooms?a. time-based control

b. room key-cardc. occupancy-linked controld. central switchese. window contact switches

*Checking principles: Inspection of guest rooms and referring controllers / switches

1

65. Do you use gas or induction ranges instead of electric ranges?* Checking principles: Inspection of kitchens, laundries and referring piping

networks

1

Indicator 2.3.3: Energy auditing66. Have any energy experts carried out an energy audit for your lodges and

resorts within the last three years?*checking principle: on site inspection by bill or by contract details of energy

auditing

1

67.. If you have gone through energy audit then have you realized and

realize energy saving measures in accordance with recommendations

from the energy audit?

*Checking principle: on site inspection and by evaluating changes in recordingresister

1

Indicator 2.3.4: Renewable energy option68. What is the ratio of renewable energy consumption to total energy

consumption?Ratio 1:10 2:10 3:10 4:10 5:10 6:10 7:10 8:10 9:10 10:10

Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

*Checking principles: On site inspection of renewable energy system installations;

checking of planning data and total energy consumption figures

0-10

69. Do you recover heat for other purpose?*Checking principles: Inspection of heat recovery systems

1

Indicator 2.3.5: Energy efficiency

70. Do you use energy efficient heating / cooling technologies?Energy source Score

co-generation unit 1

low emission burner / condensing boiler 1

low temperature boiler 1

heat pump 1

None 0

*Checking principles: On site inspection of heating/cooling installations

0-4


53/62

50

71. Do you apply automatic temperature regulation in all rooms (e. g. via

thermostats / temperature sensors)?

*Checking principles: On site inspection of heating/cooling installations

1

72. Do you have thermal insulated in rooms? 1

73. Do you have installed translucent lampshades in the lodges and resorts?*Checking principles: physical review

1

Criterion 2.4: Sewage W.15

Indicator 2.4.1: Sewage System74. Do you have either connectivity with public sewage line or onsite sewage

treatment plant?*Checking principles: Physical review and through bills

1

Indicator 2.4.2: Recycling and reuse of sewage water75. Do you recycle or reuse sewage water?

* Checking principles: on site inspection of the sewage treatment system

1

Criterion 2.5: Noise W.15

Indicator 2.5.1 Condition of indoor and outdoor climate or environment76. What is the condition of indoor and outdoor climate/environment?

Condition Peaceful Noisy

Indoor 2 0

Outdoor 2 0

*Checking principle: on site by inspecting lodges and resorts and by asking guest or

staff etc

0-4

Indicator 2.5.2: Develop mechanism to maintain indoor and outdoor environment77. If the indoor/outdoor climate condition is noisy, then have you

developed any mechanism to maintain peaceful indoor

climate/environment?a. For Indoor climateb. For outdoor climate

*Checking principle: on site by inspecting and by some questionnaire

0-2

Indicator 2.5.3: Noise pollution measurement practices78. If noise reduction measures for indoor climate/environment have been

performed yet, is there any metering report after the implementation

of reduction measures?a. For Indoor climateb. For outdoor climate

*Checking principles: metering report

0-2

Criterion 2.6: Air W.12

Indicator 2.6.1: Transportation79. Do you use electric cars and other non-carbon emitting vehicles for

short and frequent distance?

*Checking principles: one site inspection through food & beverage and storedepartment

1

80. What is the ratio of your non-carbon emitting vehicles to carbon

emitting vehicles?Local Dishes 0 Up to 3 Up to 5 Up to 7 8

Score 0 1 2 3 4

*Checking principles: one site inspection through store department

0-4


54/62


55/62

52

Principle 3. Conservation/Nature EducationQ.

no.Question

Yes

/no

Norm/

StandardsScore

Criterion 3.1: Information and Communication W.47

Indicator 3.1.1: Information and communication methods

91. Which or how many of the following information & communication waysfor good environment practices you have or provide to your guests?

a. Leaflets or other brochures to inform guests on environmental subjects anddomains (importance of saving water, energy, resources, noise ) and

lodges and resorts actions.b. Leaflets or other brochures to inform gu

Documents

Ecotourism Certification- Draft