Verification and certification on hotel sustainability are a key element the success of a property's pathway to net zero and net positive impact. Hotels under the brand umbrella of Radisson Hotel Group are required to complete the online verification process of Hotel Sustainability Basics and / or be certified by a leading hotel eco-label. Quality is defined by the transparency of the program, regular audits conducted by well-trained auditors and third-party verification. It is also a great differentiator.

Radisson Hotel Group partners with globally established ecolabels, recognized by Global Sustainable Tourism Council and similar, such as Green Key, which audit hotel performance.

It's important to differentiate verification and certification. Certainly, the verification process of the Basics allows hotels to start their journey, complying with 12 criteria which need to be proven with document uploads and action plan preparation. AI can be a facilitator for verification purposes to enhance the process and increase uptake of sustainable hotel operations.

Certification providers are challenged to build scale with current labelling landscape and announced regulatory requirements. The only way to move forward is to incorporate technology, apply AI learning and move away from 100% onsite auditing. System applications, offered by the likes of BeCause, Weeva, Greenview and Considerate Group can help direct hoteliers in a guided manner to obtain the right points of proof in preparation for assessment. This supports and simplifies the process for an auditor too, allowing the have access to these platforms through API technology.

Additionally, it's key that hotels, eco-labels, standard setters, industry membership organizations and authorities work closer together to align the elements of auditing. Certain elements can and need to be standardized, such as carbon and water footprint calculation, using the hotel industry's carbon and water measurement methodologies.