In short:
European schoollabel for tourist accommodation certifies hotels and lodgings reducing their environmental impact according to strict official requirements.
- Official standard: Created in 1992 by the European Commission, this label brings together more than 800 certified establishments in the European Union in 2026.
- Requirements: Obtaining requires validating the entire 22 mandatory criteria and obtaining at least 20 points from 45 optional criteria.
- Measured gains: The approach makes it possible to reduce water consumption by up to 34% and 19% energy consumption from the first year.
- ADEME funding: Lademe covers up to 80% of the costs (ceiling of €12,000), leaving an average charge of €3,000 to €4,000.
What is the European Colabel for hotels and lodges?
European Ecolabel for tourist accommodation is the official ecological certification of the European Union, created in 1992 to guarantee the reduction of environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of establishments. It scientifically certifies that a hotel, a lodge or a campsite limits its consumption of water and energy, reduces its waste and favors sustainable purchases without altering the quality of its service.
Recognized in all LUE Member States, the presence of the flower with the star petal ensures an eco-responsible approach verified by an independent third party. Unlike simple internal charters or purely declarative private labels, this certification is based on a unified and regularly revised technical reference at Community level.
What are the 67 criteria for the allocation of the repository?
The certification is based on a global standard of 67 environmental criteria developed by the European authorities. To obtain approval, the candidate establishment must imperatively meet two cumulative requirements: respect 100% of the systematic criteria and accumulate a minimum number of points on the modular criteria.
The 22 essential mandatory criteria
The 22 mandatory criteria must be complete and without exception respected by any candidate establishment. They constitute the minimum basis for claiming the label. These taxable rules cover fundamental measures such as the supply of electricity from renewable sources, the banning of individual packaging for breakfast, the installation of water-saving devices on the taps or even the active awareness of customers on resource management.
The 45 optional criteria for accumulating points
The repository also has 45 optional criteria for accumulating points according to the typology and positioning of the accommodation. To validate its certification, an establishment must obtain a minimum of 20 points on this optional component. These points are awarded for advanced initiatives such as the establishment of rainwater recovery systems, the priority use of food products from short and biological circuits, or the use of higher energy-class heating and air conditioning equipment.
| Repository category | Mandatory criteria | Optional criteria | Main objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| general management | Compulsory | Optional | Environmental planning and staff training |
| Energy | Compulsory | Optional | Insulation, efficiency of equipment and renewable energies |
| Water | Compulsory | Optional | Limitation of flow rates and reasoned management of green spaces |
| Waste and waste water | Compulsory | Optional | Selective sorting, disposable removal and effluent treatment |
| Other criteria | Compulsory | Optional | Responsible purchasing, soft mobility and biodiversity |
Who issues the certification and what are the steps in France?
In France, the issuance of certification for tourist accommodation is managed exclusively by AFNOR Certification, an organization accredited by COFRAC. The organization carries out an on-site audit to check the concrete application of the 22 mandatory criteria and validate the calculation of the scale on the optional criteria before granting the right to use the mark for a fixed period.
At the continental level, more than 800 tourist accommodation establishments are certified as a European eco-label within the European Union. This presence guarantees a level of homogeneous ecological sobriety, whether you book a room in a hotel complex or a rural lodging.
What are the real ecological and financial benefits?
The establishment’s compliance generates rapid and measurable reductions in fluid and consumable consumption. The rigorous application of the repository allows a direct return on investment thanks to the reduction of operating invoices from the first twelve months of labeled operation.
- Water consumption: Obtaining a European eco-label makes it possible to reduce up to 34% of water consumption from the first year of application.
- Energy consumption: The approach makes it possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 19% from the first year thanks to the optimization of settings and equipment.
- Chemicals: The application of the criteria makes it possible to reduce up to 93% the use of detergents via strict dosing and the use of eco-certified products.
How much does the label cost and what subsidy to get?
Access to certification represents an initial investment which includes technical support by a study office, the initial audit costs issued by the certifying body as well as the fees for the use of the logo. However, public aid mechanisms drastically reduce the financial effort needed for small and medium-sized structures.
Lademe offers a financial assistance scheme covering up to 80% of the costs for small businesses and up to 70% for medium-sized enterprises. The lademe subsidies ceiling for support and certification amounts to €12,000. Thanks to this institutional support, the average remaining charge for an establishment is between €3,000 and €4,000 for full support and use rights, an amount quickly depreciated by the energy and water savings generated.
frequently asked questions
Who attributes European Lecolabel to France for a hotel?
In France, the issuance of the European eco-label for tourist accommodation is managed by AFNOR Certification, an organization accredited by COFRAC. He carries out an on-site audit to verify the establishment’s compliance with official criteria.
How many criteria should be validated to obtain the label?
An establishment must necessarily validate the entire 22 mandatory criteria of the reference system. He must also accumulate a minimum of 20 points among the 45 optional criteria to obtain official certification.
Is there any financial aid to have his lodging labeled?
Yes, Lademe offers financial aid covering up to 80% of the support and certification costs for small businesses, with a ceiling of €12,000. The remaining charge is between €3,000 and €4,000.
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