Camping de la Venise Verte,the second European campsite to be awarded the Eco-label !
This bit of publicity was to introduce the public to this new eco-friendly European standard.
In France, two eco-labels are awarded:
the French eco-label (NF environment) specifically for the French market
the European Eco-label for the European Union countries
To find out it if the product or service you wish to use is eco-friendly, check that it has an eco-label.
For example, the campsite fulfills all the criteria in the tourist accommodation category and therefore has the flower logo on its eco-label.
Smile: you are in an eco-labelled establishment !
How did we do it ?
The first stage was not easy and meant we had to prepared to carry out numerous changes. How could we reorganise our operation in a more eco-friendly and responsible way ? There were numerous questions but it meant positive progression.
Fulfilling all the criteria
The criteria to obtain the European eco-label in the "tourist accommodation" category were very demanding. From looking at our energy consumption to the packaging of the goods we sell, we were obliged to re-consider our actions in numerous ways. It is impossible to achieve this end without a sincere belief in sustainable development.
Finding the right formula
It is a constant battle to maintain a balance ! In order to this we had to:
change or adapt our installations
choose the best products for cooking, cleaning etc
establish good practices for us and our clients
know how to raise the awareness of the client in a sensitive way
Obtaining it and keeping it !
At any moment the European eco-label can be taken away from us: regular inspections ensure that we are complying with the criteria. On top of that, every 3 years, the criteria are re-enforced. The eco-label shows our clients that we shall keep pace with ecological advances.
In reality, what does the European eco-label represent ?
All establishments with a European eco-label must be actively involved in saving energy and water, must use products which are not dangerous to the environment and must reduce the level of waste to improve the local area.
They must adhere to exact criteria: there are 28 obligatory criteria laid down in the eco-label manual, as well as 60 optional ones. A points system allows the owner to choose from a variety of criteria to obtain a minimum of 18 points.
The criteria that must be fulfilled are the following:
Use of renewable energy, no coal to be used as an energy source, energy consumption for water heaters and air conditioning kept to a minimum, all windows insulated, lights that turn off automatically or easily, energy efficient light bulbs, water saving regulators, changing sheets and towels only on demand, management of waste water, use of eco-friendly cleaning products, eco-friendly packaging for serving breakfast products, recycling waste, information on sharing transport etc.
Conserving the environment is very demanding: you have to maintain quality, include everybody and react objectively.
The European eco-label is just as strict in:
regular re-assessment of the criteria (every 3 years)
check that each establishment is fulfilling these criteria effectively
The European eco-label is therefore:
A quality of service equivalent to that of other organisations
Ecological criteria which are important for all the services and products provided
The criteria are reviewed regularly with reference to scientific innovations. This continual improvement keeps the label holders up to date with anything new and encourages the best eco-friendly quality in each establishment.
The guarantee of a label supported by European government since 1992
Manuals written in conjunction with interested parties (manufacturers, distributors and associations)
These manuals comply with very strict criteria that go well beyond the standard regulations normally adopted. The Eco-label is also written in conjunction with NGOs such the BEUC (European Consumers Organisation) and the BEE (European Environment Agency). These criteria are quite clear for all to view on the website: www.ecolabels.fr
A regular inspection by an independent organisation
This guarantees impartiality of inspections and adherence to the criteria laid down in the manual.
Want to know more about eco-labels ?
Have a look at www.ecolabels.fr
On this website you will find all the information you need about the products and services that have been awarded an eco-label.
The main obligatory criteria:
at least 50% of electricity used must come from renewable sources
coal and other combustible material must not contain more than 0.1% sulphur
energy efficient boilers
use of energy efficient products
use of renewable resources and substances less hazardous to the environment
The quality of the services:
Although the European Eco-label guarantees a reduction in the impact on the environment, it does so without compromising the quality of the services.
Continue... and make spend !
Eco-labels assist in simplifying "more eco-friendly consumption".
It is up to each individual to choose products, services and businesses that have an eco-label. It will be worth the effort as the planet will benefit more each day.
In 2009 more than 800 enterprises in Europe made a commitment to responsible development by obtaining the eco-label.
But this commitment cannot be effective without the energy and support of each consumer, including you !
To find out which organisations have already got eco-labels go to the website www.ecolabels.fr.
