Eco-friendly hotel. Credit: Pexels, gothiclolita
The European Commission has opened a consultation to shape new sustainability assessments for hotels across the EU.
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) framework, led by the Department for Mobility and Transport, aims to standardise how hotels measure and report their environmental impact.
What is the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)?
The PEF is a life cycle assessment method that quantifies the environmental impact of goods and services, covering factors such as carbon footprint and water usage. This initiative is the first time that PEF is being applied to the tourism industry, reflecting the EU’s broader efforts to promote sustainability.
The proposed Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for hotels will require hotels to provide solid evidence for their sustainability claims. Consumers will be offered clear and reliable information when booking eco-friendly accommodation.
EU hotel sustainability consultation details
The consultation runs from February 3 to March 2, 2025. Industry representatives, environmental organisations, policy authorities, and the public are encouraged to participate. Feedback will be reviewed before the final rules are published in early 2026, with implementation expected in the second half of the year.
A webinar on February 12 (10:00-12:00 CEST) will provide further insights and answer stakeholder questions.
Green travel
This initiative aligns with other EU sustainability efforts, such as the proposed Flight Emissions Label, which aims to standardise CO₂ impact information for flights.
In recent news, the notion of “flight shame” has reportedly led to an increase in rail use across Europe. These measures could significantly impact eco-conscious expats and travellers in Europe, making it easier to choose sustainable hotels and transport options.
For more details or to participate in the consultation, visit the official European Commission page.
View all Travel News.
