How to Choose Sustainable Properties for Your Travel?

With global tourism and travel on the rise, traveling sustainably is not just a trend but a necessary shift towards preserving our planet and supporting local communities. Travellers actually have a lot of power in driving this change. One of the easiest ways is to choose eco-friendly stays. By making informed choices about where you stay, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to the well-being of the places you visit.

Amit Jaipuria, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Postcard Travel Club shares some key strategies to help you choose sustainable properties for your travels. Postcard Travel is an inclusive community of conscious travellers, travel designers, storytellers, and boutique properties that collectively advance responsible tourism.

1. Research Eco-CertificationsOne of the first steps in selecting a sustainable property is to look for recognized eco-certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Key, which ensure that the property meets specific sustainability standards. Properties with these certifications have undergone rigorous assessments and have demonstrated a commitment to environmental practices. Additionally, you can look for the property’s memberships to groups like The Long Run, which supports brands in their journey towards sustainability. These certifications and memberships are a reliable way to identify properties that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
2. Check Sustainable PracticesBeyond certifications, it’s also crucial to look into what sustainable practices a property employs. Make an effort to inquire about their waste management systems, energy efficiency measures, and water conservation initiatives. A truly sustainable property will be transparent about its efforts and initiatives. For instance, they might have a comprehensive recycling program, use energy-efficient appliances, and implement water-saving technologies. Asking these questions not only ensures that the property is environmentally responsible but also signals to the management that guests value sustainability.
3. Opt for Green Building DesignAn additional feature on top of sustainable practices is properties that incorporate green building design elements. These can include features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural lighting. Green building design signals to the overall approach of the property owners and investors and might lead the way towards more green practices. Staying at such properties allows travelers to enjoy modern amenities while knowing that their stay is environmentally responsible.
4. Support Local CommunitiesAnother way to look for properties that are sustainable is to see how well they support local communities. This can include using locally sourced products, employing local staff, participating in fair trade practices, and other such measures. Often properties that deploy such practices, will make an attempt to promote the cultural heritage through their stay as well. By staying at these properties, travelers can ensure that their money directly benefits the local economy and helps preserve local traditions and lifestyles. It’s a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the places you visit.
5. Reduce Carbon FootprintTraveling inevitably involves generating a carbon footprint, but some accommodations offer ways to mitigate this impact. Look for properties that provide options for reducing your carbon footprint, such as bike rentals or easy access to public transportation. Some properties also participate in carbon offset programs, where they invest in environmental projects that offset the emissions generated by their operations. Choosing these properties allows travelers to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying the convenience and comfort of their accommodations.

Choosing sustainable properties for your travels is a powerful and easy way to contribute to environmental conservation and support local communities. It just takes a little bit of effort up front and makes you a part of a whole movement without encroaching on your comfort or the joy of travel. The next time you book a trip, make sure to look for these signs of sustainable accommodations in the stays you book. Sustainable travel is not just about reducing negative impact on the world, it’s also about creating positive change and inspire others to choose to prioritise the environment as well.

Gajendra Singh Rathore, Founder, Jungle Camps India shares some tips on how people choose sustainable properties for their travel:

1. Check for certifications:  There are a number of eco-certification programs in India, such as –-PUG Certification by TOFT-RTSOI Lodge certification,-LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and-I Green Rating System.These programs have strict criteria that properties must meet in order to be certified.
2. Research the property’s sustainability practices: Even if a property is not certified, you can still research its sustainability practices on its website or by contacting the property directly. Look for properties that have practices in place to reduce their impact on the environment, such as using renewable energy sources, conserving water, and minimizing waste.
3. Choose properties that are built with local materialsThis helps to reduce the property’s carbon footprint and supports the local economy.
4. Consider the property’s locationProperties that are located in close proximity to national parks or other protected areas are more likely to be committed to sustainability. Staying at a property that is far from these areas may mean more travel time and emissions.
5. Ask about the property’s involvement with the local communitySome properties support local communities by employing local people, sourcing food from local farmers, and supporting local conservation efforts.