Green Star Campaign: Hotels Going Green

30.08.2008
Business
TODAY'S ZAMAN WITH WIRES

‘Green star’ campaign encourages hotels to go green

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has started a campaign to reward environmentally friendly hotels as part of its efforts to improve the quality of service offered.

Taking into consideration issues such as global warming, excessive pollution and the concerns of tourists, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism decided to take action and encourage hotel managers to be more sensitive to the environment. The campaign, with the slogan "Be mindful of the world, your country, your environment and your future," will prioritize hotels that volunteer to participate in the program. Any hotel applying for the "Eco-friendly institution" license, symbolized by a green star, will be required to meet certain measures set by the ministry, including water and energy conservation, cleanliness and 119 other requirements.

This campaign complies with measures determined by the European Union and is therefore expected to be greeted warmly by both local and foreign tourists. Resorts seeking the green star will be required to comply with regulations, including assigning an authorized person to plan and manage environmental protection projects. A special focus will need to be placed on saving energy and water and recycling drain water. Additionally, educating hotel personnel about ecological sensitivity is among the basic measures set by the ministry. Switching to renewable energy sources and harmonizing the hotel/resort buildings with the environment as well as using eco-friendly materials for construction and protecting wildlife around the hotel will give hotels an advantage in the certification process.

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