Accommodation with Sustainability Certification
Responsibility for people, nature and culture.

Smart energy, resource conservation, regional products, and social responsibility: Certified sustainable accommodations make holidays greener.

For guests who value sustainability on holiday: Austria offers numerous certified accommodations that meet strict sustainability standards and are externally audited. When it comes to Austrian regions, the list of Climate and Energy Model Regions provides useful guidance. Efficient concepts and solutions for eco-friendly mobility appeal to climate-conscious travellers.

3 reliable sustainability certifications

There are many hotel certifications, but the criteria can be hard to navigate. These three awards are a reliable guide for finding sustainable accommodation.

The Austrian Eco-Label

Hotels with the Austrian Eco-Label implement climate protection and social sustainability measures, focusing on savings like renewable energy.

The Austrian Eco-Label

Green Key Certificate

The international eco-label for hotels promotes sustainable management – from energy saving and waste reduction to supporting regional products.

Green Key Certificate

BIO HOTELS®

Hotels certified as BIO HOTELS® commit to continuous ecological progress, ensured by strict independent organic inspections.

BIO HOTELS®

Hotels with a sustainability certificate

Boutiquehotel Stadthalle

Naturhotel Outside

Hotel Altstadt Vienna

Biohotel Walserstuba

Biohotel Schwanen

Nature- and Bio-Hotel Bergzeit

Bio-Nature-Resort Retter

Biohotel Rupertus

Biohotel Stillebach

der daberer. das biohotel

Sustainable wellness hotels in Austria

Almwellness Pierer

Bio- und Wellnesshotel Stanglwirt

Bio- und Naturhotel Chesa Valisa****s

Bio-Hotel Gralhof

Bio- und Wellnesshotel Bruggerhof

What measures does a sustainable hotel take?

Many hotels in Austria focus on minimising their CO₂ footprint and promoting social responsibility. This starts with construction or interior design and extends to sociocultural sustainability.

Resources and climate protection

  • Voluntary CO₂ accounting (including an action plan to reduce emissions)

  • Certification by an independent, recognised body

  • Electricity from renewable sources

  • Biodegradable cleaning products

  • Short supply chains

Architecture and interior design

  • Sustainable, regional building materials

  • Natural living materials

  • Regional partners and craftspeople

  • A blend of tradition and modernity

Food and drinks

  • Organic in-house cultivation

  • Food from regional suppliers

  • Partnerships with organic farms

  • Homemade organic products

Commitment to sociocultural initiatives

  • Balancing the needs of guests, locals, and nature

  • Bonus agreements for employees

  • Supporting regional suppliers

  • Engagement in local social projects and cultural events

What makes a sustainable restaurant?

  • Seasonal menus based on regional harvests

  • Certified organic products (e.g. the EU organic logo)

  • Responsible use of drinking water

  • Waste reduction and recycling

  • Measures to prevent food waste (e.g. portion optimisation and composting)

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables from in-house cultivation or local partners

  • Staff training to promote awareness and commitment to sustainability

  • Homemade products

Where is sustainable travel headed?

Climate protection is everyone’s responsibility!

Nature and inspiration are the true sources of strength in Austria.
This includes mountains and lakes, art and culture, and exceptional culinary experiences. All of these are accompanied by a strong awareness of, and consistent commitment to, sustainability. Ideally, the responsibility for people, animals, the environment and climate is shared by everyone involved:

  • The Guests
    Those who travel sustainably reduce their carbon footprint and show consideration for the wellbeing of others.

  • The Hosts
    They are committed to mutual understanding through accessibility and inclusion, as well as fairness for their employees.

  • The Regions
    Together with experts and 19 pilot regions, Austria has developed a certification system for destinations based on the Austrian Ecolabel. These regions are certified according to internationally recognised criteria and play a key role in strengthening sustainability across the country.

FAQs

For those who care about climate protection, nature, and reducing CO₂ emissions, choosing accommodations with environmental certification is key:

Across Austria, people in many regions are doing valuable work to protect the environment and climate. Sustainable regions preserve and protect habitats for people, animals, and nature through numerous initiatives, including sociocultural efforts. The following five regions are certified with the Austrian Eco-Label:

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