We all are fond of ecolabels. We, at bookdifferent.com, work with 22 ecolabels out of the 200 (or more) ecolabels worldwide. But why may you ask? It is important to know which ecolabels you can trust. The most credible labels are awarded by impartial third parties and involve independent audits on site, in which within the standard information about the environmental, social, cultural and economic impact of the products and services is incorporated and verified. At bookdifferent.com we only work with these types of labels so that we can ensure our bookers that our hotels are genuinely sustainable.
Today we want to talk to you about our ecolabel partner EarthCheck and an amazing accommodation certified by EarthCheck. EarthCheck is a certification company and advisory group for the travel and tourism industry. EarthCheck was founded in 1987 and has its head quarter in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The mission of EarthCheck is to help companies, communities and governments to offer clean, safe, prosperous and healthy destinations for travelers to visit, live, work and play. According to EarthCheck, both companies and communities must benefit from the results achieved in the area of sustainability. The EarthCheck Certification is based on the Agenda 21 principles of Sustainable Development. (Agenda 21 deals with the urgent problems of today and has the second aim of preparing the world for the challenges of the next century). A whole lot of theory, let’s go over to the fun and exciting stuff, an accommodation!
We have searched and selected the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel in Hobart, Australia! Before its transformation into a collection of family-friendly hotel rooms and serviced apartments, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel had a history as fascinating as that of Hobart, Tasmania itself. The site was first occupied by shanty housing before being turned into a wool storage and treatment facility around the turn of the 20th century. Wool was brought from all over Tasmania to be pressed and then shipped from Hobart’s bustling port. The top floor of the building was used for wool treatment and, therefore, required the natural light offered by the striking saw-tooth roofline. This style of roofing allowed the maximum amount of light into the room for the weaver’s benefit. The original floors have been maintained and, rather than destroy original equipment used at the wool store, many have been retained and incorporated as features in the corridors and common areas of the apartment hotel. I just love the story behind it!
But as the Old Woolstore is eco-certified, it means they are practicing sustainable activities. The Old Woolstore is always seeking to conserve natural resources by ensuring the responsible use of energy, water and materials whilst still providing the quality of service expected. Their employees are all provided with the information, instructions and training necessary, to make sure they also uphold the policy the hotel sets. But it gets better, any unopened or unwanted non-perishables are distributed to local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, The Salvation Army and Hobart City Mission. This sounds like a truly amazing hotel that really showcases ways to become more sustainable and to help the community! Book this amazing accommodation at bookdifferent.com.