GreenSign is a sustainable certification label, which was created for the hotel industry by the institute InfraCert. It combines the three pillars ecological, economic and social responsibility, guaranteeing sustainable hotel management and transparency for the potential guests. This transparency is particularly reached through a widget, that shows in which of the 7 categories the individual hotel has its biggest strengths.
We benchmarked GreenSign label against the GSTC standard
GreenSign is compliant with following hearts of the staygreencheck:
GreenSign standard performed almost perfect, according to the our staygreencheck methodology. All the accommodations certified by Ecotourism Australia will have the 3 heart staygreencheck. You can recognize them as follows:
Eco-certification
GreenSign has been developed from both a scientific and a practical point of view and especially stands out due to its simple structure and quick to use testing system. This is made possible, thanks to an industry-independent system, whose 85 certification criteria are based on internationally recognized frameworks for sustainability though, like the ISO 14001 (Eco-Management and Audi Scheme (EMAS)), the ISO 26000 (Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC). Also, GreenSign is a member of DGNB since 2018. The DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für nachhaltiges Bauen) is the German Sustainable Building Council and Europe’s largest network for sustainable construction.
InfraCert certifies hotels in five different levels named “Level 1” to “Level 5” – Level 5 being the best:
Level 1: The first approach to the sustainability concept is already made.
Level 2: The hotel has already implemented the sustainability concept.
Level 3: The sustainability concept is implemented and in force in almost all hotel day-to-day activities.
Level 4: The hotel performs most of the core criteria of sustainable business.
Level 5: The sustainability concept is fully integrated in all business processes.
• The certificate is valid for 3 years.
• In general, employees of InfraCert organise the audit and certification. Additionally, there is a sustainability advisory council in place though, which is made up of experts from the fields of science, the hotel industry, economics and society. The council can investigate the evaluation of the GreenSign certification and thereby represents an independent and competent controlling instance.
• See the GreenSign standards here
• Do you want to know more about GreenSign click here
Best practices
Hotel Landhous Geliti is an accommodation certified by GreenSign. The hotel has invested in their own combined heat and power plant, which they use to heat your water and to use in the hotel. They prefer local products and make sure they have good value for money towards their suppliers and guests. They have ecological standards and are always observing them and if needed adapt them to the changing circumstances. Would you like to know more about GreenSign, please visit their website.
Located at Schindelbruch 1, Stolberg i. Harz, Germany.
Naturresort Schindelbruch offers 98 modern rooms, a large spa and a country-style restaurant. First hotel in central Germany to have reached carbon neutrality. In all other matters such as procurement and e-mobility GreenSign level 5. Guests can use a variety of spa facilities at the Schindelbruch, such as 2 indoor pools, 4 different saunas and a well-equipped fitness center. Massages and beauty treatments can also be booked here.
Located at Schnappelberg 5, Blankenburg, Germany.
This historic, 4-star hotel is set in the large park around Blankenburg Castle, in the Harz mountains. It offers a gourmet restaurant, spacious 68 rooms with free internet, and free parking. All of the rooms at the Schlosshotel Blankenburg feature a flat-screen TV, seating area, and modern bathroom. Committed to sustainability and try to purchase regional products most possible. Since 2015, the hotel is Green Sign certified.
Located at Paula-Modersohn-Platz 5, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
The 49 Rooms at the Green City Hotel Vauban are all furnished using local, environmentally friendly materials. The social aspect of sustainability is very present in this GreenSign level 4 hotel, as people with and without handicap are working together equally and highly motivated. This eco-friendly hotel is located in the Vauban district of Freiburg, 3.5 km south of the city centre. The 900 years old Freiburg is a so-called “Zähringer-Stadt” with lots of art history. You can still experience and see this in many buildings. Discover the city with one of the numerous guided tours that are offered.
Located at Dorfstraße 35, Ueckermünde, Germany.
This hotel provides 50 cozy rooms with an en-suite bathroom and satellite TV. The GreenSign level 5 Haffhus Hotel is completely energy autarkic using a cogeneration unit, photovoltaics and the wood chip system. The Haffhus is a family-friendly resort and also features a children’s playground, petting zoo, beach volleyball court and a barbecue area.
