Ecolabel Sri Lanka Expands to the Hotel Sector

Sri Lanka is embracing the global shift toward sustainable tourism by extending Ecolabel Sri Lanka, the nationally accredited certification scheme, to the hotel and restaurant sector. As the only ecolabelling program in the country with full membership in the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), it holds strong international credibility and alignment with global best practices.

Established by UNIDO in 2002, the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), Sri Lanka has been instrumental in helping industries adopt Cleaner Production methods and reduce environmental impacts. Ecolabel Sri Lanka, a Type 1, life cycle-based ecolabel aligned with ISO 14024:2018, was initiated in collaboration with UNEP. Launched in 2019, it has become the most impactful ecolabelling initiative in the country, promoting sustainable industry practices and empowering consumers to make environmentally responsible choices.

Expanding Certification: From Products to Hospitality

To date, more than 200 products have been certified under this scheme across 10+ product categories, with recent expansion into the service sector through the introduction of criteria for hotels and restaurants. The certification process includes comprehensive third-party audits to ensure compliance with strict standards covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, chemical safety, social responsibility, and cultural heritage preservation.

Earlier this year, NCPC-SL hosted a high-level CEO Forum, uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and international experts to spotlight transformative potential in ecolabelling of hospitality sector. The forum reinforced the idea that ecolabelling is not just a marketing tool but a strategic pathway to greener, more resilient business models.

Greener Stays in a Post-Pandemic World

As the hospitality industry recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, this expansion provides a timely opportunity to rebuild on sustainable foundations. Ecolabelling helps hotels cut operational costs through efficient resource use.

The hotel sector is one of the resource intensive sector in tourism, making ecolabelling a vital mechanism to promote efficiency and minimize environmental impact. As GEN notes, “Ecolabelling is one of the most effective ways to help consumers choose products and services with reduced environmental impact, and to drive innovation and continuous improvement.”

Why Hospitality Needs Ecolabelling: Meeting the Expectations of Tourists

• Market Advantage: Stand out as a trusted eco-friendly hotel or restaurant
• Cost Savings: Reduce expenses through better management of energy, water, and waste
• Global Compliance: Align with international sustainability and tourism standards

Modern travelers are more environmentally aware than ever before. They actively seek out hotels and services that reflect their values, prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and transparency. For the hospitality sector, ecolabelling offers a credible way to demonstrate commitment to these expectations. It not only helps reduce the industry’s heavy environmental footprint, such as excessive energy and water use, but also reassures guests that their stay supports responsible operations. As the Global Ecolabelling Network notes, ecolabelling is one of the most effective tools to help consumers identify services with lower environmental impact and to drive continuous improvement within the industry. In an era where choices matter, an ecolabel gives tourists the confidence that their stay is part of something greener.

What Makes Ecolabel Sri Lanka Credible?

• 100% fulfil the ISO 14024:2018 requirements
• Accredited by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard
• Full member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN)
• Recognized through a mutual agreement with Japan’s Eco Mark

Ecolabelling is becoming a strategic priority in hospitality, backed by leadership commitment and international cooperation. As tourism rebounds, Ecolabel Sri Lanka is helping to shape a future where hotels deliver not just comfort, but meaningful contributions to the planet and society redefining hospitality through sustainability.