• Organizational Commitment - The first step to reducing a hotel's environmental impact is to demonstrate the existence of a formalized commitment. This commitment is demonstrated by accurately measuring and monitoring a hotel's natural resource consumption.
• Energy Efficiency - Reducing energy consumption is achieved through diligent preventative maintenance programs and implementing technologies designed to increase equipment efficiency.
• Solid Waste Management - Adopting sustainable purchasing and recycling programs allow operators to divert waste from landfills.
• Water Conservation - Reducing water consumption is achieved through the installation of plumbing fixtures designed to deliver maximum guest comfort with the least amount of water.
• Education and Community Involvement - Hotel employees are not able to fully embrace environmental programs until they understand why certain measures are put into place, and how those measures impact their local community.

The Ecotel® Certification Program provides the structural guidance and marketing reach for member hotels to achieve sustainability goals and effectively communicate their environmental commitment to guests and meeting planners.