THERE’S MORE TO PLACES
THAN MEETS THE EYE
Certifications, awards, and labels can be valuable sources of guidance. However, they usually only tell part of the story. Behind every accommodation and business are people, ideas, challenges, and initiatives that cannot always be summed up in a symbol or brief description. At Green Pearls®, we make these “invisible” things visible
Because the most exciting stories can’t be summed up in a label.
CONTEXT CREATES CLARITY
Some sustainability measures can be quantified, some are evident in everyday life or people’s commitment, and still others are not even noticeable to guests. Therefore, individual pieces of information or statements are not enough to give you a comprehensive picture on which to base your own decisions. Only the interplay of various elements and initiatives provides a complete picture.
Green Pearls® makes this information visible to you on the company and hotel pages. We showcase the initiatives, ideas, and developments, and we explain what and who is behind them. For us, a transparent ‘We’re not quite where we want to be yet, but we’re working on it’ is more important than perfection.
We provide information, rather than certification, and communicate rather than evaluate.
These topics
are important to us
People
OUR FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSPARENT
SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATION
How?
Empowered Consumer Directive (EmpCo)
The European EmpCo Directive provides guidance for transparent and accountable communication (and is, among other things, the reason for our deliberate use of the term “sustainability”)
What?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Depending on the partner, we focus on different priorities based on the United Nations SDGs framework.
Our partners and other industry stakeholders share insights into their initiatives and their personal, individual experiences.
Accommodations, companies, and tourism stakeholders
Who?
The Green Pearls® editorial team places information in its proper context and tells the stories behind it.
Green Pearls® philosophy and approach
Why?
When considering sustainability and during introductory meetings with new partners, we use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our guide. They help us contextualize environmental, social, and economic issues and examine them in a nuanced way. Depending on the accommodation or business, the focus naturally falls on very different goals.
At the same time, many of our partners hold certifications or labels. These provide both you and us with additional guidance and are part of the information we highlight on Green Pearls®.
ANY FURTHER
QUESTIONS?
Is Green Pearls® a certification program?
No, Green Pearls® is an information platform and communications agency. We don’t certify or rate accommodations or businesses, but rather highlight their initiatives and developments.
How do accommodations and businesses become part of the Green Pearls® network?
Accommodations and businesses reach out to us specifically when they want to highlight their commitment. We then get to know potential partners personally and work with them to assess—based on our internal guidelines and the issues that matter to us—whether their values and commitment align with Green Pearls®. This is based on an honest exchange, so you can rely on transparent information.
Are Green Pearls® partners required to be certified?
No, certifications are not currently required. However, we recognize the value of certifications, and we welcome it, when our partners are certified or working toward a recognized certification.
What role do certifications and labels play at Green Pearls®?
We view certifications and labels as part of a larger picture and highlight them in the context of our partners’ sustainability initiatives.
Why does Green Pearls® use the term “sustainable” sparingly?
Because sustainability is multifaceted and complex. That’s why we focus on concrete information, verifiable actions, and transparency. Rather than simply stating that Hotel X is sustainable, for example, we would rather show you the solar panels on the roof, tell you about the social project with the local community, and introduce you to the local food producers.
How does Green Pearls® address EU requirements for sustainability communication?
We closely monitor legal developments and align our communication with applicable requirements for transparent, verifiable sustainability statements. We benefit from having always made it a priority to provide clear information and to avoid sweeping generalizations.
Can I trust Green Pearls®, even though you are not a certification body?
Ultimately, the answer is up to you. 🙂 We don’t see our role as evaluation and certification. Rather, we provide you with as much information as possible in the clearest way possible so you can make your own decision. Most of our data, facts, and statements come directly from our partners, and we often know the hoteliers, hosts, and business owners personally.
How does Green Pearls® ensure that information remains up to date?
We maintain regular, direct communication with our partners and update our content as soon as we learn of changes to measures, projects, or other relevant information.
I’ve found an error or have additional information. What should I do?
We welcome your feedback. Just email us at info@greenpearls.com, and we will review your feedback with the relevant partner. If necessary, we will update the information.
