The planet’s resources are being tapped as never before, a problem only sporadically addressed by energy-saving governmental programs, and even then only in a nominal manner. We treat nature in a consumerist manner, engendering cataclysms and catastrophes. Only then do we finally begin to think about how to save our patient planet from our materialist whims.
Yet ecological programs often do not require excessive efforts or financial investments. On the contrary, a proper attitude toward the environment can often allow for savings.
Green tourism is an interesting form of recreation, in harmony with nature and part of the ecological movement. It is important that hotels are not confined to some services, but that they find it in their interests to comply with ecological norms.
In order to improve its attractiveness for foreign tourists in the sphere of green tourism, Ukraine needs a lot of work. In other countries the presence of ecological certification is a factor determining the choice of hotels or camping sites, as foreigners are rather picky while evaluating the ecological responsibility of a hotel’s owners. A sign testifying to the ecological commitments of a given site can sometimes boost attendance by up to 40 percent!
However, for our citizens it is difficult and expensive to realize the requirements of international certification organizations. Hence, experts from the Information Center “Green Dossier,” using international experience as a basis, elaborated and offered a system of ecological certification for small and medium hotels and restaurants in Ukraine that is adapted to our circumstances.
The project received support from domestic and international tourism experts, owners of hotels and restaurants, the Council for Tourism and Resorts, specialists from the ministries of culture and environmental protection, and other tourism-sector workers.
In June 2010 a campaign introducing and popularizing the ecological certification began in Ukraine. Its first stage was an all-Ukrainian competition of hotels that want to be seen as ecologically conscious. A small amphibian was chosen as the symbol for the ecological certificate (there are not many of these amphibious left in Ukraine, three kinds are in the Red Book of endangered species), as it has long symbolized purity, courage and resolve in overcoming obstacles.
Two hotels from the Ivano-Frankivsk region were the first to be certified: the tourist hotel Kosiv (owned by Ruslana Petrychuk) and the private farmstead Zhyvytsia (owned by Volodymyr Broshkevych). The owners have managed to reduce electricity and heat consumption by 50 percent. They admit that saving money was their primary goal, which led them to use energy reasonably. They value the environment around their property. Efficient use of each millimeter of local land, careful cleaning and washing in safe detergents, allowing pure vegetables to grow — these simple rules helped them get the certification. Ruslana and Volodymyr also received prizes for their business practices, energy saving lamps and environmentally-safe detergents.
Nevertheless, the main prize of the certification campaign is the following conclusion: there are establishments that comply with European ecological standards, and will hence be included in the list of those capable of accepting demanding European tourists, in particular, the guests of the Euro-2012.
Both prizewinners have shown themselves to be great organizers, and are able to share many best-practices for eco-business. A workshop by partners of “Green Dossier” was organized for those willing to learn about efficient business. It turned out to be useful for both the winners and newcomers to the hotel business. The company Philips showed people how to decrease energy expenses by 30-80 percent.
An energy efficient lamp, Living Colors LED, that uses light diode technology (consuming only 15 watts) was the main prize for the winner. The lamp can also change the color of its radiation, creating an original atmosphere.
Cozy lamps from Philips will decorate the interiors of two further winners — the Kyiv cafe Kupidon and the hotel Sezony SPA located on the Obukhiv highway. The owner of Kupidon Fedir Balandin confessed that, as he counts money, he grew interested in different ways of saving energy. By means of different innovations he reduced energy consumption at his property by two thirds. The first round of the competition of ecologically responsible hotels and a master class “Eco-Tips for Hotel” was held based on the hotel Radisson Blue.
The all-Ukrainian competition of responsible hotels continues and everyone interested in it can participate. The results of the next round will be announced in May 2011 at the exhibit “EcoRest.” The organizers stress that the ecological certification in tourism corresponds to the requirements of the time. Green brands are among the most popular hotels in Europe, thanks to the signs indicating compliance. Hence, specialists from “Green Dossier” are sure that the amphibian will help the Ukrainian tourist business enter the European market, they continue dreaming about a time when each Ukrainian dwelling complies with the standards of ecological certification, and tourist sites become examples of ecological responsibility.
