Southwest Environmental Limited

Greener Getaways: The EU Ecolabel for Campsites

SWEL have been providing expert advice on the built environmental for 17 years. Some of the first reports written at the company were energy efficiency reports. We have a long standing knowledge to help you get you ecolabel application off on the right track.

Moving from manufacturing to Campsites is a major shift. This isn't about chemical formulas; it’s about Service Management. This Background Report is unique because it measures the environmental performance of a location rather than a physical object.

Here is your 500-word step-by-step guide for the tourism sector.

Greener Getaways: The EU Ecolabel for Campsites

The EU Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodation (specifically campsites) is designed to reduce the "tourism footprint." It focuses on five main pillars: general management, energy, water, waste, and chemical use. Unlike products, campsites are judged on a Mandatory vs. Optional points system.

Step 1: Establish General Management

The first hurdle is administrative. The Background Report requires the campsite to have a formal Environmental Management System.

• Staff Training: You must prove that all employees are trained on eco-friendly practices (e.g., how to use less water while cleaning or how to explain recycling to guests).

• Guest Communication: You are required to have clear signage encouraging guests to save energy and water. It’s about creating a "culture of sustainability."

Step 2: Energy Efficiency (The Biggest Point Scorer)

Energy is the most intensive part of the campsite report. To pass, you must meet mandatory requirements regarding:

• Electricity Sources: A percentage of your electricity must come from renewable sources (solar, wind, or "green" utility contracts).

• Lighting and HVAC: At least 80% of your light bulbs must be Class A (LED), and any air conditioning or heating in communal buildings must meet strict efficiency ratings.

• Window Insulation: All windows in heated/cooled buildings must have a specific "U-value" to prevent energy leaks.

Step 3: Water Conservation

Campsites use vast amounts of water for showers and landscaping. The Ecolabel focuses on flow rates:

• Tap and Shower Limits: Showers must not exceed a flow rate of 8 liters per minute, and bathroom taps are capped at 6 liters per minute.

• Urinal and Toilet Flushing: Mandatory limits on flush volumes (usually 6 liters or less) and a requirement for dual-flush or "stop" buttons.

• Landscaping: You must prove that you don't water plants during the heat of the day to prevent evaporation loss.

Step 4: Waste Minimization and Sorting

A "Flower" certified campsite cannot have a single "general waste" bin.

• Source Separation: You must provide guests with easy access to separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste.

• Disposable Items: Mandatory criteria often prohibit the use of "single-dose" items in breakfast areas (like tiny plastic jam packets or sugar sachets) unless required by local health laws.

• Wastewater: If the campsite is not connected to a municipal sewer, you must prove your onsite treatment system meets strict "Background Report" standards for water purity.

Step 5: The "Optional Criteria" Points Race

Once you pass the mandatory steps, you must "buy" your license with Optional Points. This is where you can differentiate your site:

• Bicycle Promotion: Do you offer bike rentals or a shuttle to the train station? (Points!)

• Organic Food: Is 50% of your café's menu organic or locally sourced? (Points!)

• Pesticide-Free: Do you manage your lawns without synthetic chemicals? (Points!)

Pro-Tip for Data Collection

The "Site Audit" is much more important for campsites than for products. The auditor will walk the grounds, check the flow of your showers with a bucket and timer, and look inside your waste bins.

How Can We Help?

We can offer a full fixed price services, or just help out with a few hours work here and there. Contact us for help (hit the big yellow button at the top of page)