Green travel

More and more people, luckily, want to travel in as green a manner as possible. More and more enterprises and destinations are seeking eco-label certification and endeavouring to ensure they make as little impact on the environment as possible. It is important to us in Fjord Norway that the places you visit are good places to live as well as visit.
 

Sustainable destinations

Only a few destinations in Fjord Norway have so far been awarded the ‘Sustainable Destination’ brand; Geiranger, Sunnhordland, Suldal and the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

If you decide to travel to a sustainable destination, you will be helping to preserve our historical and cultural heritage while supporting local communities, traditions, nature and the environment at the same time. The brand does not mean that the destination is 100 per cent sustainable in every respect, but that it is involved in a long-term process, and is evaluated every three years.
 

Eco-labelling and tourism products

It is easy to see which products have an official eco-label on our website. The ‘tuft of grass’ helps you to find them.

Whenever you see a tuft of grass on a page, you’ll know that those behind it take the environment seriously.

Norwegian Ecotourism, Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Eco-Lighthouse, ISO 14001, Green Key and Blue Flag guarantee that the labelled experiences comply with strict rules and guidelines on the production and disposal of waste, energy consumption, transport, requirements of sub-contractors and use of chemicals. The measures go beyond the requirements set out in Norwegian law.

Eco-labelled accommodation
Eco-labelled activities and attractions
Eco-labelled restaurants
 

Eco-label schemes in Norway

Norwegian Ecotourism

The certification requires holistic, responsible and green operation of the enterprise. They must meet 100 strict criteria relating to internal environmental work and how they use nature and culture. The enterprises are also required to be good hosts and offer activities that provide new knowledge. They must also have knowledge of nature management.

Nordic Swan Ecolabel

Enterprises must satisfy strict criteria linked to energy and water consumption, waste sorting and use of chemicals. They must also make strict requirements of their goods and services suppliers. You will see the Nordic Swan Ecolabel at restaurants and hotels and accommodation enterprises.

Eco-Lighthouse

An enterprise that is awarded Eco-Lighthouse status is obliged to endeavour to improve its environmental performance in the areas of working environment, waste disposal, energy consumption, procurements and transport. The Eco-Lighthouse scheme has adapted criteria for different industries and a certificate is awarded based on an independent assessment. All Eco-Lighthouse enterprises are recertified every third year to ensure continuous improvement.

Green Key

International eco-label that issues GSTC Recognition for hotels, small accommodation enterprises, campsites and attractions. Strict requirements are made of waste disposal, energy, water, procurements, outdoor areas, CSR and personnel involvement. The standard is maintained through annual recertification, a thorough application process, documentation requirements and regular audits.

ISO 14001

This certification makes requirements of the enterprises’ environmental management system and is mainly awarded to hotels. Enterprises can decide to concentrate on the areas with the greatest environmental impact and where there is most to gain from improvement.

Blue Flag

Eco-label for beaches, marinas and sustainable activity boats, based on strict requirements of safety and service, green management, water quality and environment information. The award of a Blue Flag to a beach, marina or boat is a guarantee to guests that it is run in the best possible manner and takes the environment into account.