EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel, also known as the EU Flower, is the European Union’s official environmental certification for products and services, including tourist accommodation. It is administered at EU level and requires demonstrated performance across energy, water, waste, chemical management, and biodiversity.

This is a rigorous EU-level credential that distinguishes properties from those making eco claims without third-party assessment.

What the certification requires

• Mandatory and optional criteria covering energy consumption
• Water consumption limits and conservation measures
• Waste production and management standards
• Use of renewable energy sources
• Chemical inputs and hazardous substance controls
• Management of outdoor spaces for biodiversity

How it differs

The EU Ecolabel is awarded by member state accreditation bodies, not by the tourism industry itself. It is renewed following re-assessment. The criteria are publicly available and set at EU level, making it one of the most transparent certification frameworks operating in Ireland.