Sustainable Travel International (STI), the global non-profit leader in providing sustainable travel solutions for the tourism industry and consumers, announces the launch of the Luxury Eco Certification Standard (LECS), the world's only voluntary, global sustainable tourism certification program designed specifically for the luxury accommodation sector. LECS is a comprehensive standard that considers the needs and challenges of operating a new or existing luxury hotel while addressing environmental and social impacts to help to protect the destinations they serve.

LECS is a product of STI’s working knowledge of best practices in the luxury accommodation sector. Focusing on the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet and profit), LECS is aligned with impending global accreditation through the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. LECS helps luxury hotels create and implement a measurement and management framework in their move toward sustainability. The program is designed for newcomers and those who already have experience in sustainable business practices.

The LECS Self-assessment Application consists of 100 environmental and social criteria for the hotels to meet in order to be eco-certified, addressing five areas of operations: Policy and Documentation, Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, Recycling and Community. Upon completion of the LECS application, applicants will be required to undertake a third party assessment through Leading Quality Assurance, an auditing firm that specializes in providing quality assurance audits, benchmarking analysis and training services to the luxury hospitality industry.

“Becoming a LECS eco-certified hotel will be challenging and will require serious commitment,” explains STI Vice President and Co-founder, Peter D. Krahenbuhl. “However, the standard provides education and guidance for developing a sustainability framework and operational activities. In return, implementing LECS will help hoteliers operate their facilities more efficiently and sustainably, which will likely reduce their long term operating costs, and create customer and employee good will.”

The cost to apply for LECS is $2995. This includes the Self-assessment Application, administration and processing fees, the fee for conducting a two day/one night assessment, and most auditor travel expenses, including all international air travel to and from the hotels, wherever they are located.