Japan Ecolodge Association

Sustainability Practices

Environmental/Ecological Impact Choosing products of 'green purchasing' and 'energy conservation' can assist minimize the impacts. We encourage members to use them as each product offers detailed information on environmental impacts provided by Green Purchasing Network and The Energy Conservation Center. Social/Cultural Impact Each of our member ecolodge is small scale and run by one or a small group of operators. Because of its location and scale, tourists are guaranteed for full attention of the operator(s) to appreciate both social and cultural practice." We have generated 110 item ecolodge checklist to raise the awareness of conservation and sustainability for ecolodge members. Our policy is to gather information and promote sustainable accommodations in Japan under International standards. Performance can be measured by reading our criteria and self-audit results of our members. Ecotourist naturally choose the environmentally friendly, community-supported ecolodges over conventional facilities. We provide the information of the member lodges and lodges enjoy eco-conscious visitors. We encourage the member lodges to participate or create a mechanism to bring financial benefits to the surriunding nature and/or the local community. We demonstrate that ecolodge operation can help local community to empower themselves thru workshops. We hold periodic meetings and workshop with pertinent organizations and institutuions to voice the importance of ecolodges. Newsletters and the website are also effective.