Every journey leaves a footprint, but you can choose if it will be green! Join us in a unique adventure that combines the convenience and low environmental impact of Trenitalia’s regional train with the environmental commitment of Ecobnb’s accommodation. Be inspired by the beauty of sustainable travel. Discover the universe of green Italy by train with our initiative that refunds your ticket.

The Perfect Pair: Ecobnb and Trenitalia

Ecobnb, our network of sustainability-oriented accommodations, has partnered with Trenitalia to promote a slow and responsible way of exploring Italy. By choosing Trenitalia’s regional train, not only will you experience a comfortable and scenic journey, but you’ll also make an eco-friendly choice compared to more polluting means of transportation such as planes and private cars.

Italy Green by Train: How the Initiative Works to Make You Travel and Save

The Green Italy by Train initiative is an invitation to travel responsibly, choosing eco-friendly accommodations and opting for a train journey, which has emissions 3.7 times lower than a road trip and 4.3 times lower than air travel. The formula is simple. Book your stay in an Ecobnb participating in the initiative and arrive with Trenitalia’s regional train to receive a refund.

For one-night stays, Ecobnb refunds the amount spent on tickets, up to a maximum of 10 euros. For those who wish to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in a sustainable experience, we offer an even more special discount. In fact, for stays of at least two nights, you will receive a refund on the Trenitalia regional train tickets used to reach the destination, up to a maximum of 20 euros.

Participating in the initiative is easy and fast. Just book a stay at one of the participating properties here and purchase your Trenitalia regional train tickets to reach the destination. After your stay, within 30 days, you simply need to submit your request by filling out this form. In a short time, you will receive your refund via bank transfer, PayPal, or by redeeming an Ecobnb Gift Card.

Why Choose to Travel Green Italy by Train

1. Environmental Sustainability. Choose Trenitalia’s regional train for eco-friendly travel and reduced carbon emissions.
2. Economic Savings. Ecobnb offers refunds for train journeys that can help you save money. Take advantage of these financial benefits today.
3. Unique Experience. Discover the wonders of Italy from a new perspective, through sustainable travel, contributing to the well-being of the planet.

This new initiative is the perfect opportunity to explore our beautiful country sustainably, save on your journey, and contribute to environmental protection. Choose the Ecobnb and Trenitalia duo for an unforgettable adventure, characterized by responsible travel and eco-friendly experiences. Travel green and discover a more sustainable Italy!

The article Green Italy by Train: Ecobnb Refunds Your Journey on Trenitalia Regional Trains was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Nowadays animal species are going extinct 100 times faster than in the past. Thousands of animals are on the verge of extinction due to pollution, the destruction of their habitat, and climate change. It is essential to change course, to promote biodiversity: let’s see why.

How many animals are endangered?

What does the word “extinction” mean? The term extinction indicates a natural phenomenon in which an animal species, following a slow but constant change, is replaced by the appearance of new species. It is not always a bad thing, but it should be a wake-up call.

The study carried out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which every year publishes the Red List of endangered species, indicates over 42,000 endangered species between animals and plants.

The worst thing is that 515 of these species (including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) don’t reach 1,000 specimens in the whole world.

Why are they endangered?

What are the main causes which are leading to the extinction of these animal species? There are many causes. As far as large animals are concerned, like gorillas, elephants, rhinos, and tigers, illegal poaching has a huge influence. But other causes may be involved, such as, for polar bears, climate change, and the melting of the glaciers.

Let’s analyse in depth the causes that are leading towards the extinction of these animals.

Certainly, since the 19^th century, i.e. since the Industrial Revolution, there have been many important changes that are modifying ecosystems and accelerating climate change. Some of these drastic changes, which are causing the extinction of many animal species are:

1. Climate change: which has significantly increased the average temperature of the planet
2. Air pollution: nearly 25% of birds suffer serious damage each year due to air pollution
3. Marine pollution: according to WWF, every year about 600 tons of plastic and 500 tons of oil are introduced into our seas, and this causes the destruction of marine ecosystems and the death of many animals
4. Soil consumption: the exploitation of the land to build buildings and roads reduces the natural habitats available for animal species
5. Deforestation: the loss of ancient forests and huge green areas, such as the Amazon Rainforest, and fires create further problems for animals
6. Overexploitation of the planet’s resources: the excessive use of subsoil resources (oil and gas) contributes to the destruction of natural environments
7. Intensive uncontrolled hunting and fishing: as a consequence, animal species cannot survive and therefore reproduce

Endangered animal species in the whole world

Here there’s a list of some endangered species in the world and some solutions in order to preserve them:

• Spanish giant tortoise: the extinction of these tortoises found in the Galapagos Islands has been avoided thanks to a captive breeding program
• Borneo pangolin: this species, found in the forests of Southeast Asia, is fortunately protected because just a few specimens remain
• Vaquita: there seem to be only 12 specimens in the Gulf of California. However, they are constantly monitored to avoid permanent disappearance

Endangered animals in Italy

Here we analyse some endangered species in Italy and how the government and the associations are trying to save them:

• Alpine ibex: it had risked disappearing at the end of the 19^th century, but today it seems that this risk has been avoided and is now protected in the National Parks
• Wolf: in the 70s of the 20^th century it was an endangered species. However, thanks to excellent protection projects it has had a good increase
• Bats: they are a new entry since they have become an endangered species since 2017

In order to raise public awareness of this issue, the “World Animal Day” was established. It is held every year on October 4^th, on the occasion of the Day of Saint Francis (saint of animals). This day aims to celebrate and protect the rights of all animals in the world.

Cover image via Canva Pro

The article Endangered animal species due to pollution and more was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Travelling is awesome, but it can often impact the environment more than we realize. Pollution, ecosystem destruction and exploitation of natural resources are just some of the negative effects of tourism on the planet. Fortunately, today more and more people are turning to ecotourism in order to minimize their footprint while travelling. How has the travel industry changed? And what are the most important trends? Keep reading to discover 6 Eco-Travel trends and their benefits for the environment.

1. Off-season travelling

Lower prices, less crowded destinations and greater support to local communities: lots of travellers tend to travel off-season for a relaxing and ecosustainable vacation. Such a trend is ideal to reduce overtourism, which means the excessive presence of tourists. Overtourism impacts not only the environment, by exponentially increasing the waste and destroying ecosystems, but also the well-being of the local population, who experience sudden changes in their own cities.

2. Supporting the local economy

Many travellers, in addition to enjoy an eco-friendly vacation, would also like to have a responsible vacation that could benefit local communities. For example, they can buy hadcrafted souvernirs, but also local food to support local producers. It is also recommended to choose family-run accomodations, locally owned, in order to stimulate the local economy.

3. Looking for eco-friendly accomodations

A growing Eco-travel trend in recent years is undoubtedly the search for eco-friendly accomodations. No more excuses: there are more and more environmentally conoscious accomodations, and therefore more and more platforms for booking eco-sustainable stays, such as Ecobnb. Guests are lookng for hotels that use renewable sources, anti-waste systems, as well as eco-friendly materials and much more: long story short, anything that could improve the well-being of the planet to some extent!

4. Staycation: on vacation while staying at home or in your own city

Born in the U.S, the Staycation trend is becoming increasingly popular. It is based on the philosphy of rediscovering the beauty of what surrounds us. It is possible to “go on vacation” by exploring unexplored areas of our own region or city, but also by enjoying moments of relaxation and well-being at home, in order to regain the time that we are losing due to our daily commitments. A great way to reduce the pollution caused by transportation, but also to spend a truly regenerating vacation that can help not only the envronment, but also our psychophysical well-being.

5. Undertourism: discovering the real local culture

The concept of vacation is increasingly turning into the visit of mass tourism destinations, which leave the authenticity of local cultures behind. In the last few years, there has been a tendency to counterbalance this trend with Undertourism, which means a vacation to less popular destinations where it is possible to truly discover the local traditions and the local culture. Tourists will not only escape overcrowding, but also contribute to environmental protection by challenging overtourism.

6. Using eco-friendly means of transportation

The means of transportation used during the travel are one of the most polluting elements of the entire holiday, especially if the destination is abroad or far from home. Sometimes one cannot avoid the choice of using an airplane of private means of transportation, but there are small tricks to be more eco-frendly during the vacation. A growing trend is the use of electric transportation, in particular e-bikes, for short trips. Often the accomodations themselves offer e-bike rentals, or even e-bike tours to discover the nautural beauties in the surrounding area. With this methos one can explore in a sustainable way and fully enjoy the visited area.

Get inspired by these 6 Eco-Travel trends and let your next vacation be more eco-friendly!

Cover image: photo via Canva PRO

The article 6 Eco-Travel trends: towards a new way of travelling was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Planting trees and growing forests are ever more current topics. Trees symbolize hope, regeneration and transformation. Plants are increasingly touted as a simple, affordable and easy-to-implement solution to stop climate change. But will planting trees really save us? We know that its benefits are numerous, but unfortunately it seems not to be enough to stop the ongoing climate change. According to experts, in order to stop global warming, we need to preserve forests and growing new ones that can become centuries-old, ecosystems that become treasures of biodiversity. Let’s see why.

Can planting trees save the planet?

Indeed, trees are of great help in removing human-caused CO2 emissions. Through photosynthesis, plants are able to extract carbon dioxide from the air and use it to grow leaves, branches and roots. The forest floor itself can store carbon and act as a veritable reservoir of CO2.

According to a mapping done by scientists, on earth there are more than 3 trillion trees. It’s approximately half the number of trees that existed before the rise of human civilization.

And while centuries-old forests, like the Amazon, continue to experience erosion by deforestation, initiatives appear everywhere to plant thousands, millions or even a trillion trees.

Governments and businesses at international level are becoming more interested in ambitious planting projects with the dual objectives of offsetting current emissions and absorbing greenhouse gases, stuck in the atmosphere for decades or more.

The reality, however, is more complex than it would first appear. Experts believe that the mere fact of planting a large number of trees won’t save us from climate change. It is important to understand why.

The limitations of planting programs

The most popular planting programs plant trees and then cut them down after 20-25 years. These cutting initiatives, such as FSC and PEFC, encourage a dual monetization of the plant:

• as an offset: when planted, the tree is sold as if it had to offset CO2 emissions from human activities;
• as timber for sale: after 20-25 years, the tree is cut down and sold, monetizing the plant once again.

These planting programs are insufficient to tackle to the current severe climate crisis.

When a tree is cut down, all the CO2 it has absorbed during its 20-25 years of life is released back into the atmosphere. As a result, the efforts made to offset CO2 emissions are lost.

How much CO2 a tree can absorb

Trees improve our lives in many ways: when we consider their benefits, the word “photosynthesis” instantly comes to mind. The gas exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen, that has made our atmosphere breathable and also magically turns CO2 into wood every single day.

The vast wooded areas of the tropics and boreal zones, also known as the earth’s lungs, are able to absorb 25-30% of our CO2 emissions alone.

However, the amount of carbon stored in forests depends on their age and management. In addition, the carbon that forests have stored in their trees and soil is released back into the atmosphere when the plants are cut down and die.

An average large tree can absorb 10-20 kg of CO2 annually. However, this is only true for adult trees that live in good condition.

That’s why, for example, the young trees in Italian forests absorb on average only 2 kg of CO2 each year. Moreover, many of these plants die due to neglect or climatic stress.

Planting trees is not enough

According to scientists, planting billions of trees all over the world is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and address the climate crisis. But it is not all as easy and obvious as it sounds; in fact, planting trees hides some pitfalls:

• A Stanford University study that analyzed tree planting and afforestation (i.e. creation of new forests) in Chile, revealed that, if it does not meet certain criteria, planting trees can actually be more harmful than beneficial, leading to the loss of biodiversity and an increase in carbon. In the case of Chile, for instance, the area of forest made up mainly of fruit trees expanded from 1974 to 2012, while the area of native forest (one of the most significant carbon reserves on the planet) decreased.
• Another study analyzed a Bonn Challenge forestation program aimed at restoring 350 million hectares of degraded forests. It discovered that 80% of the area had been planted with monocultures, such as fruit or rubber trees, which led to the loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the amount of CO2 the trees were able to store.

How to grow healthy forests

Selecting the right species is an essential first step when it comes to growing a healthy forest. It is not only important to plant trees, but also to choose native species that one should plant in mixtures to avoid monocultures. This promotes the growth of a healthy forest, able to withstand climate pressures and to grow and absorb CO2, benefiting the environment and the society.

Why is growing centuries-old forests so necessary?

The life span of an average European tree is between 300 and 500 years. Its ability to absorb and store CO2 varies drastically over time.

As revealed in the infographic, a plant’s ability to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere reaches its peak when the tree is more than 50 years old. While the ability to store carbon dioxide gives its best results when the tee is more than two hundred years old.

Cutting down a tree when it is only 20 or 25 years old means losing its maximum potential to capture and store greenhouse gases (removing them from the atmosphere).

Forest with centuries-old trees, virgin forests, are the most important ones for ecosystems, as well as the increasingly threatened Amazon rainforest.

Planting trees that we cut down shortly afterwards is not enough to address the climate crisis. We should be creating new forests and growing them into centuries-old forests. This must necessarily happen at a local level, where it is possible to monitor trees and let them grow.

Our project aimed at growing centuries-old forests in Europe

Our project for the creation of secular forests in Europe started in Italy, from a wood in the province of Savona, Liguria. A forest to regenerate by growing new native trees, with the aim of increasing biodiversity and creating a centuries-old wood.

Small native seedlings of pine, ash, oaks and chestnut are slowly growing to recreate a forest that human activity had destroyed. They will generate a green space rich in biodiversity, inhabited by insects, butterflies, bees and several animal species.

The objective of the project is to create a centuries-old, wild and virgin forest that could grow freely and regenerate undisturbed, with only nature’s laws serving as its rules.

In this way, we can best support the survival and the growth of the trees that inhabit it, allowing better absorption of carbon dioxide, restoring biodiversity and giving us real hope for combating climate change.

Find out how you can contribute to the Secular Forest project

Cover image: forest in Savona, photo by Ecobnb

The article Planting trees: good, but growing ancient forests: Better! was originally posted on Ecobnb.

How to convince businesses that remote working gives better results than working in the office, especially if you do it in a unique location surrounded by nature?

Digital nomads, smart workers and businesses can meet in wonderful places, where they can practice social working via an internet connection but also have time to immerse themselves in nature, walk and live some experiences together. Scientific studies (Thriving with Nature) proved that nature is good for both physical and mental health.

Some companies ask their employees to bring natural elements to the office (Bringing the nature to the workplace – The Wellbeing Pulse), while others are even more innovative and propose to remote working in a unique place surrounded by nature.

Social working: what is it?

It all stems from the concept of remote working, which landed in our lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. This work method is supported by companies because it helps reduce costs and is aided by the newest high-speed technologies.

Social working, on the other hand, aims to allow employees to work in shared places where ideas and knowledge can circulate freely. This type of working environment encourages cross-fertilization, a fusion of ideas coming from different fields. Such a practice often results in new ideas and innovative projects.

There is also a more human side of social working. Indeed, this method allows to build both professional and personal relationships that, in most cases, create new job opportunities, collaborations and partnerships.

It is a way of working that facilitates the exchange of ideas and skills, aimed at growing personal creativity. A way to improve your skills while acquiring new competencies. The employee will feel more satisfied when working in a space that brings his strenghts into play and will be stimulated to learn new ones.

What makes social working fascinating is the choice of the location. The “offices” are often unique and surrounded by nature. This is a way to maimize worker’s concentration but not only…It also gives them space to create connections and enjoy their free time between breaks.

Where to experience social working

When choosing this working method, it is good to choose cozy places that foster team-working and concentration as well as relationship and leisure time.

These 8 places for social working are right for you:

Valsugana (Trentino)

It is the ideal place for those who love trekking, especially when framed by fabulous landscapes. Between the Dolomites and Lake Garda, Valsugana offers its visitors varied landscapes, including lakes surrounded by nature, rocky and snow-capped mountains. Perfect in every season, Valsugana is an ideal place to practice social working.

Agriturismo BLUM is located at the foot of the Lagorai in eastern Trentino. It offers hospitality and brings the products and the colours of the land to the table.

Limone Piemonte (Piemonte)

Nestled in the Maritime Alps, Limone Piemonte is the perfect place for mountain lovers and its warm chalets to work in. You will be a few steps from the French Riviera and the Ligurian Riviera, but we guarantee that the white snow will keep you glued to this place full of facilities and sports activities.

Fiocco di Neve Relais is the perfect place for social working. It is a luxury resort with rooms furnished in wood and natural materials.

Bordighera (Liguria)

Bordighera is a small town not far from the French border that hides many verdant gardens and a very picturesque old town. It is not overrun by tourists, so it is perfect for tranquility and concentrated work. In your free time, you can enjoy crystal-clear beaches and its palm-fringed promenade.

Agrilunassa is an Eco GuestHouse located in Liguria in Bordighera, with a beautiful sea view and surrounded by the green countryside of Montenero. It is about 350 m from the sea and the largest public beach in Bordighera.

Chianti (Toscana)

Chianti is one of the most beautiful and most characteristic wine regions in Italy. Here you can admire the beauty of nature, but also wonderful medieval buildings that you can visit during your free time.

At the farm house La Fontaccia you ill immerse yourself in the hills of Chianti region to find relax and a perfect atmosphere for social working.

Monferrato (Piemonte)

The landscape of Monferrato earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 thanks to its natural charm. The surrounding hills are full of vineyards producing the best wines in the world. You can’t miss the landscape at sunset time: it will really bring you in another dimension!

You will fully enjoy the experience of sleeping in a cabin house in Tonengo, especially if you want to immerse yourself in nature.

Sibillini Mountains (Marche)

This territory is the emblem of the man’s relationship with nature. Here is where cities are created from the hollowing out of mountains and where you can live backwards in time! The Monti Sibillini National Park is fascinating from both a naturalistic and cultural perspective: here you will discover the secrets of ancient generations.

The place for you is Querceta di Marnacchia, a stone farmhouse only 11 km away from the medieval town of Amandola.

Cagliari (Sardegna)

Enjoy the history of this ancient city and the scent of the sea. Cagliari is the ideal place for your workation: this city is immersed in the aromas of ancient Arab spices and in the sound of waves meeting the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy.

Close to one of the most beautiful beaches on the south-west coast of Sardinia, Acquadulci is a marvelous eco-friendly hotel. It offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature and in authentic local flavours.

Mallorca (Spain)

Mallorca is famous for being a small heaven on earth: meters and meters of white coastline, turquoise waters and hidden coves. There is plenty of natural parks, arid mountains and verdant plains. Its climate is truly dreamlike: the temperature stays around 20 degrees all year round.

Get inspired and try one of these places the next time you will practice social working!

Cover image: photo via Canva PRO

The article 8 destinations in Unique Places for Social Working was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The worlds of work and sustainability typically collide, because we prioritize mass production and economic growth over respect for the environment. Hence the wave of climate quitting, a phenomenon that affects all those who quit their jobs because they do not agree with the ethics of the company they work for.

Climate quitting is a kind of silent revolution whose clear aim is to safeguard the environment. It is well known that several companies, particularly multinationals, do not follow green policies. This is because such policies would increase their expenses and slow down their production. But in recent decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of employees who decide to leave their positions because they disagree with the practices of the company and want to invest their time in work that can protect the environment.

Testimonies of climate quitting

Doing climate quitting means adopting a responsible approach towards the working world and moving away from all those businesses that do not adhere to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. A company should embrace these criteria to ensure that all of its agents involved, including employees, distributors, and customers, care about and respect the environment, society, and governance.

Alice Pomiato, 32, is a climate quitter. In fact, she decided to quit her job as a digital strategist at a communications company. Her choice originated from her awareness that, through her work, she was pushing her clients away from a sustainable lifestyle. With great courage, Alice put her ethics and values first and quit a job that went against her beliefs. Today she is a content creator who raises awareness on the issue of sustainability.

A study conducted by the Milan Polytechnic found that the under-30 age range is the most affected by this problem. One can see how the world outlook changes from generation to generation. On the one hand, adults tend to underestimate the issue, probably because the change has been gradual and they find it hard to believe in it and take action to improve the situation. Younger people, on the other hand, live in a deteriorated world, but they cherish the hope that they can fix it and do their part to safeguard nature.

These days, a lot of media attention is paid to climate issues. It is thus encouraging to see how the youth is willing to fight to protect the world and ensure a better situation for future generations.

Green operators

Climate quitting is now an established phenomenon that is gaining momentum. This seems to be the source of certain changes which may occur in the very near future.

In fact, the number of employees working in the field of sustainability in companies, what we might call green operators, is rising more and more. There will be an increasing demand for consultants who can advise the company on making changes that wink at sustainability.

Universities all around the world are already moving in this direction. They are indeed promoting academic programs that can apply to a greener idea of life, particularly in the business world.

Greenwashing

This term refers to the fact that, given the increasing attention on eco-friendliness, many companies are adopting tactics to make their production processes and products appear more environmentally friendly. But in reality, they are only taking small steps that do not solve the problem in any way. It is a specific kind of marketing strategy designed to attract customers, who are now increasingly inclined to make informed purchasing decisions.

In fact, Greenwashing is one of the major causes of workers’ climate quitting. The false claims and the refusal to make environmental improvements very often detach employees from the ideas of the company. This moves them to permanently abandon this reality because it is too distant from their own worldview.

Climate quitting may really be the way to combine work and sustainability

To date, there is still a small percentage of employees who decide to quit their jobs because the companies they work for do not follow environmentally friendly guidelines. Rather, the majority sees exploitation, unhygienic working conditions and low pay as their main obstacles.

Climate change cannot be stopped right away: there is still a lot of work to do. However, this does not mean that everyone cannot support this noble cause with a tiny gesture. Climate quitting is a gesture of courage but, above all, of great responsibility. It helps companies understand their employees’ demands and can lead to real policies of environmental awareness. Climate quitting may really be the way to combine work and sustainability.

Cover image: photo by Tandem X Visuals via Unsplash

The article Climate quitting: when work and sustainability collide was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The “Green Tourism Conference” was the final conference for the EU project “European Tourism Going Green (ETGG) 2030”. The conference was a one-and-a-half-day event with around 200 participants from the 6 project countries.

This international event took place at the end of the project from 3. to 4. May 2023 in Vienna at the Austrian Trend Hotel Savoyen and offered exciting presentations on sustainable tourism in Europe and industry networking at the highest level.

The ÖHV was the Austrian project partner and the host of the conference.  The Croatian Chamber of Economy was the Croatian partner in the EU project “European Tourism Going Green (ETGG) 2030“. Several best practice examples from Croatia have been presented by the Ecobnb country manager & sustainability expert – Nastja Logar.

One of the Croatian best practice examples is also Hotel Rotondo from Central Dalmatia. This hotel received EU ecolabel and boasts an outstanding employer reputation and therefore employs a team of locals who work here for more than 15 years. With this project, Hotel Rotondo was positioned as one of the first locations in Central Dalmatia for hosting Green meetings & events.

The “European Tourism Going Green (ETGG) 2030” project supported 70 European tourism SMEs on their way to more sustainability through certification and promoted the international exchange of knowledge for more sustainable tourism in Europe. More than 200 participants from the project partner countries Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, and Romania attended the conference.

A memorable presentation on the topic of »Green marketing & communication« was presented by Prof. Dr. Fabian Weber, lecturer at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Institute for Tourism and Mobility ITM), pointing out what really matters to travelers, where to promote green hospitality and how to attract them.

The “Green Tourism Conference” took place according to the guidelines of the Austrian Eco-Label for Green Meetings. To achieve this, many measures have been implemented, such as:

• Promotion of environmentally friendly travel options
• Promotion of certified accommodations
• Environmentally-friendly services in accommodation
• Compensation payments for CO2 emissions
• Vegan meals

Many thanks to the ÖHV for the green event organization and for the amazing networking opportunity!

Cover image: Green Tourism Conference

The article Green Tourism Conference: Top networking event for industry leaders was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Discover the latest sustainable hospitality trends at the Eco Resort Network 2023 Event and meet the world-known delegates.

If you want to be inspired and to inspire others in the field of sustainable hospitality, Eco Resort Network 2023 Event is a place to be. It will take place in Montenegro on May 24, 25 & 26th at Lazure Hotel & Marina.

Hospitality is evolving at a speed like never before. We are going through a phase where outstanding service is not enough, travellers are looking for meaningful holidays. This makes it even more interesting for hoteliers to consistently innovate; when the whole business model is in flux and going green is no longer a choice.

In the beautiful surroundings of Montenegro, feel an atmosphere of discovery – all while forging new connections between handpicked delegates and a tailored conference program. enjoy the 3 full days of networking with like-minded professionals and talks from renowned speakers and members of the hospitality industry.

Eco Resort Network is an exclusive group of people actively working in sustainable, outdoor hospitality. This includes operators of resorts around the world, people planning and building resorts, suppliers, consultants, investors and press.

What Will You Discover?

Expect stunning scenery, top talks, more products and services, a field trip to see an eco-resort being built, boat trips, wine tasting, world-class dining, and more. Some of the topics that will be covered:

• How hospitality can be more environmentally friendly and what it can expect in terms of legislation in the future
• Adventure, Extremes, and Sustainability – The thrill and challenge of operating sustainably in the most remote location on the planet
• The opportunities provided by a turnkey eco-resort model.
• How Investment Can Truly Make an Impact
• How the future of resort design is about positive impact and how you measure it
• Interior Design Trends for Luxury Outdoor Hospitality

Find the full agenda here.

A visit to Oblun Eco Resort

In the Podgorica region, Oblun Eco Resort is currently under development. The owner of the resort, Goran Brnovic, will conduct a tour and explain his vision for this eco-resort – which will occupy seven distinct areas of land and include a restaurant, zip wires, spa, wellness, and more.

A luxurious Event setting

The Eco Resort Network conference will take place at Lazure Hotel & Marina – a five-star hotel located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro at the entrance to the picturesque Kotor bay, near the beautiful medieval city of Herceg Novi.

Ready to Book?

Find more information about the event here.  Use a special 15 % discount for Ecobnb travelers by using promo code: CODECOBNB.

The article Eco Resort Network 2023 Event: Discover the latest Sustainable Hospitality Trends was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Reaching your favorite destination by reducing the environmental impact of your trip is now easier, thanks to the Google Maps eco-friendly paths !

Now we all are familiar with the Google Maps application: there are those who use it to find the fastest way to work, or to avoid getting stuck in traffic thanks to real-time updates.

But now there is a new and interesting feature: the eco-sustainable paths of Google Maps, designed specifically to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The functionality is active in 40 European countries, including Italy, and is able to find the path that will save on fuel depending on the type of vehicle used.

But how do the eco-sustainable paths on Google Maps work?

The Google Maps application shows estimates of the fuel consumption and energy efficiency of the routes based on the type of vehicle engine. If the feature is active, in addition to these estimates, factors such as real-time traffic and road conditions contribute to choosing the best route.

Deactivating the function, instead, will show only the fastest routes, without taking into account the environmental sustainability factor. However, the green leaf icon will appear next to the most fuel or energy efficient route among all alternatives.

How to use the eco-sustainable path

On the Google Maps app:

1. Tap the profile picture and go to “Settings“, then “Navigation Settings”
2. Scroll to ‘Route options‘
   • to turn the eco-friendly route on or off, tap Choose fuel-efficient routes.
   • To choose the engine type, tap Engine type, select it, and click ‘Finish’.

The suggested route varies by engine type. A diesel engine has greater savings on the highway, while hybrid and electric vehicles provide greater efficiency in driving in cities and hilly environments.

How Google Maps calculates fuel consumption

To estimate fuel consumption, Google Maps relies on data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Energetic Department of United States and on those from the European Ambience Agency.

The calculation includes factors that affect fuel and energy consumption, but also CO2 emissions, such as:

• Average fuel or energy consumption of vehicles in your region
• Steepness of the route
• Hiccup traffic pattern
• Types of roads (such as local roads or motorways)

Do you think this implementation will be useful?

info: how to use google maps eco-friendly paths

The article On Google Maps come the eco-sustainable paths was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Transport is the hardest sector to decarbonize because of the heavy use of fossil fuels. Globally, only one in 50 new cars was fully electric in 2020. But even if all the new cars were electric, it would still take 15-20 years to replace all the fossil fuel cars.

However, saving harmful emissions would not be fast enough to make the necessary difference. One of the ways to quickly reduce transport emissions is to opt for cycling and walking, or the so-called active travel.

What is Active Travel?

Active Travel’ means moving from A to B in ways that do not employ fossil fuels. Active travel not only improves health and well-being but helps reduce the carbon footprint and save money.

The most sustainable option is walking where the only resource required is you, followed by cycling which requires some equipment.

Walking

Small steps make a difference:

• by choosing to walk, not only will you do good to your body, keeping it active, and to your health
• you will minimize your carbon footprint
• you will save on fuel expenses!

Cycling

• Cycling strengthens the muscles and is linked to better heart and lung capacity.
• In cities, cycling can save time as you pass through traffic and avoid queues.

The Research

According to a study on Science Daily, using a bicycle to move around the city, can reduce emissions by 84% compared to those who do not use it!

About 4000 people living in London, Barcelona, Vienna, Rome, and Zurich were sampled. Over a two-year period, participants completed 10,000 entries in a travel diary that served as a record of all the trips they made every day, to get to work by train, and to take children to school by car or bus into the city. For each trip, the carbon footprint was calculated.

Results of active travel

Surprisingly, people who used the bicycle daily had 84% fewer carbon emissions from all their daily trips than those who didn’t. In addition, those who prefer cycling to cars even for a single day a week have reduced their carbon footprint by 3.2 kg of CO2 – equivalent to the emissions of a car for 10 km.

It is also estimated that residents of cities who have switched from car to bicycle for only one trip per day have reduced their carbon footprint by about half a ton of CO2 over the course of a year, saving the equivalent emissions of a one-way flight from London to New York.

Therefore Active Travel can help to address the climate emergency before electric vehicles, also providing economical, reliable, clean, healthy transport.

The article Active Travel reduces the carbon footprint by 84%! was originally posted on Ecobnb.