In a significant move towards sustainability, Sweden-based hotel group Scandic has successfully recertified all its previously ecolabelled hotels in accordance with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s stringent new environmental requirements.

87 Scandic hotels in Sweden, 30 in Denmark, 45 in Finland and 76 in Norway are currently ecolabelled and have been recertified under the new requirements. Scandic will extend certification to hotels in Germany and Poland, marking a significant step towards broader environmental certification.

With more than 88% of Scandic’s hotels already ecolabelled, the company said it remains committed to certifying all its hotels under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. 

Nordic Swan Ecolabel's updated standards

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries, updated its requirements in 2023, setting higher environmental goals.

Undergoing a recertification process, Scandic’s ecolabelled hotels now comply with new limit values for energy, water, waste, chemicals' usage and the provision of organic food and beverages. The certification necessitates annual follow-ups and team member training to maintain environmental standards. 

Jens Mathiesen, CEO of Scandic Hotels Group, emphasises the integration of sustainability into Scandic’s strategy.

“By co-operating with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, over the years we’ve reduced our water consumption, eliminated harmful chemicals and single-use items, reduced food waste and increased the percentage of organic food we buy,” said Mathiesen in a statement.

Long-term partnership yields results

Since the 1990s, Scandic's collaboration with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel has yielded positive results. From 1996 to 2022, Scandic claims it has achieved a 32% reduction in water use, a 31% reduction in energy use and a 65% decrease in CO₂ emissions per guest night. Measures have included water-efficient fixtures, renewable energy sources and behavioural change initiatives.