Eco Mark Product Category No. 503“Hotels and Inns Version 2.3”
Certification Criteria- Applicable ScopeLodging facilities that provide accommodation service as a hotel or an inn (ryokan)
subject to the Hotel Business Law.

Established:
RevisedExpiration date:

March 1, 2019
August 1, 2024
February 28, 2031

Japan Environment Association
Eco Mark Office

NOTE: This document is a translation of the criteria written in Japanese. In the eventof dispute, the original document should be taken as authoritative.

503criteriaV2

Eco Mark Product Category No.503 “Hotels and Inns Version2.3” Certification Criteria
Japan Environment Association
Eco Mark Office
1. Purpose of Establishing Criteria
Omitted.
2. Applicable scope
Lodging facilities that provide accommodation service as a hotel or an inn (ryokan)
subject to the Hotel Business Law.
Note that tenants etc. of the applicant facility that are not under the control of the
facility by the lease agreement, etc. are excluded from the scope of certification
3. Terminology
For the terms used herein, their concepts, etc. are provided in footnotes and theInterpretation.
4. Certification Criteria and Certification Procedure
The certification criteria consist of mandatory items that must be met and optional
items that may be selected according to the facility's actions, for each of the 6
evaluation categories specified in Table 1. The requirements for certification arelisted in Table 1. For each evaluation category, “Other” may be selected up to three
to apply unique environmental initiatives. The examination committee decides
whether the initiative applied under “Other” is equivalent to or better than otheritems.
Table 1 Evaluation categories and points (p)No.

Evaluation category

Mandatory item1
2

Eco-friendly hospitality
Eco-friendly fixtures andequipment in guestrooms
Waste reduction / recycling
Energy saving
Water saving
General environmental
consideration on facility operationTotal

2 item0 itemOptional item
(max. points)
10 items (12p)
11 items (15p)

2 items
2 items
2 items
1 item

9 items (12p)
11 items (14p)
6 items ( 9p)
9 items (12p)

3
4
5
6

Requirementforcertification

facility providing meals
facility not providing meals(tenants only providing them)

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9 items
56 items (74p)
Mandatory 9p + Optional 25p (atminimum)
Mandatory 8p + Optional 21p (atminimum)

503criteriaV2[Certification Procedure common to each item]
The conformance status to the criteria and details of the initiatives being
carried out should be described in the “attached certificate” and thenecessary documents indicated in the “attached certificate” should be
attached.

If multiple sites with common operation methods are applied at one time, in
principle, it is verified whether all of the sites under application have met thecriteria. However, if there is a special reason why the common operation
methods do not apply to some sites, information or documents explaining thereason thereof should be submitted.

The implementation status will be verified on site (including online). On-site
inspection in the case of application of multiple sites at one time, theinspection will be conducted on the administrative section that leads thecommon operation methods (headquarters, etc.), as well as a representativesite among those listed in the application.
Conformity to the criteria shall be evaluated based on the performanceunless otherwise specified in the criteria. However, conformance is based on
the fact that, for implementation of equipment, the implementation rateshould be 50% or more and that one-off environmental activity should be
conducted continually at least once a year or more frequently.

In principle, conformity to the criteria shall be evaluated based on theperformance. If it is impossible to grasp the performance because the facility
is newly opened, a specific plan (materials, documents, etc. that support
effectiveness) shall be submitted and an evaluation shall be made on thecondition that the achievement of the plan is reported on a later date.

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4-1. Eco friendly hospitality[mandatory item](1) Information on environmental-friendly initiatives the facility carries out
is availavle at the facility or on a website.
(65) [added on July 1, 2022] Either effort of “Ingenious ways to provide” or“Product ingenuity” of “Rational Use of Products using specified plastics”
shall be conducted when providing a plastic product that falls under
products using specified plastics (12 items) stipulated in the Act on
Promotion of Resource Recycling Related to Plastics.
[optional item](2) Information on environmental-friendly tourism (eco tours to learn about
nature or historical culture while considering their protection, notes fortours in a facility or a national park, etc.) is provided.
(3) Information on environmental-friendly transportation devices (bicycle
rentals, car sharing, plug-in stations for electric vehicles, etc.) is provided.
(4) Environment-themed events and site visit tours are conducted.
(5) Environmental-friendly food materials as shown in the following
examples are provided and consciousness to these food materials is
explained and communicated to users.
(Examples)・ Organic agricultural products, pesticide-reduced or pesticide-free
agricultural products, chemical-reduced or chemical-free agricultural
products or their processed products
・Food materials grown with food recycled feedstuff (eco feed) and fertilizers
・Food materials cultured or fed in environmental-friendly ways
・Eco label certified food materials
・ Agricultural and livestock products produced with GAP (Good
Agricultural Practice) certificate
・ Food materials transported in environmental-friendly ways (local
production for local consumption, etc.)(6) In order to reduce food leftovers, plates are of proper shape and size,
small-size menu is provided, or stickers and posters promoting users tocooperate in finishing their food are posted.
(7) For disposable amenities, both efforts of “Ingenious ways to provide” and“Product ingenuity” of “Rational Use of Products using specified plastics”
defined in “the Act on Promotion of Resource Recycling Related to
Plastics” shall be conducted.
(8) Guests are informed that the power to the refrigerator or electric pot in
the guest room is turned off after checking out and that the guest is asked
to turn on power when necessary.
(9) There is a display or message promoting the users to save energy or savewater. (It is effective to add a statement like “Thank you for helping usprotect XXX of this area”.)(10) Smoking is prohibited in common areas and back areas (a smoking room
may be provided), and 80% or more of the guestrooms are non-smoking
rooms.

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[1p]

[1p]*
[1p]*
[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

503criteriaV2(11) Other1 (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）[1-3p]*For application of multiple sites with common operation methods, points are given if conducted as acompany.

1

Sales of environmental-friendly products and encouragement of simplified packaging at shops on the site,
provision of books and brochures educating the importance of the environment and nature, reduction offood leftovers by providing meals that respond to the users’ requests such as food preferences, conducting ofa survey on the site’s environmental activities, etc.

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4-2. Eco-friendly fixtures and equipment in guestrooms[optional item](12) Dispensers that can be refilled are used for soaps, shampoos, etc.
(13) Guest room slippers are not disposable.
(14) Trash boxes allowing for waste sorting in the guestroom are used.
(15) Air-conditioners in the guest rooms can be individually controlled.
(16) The guestroom has a system that turns power off by pulling out the key
when leaving the guestroom.
(17) The TV, refrigerator or individual air conditioner in guestrooms are ofenergy-saving type2.
・One energy-saving appliance has been introduced or there is a
specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.) [1p]・Two or more energy-saving appliance have been introduced [2p](18) The energy saving function of the heated toilet seat or warm water
shower toilet seat is utilized. Alternatively, the temperature of hot water
is adjusted according to seasons, and the heating function of toilet seat isturned off when unnecessary including the summer season.
(19) Water saving equipment3 is introduced for the faucet, shower, toilet, etc.
in the guest rooms.
・One energy-saving equipment has been introduced or there is a
specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.) [1p]・Two or more energy-saving equipment have been introduced [2p](20) The optimum water level that contributes to water saving is indicated in
the guestroom bath tub.
(21) The supplies and fixtures (toilet papers, stationery, dishes, linen, etc.)
used in the guestrooms are eco-friendly products 4 such as Eco Markcertified products.
(22) Other5 (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）

[1p]
[1p]
[1p]
[1p]
[1p]
[1～
2p]

[1p]

[1p～
2p]

[1p]
[1p]

[1-3p]

Products that have cleared the energy-saving standard specified under the “Energy Saving Law.”
Water saving disc, constant flow regulating valve, aerator cap, flow control valve, shower head with thewater stopping function at hand, shower head with small flow rate water discharging function, timer faucet,
regulating flow faucet, automatic faucet, hot-water saving faucet, toilet bowl with 6.5L or less of flushingwater, urinal with 2L or less of flushing water, etc.
4 Examples of eco-friendly products: Products using recycled materials, plant-based plastics, thinned wood,
and/or organic cotton and products that have obtained environmental label certification such as forest
certification, etc.
5 Initiatives to use guestroom supplies and equipment for a long time.
2
3

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4-3. Waste reduction / recycling[mandatory item]<food waste> *apply to lodging facilities that provide meal service(23) To reduce the generation of food waste, stock of foodstuffs and amount oforder are controlled and the amount of cooking is adjusted according to
the number of lodging reservations, etc.
<other than food waste>(24) Four types of paper (copy paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard), PET
bottles, beverage cans and glass bottles are sorted and recycled.
[optional item]<food waste>(25) Grasp the content and amount of food wastes such as cooking waste,
leftovers, etc.
(26) Not more than 0.570 kg6 of food waste is generated per guest.
(27) Food waste is recycled 7 or heat-recovered 8 . (This may be done byoutsourcing it to a third party.)(28) Food waste is reduced in weight by drying and dewatering, or the use of agarbage disposer.
<other than food waste>(29) Chopsticks, cups, wet towels and napkins are not disposable. Or, thoughdisposable, they are made of environmental-friendly materials such as
thinned wood, collected after use and recycled.
(30) The containers and packages of food are reduced by purchasing beverages
in returnable bottles, or butter, jam and sugar not being individually
packaged, etc.
(31) Returnable boxes, reusable containers / palettes, etc. are used in delivery
of foodstuffs.
(32) Used amenity, consumables and supplies in guest rooms are reused or
recycled outside guest rooms.
(33) Other9 (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）

[1p]
[1p]*
[2p]
[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]
[1p]
[1-3p]*For application of multiple sites with common operation methods, points are given if conducted as acompany.

Cite the value in the hotel business of the food waste control goals defined by the government.
Recycled as feed, fertilizer, fat and fat products, methane, carbonized products (use as fuel or reducing
agent) and raw material of ethanol.
8 If it is difficult to recycle due to the site conditions and acceptance status, heat is recovered (use of waste
food oil as fuel) at a level of efficiency equivalent to or more than methane.
9 Paperless initiatives, etc.
6
7

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4-4. Energy saving[mandatory item](34) Energy (electricity, gas, etc.) consumption is grasped and compared withthe previous year, and an effort is being made to reduce it.
Also, annual energy consumption in the total floor area of the building(excluding the tenants not included in the scope of control of energy
consumption but including indoor parking space) shall be 2.8GJ/m2 orless, or the applicant shall achieve A class of the benchmark system ofenergy saving law. If the value above is not met, total annual consumption
shall be reduced 10% or more of the annual energy consumption in theyear of 2010 (occupancy may be taken into account10).
(35) The rule for turning off air conditioners and lights in unused rooms of thesite (guestrooms, public areas, back areas, etc.) is communicated in anunderstandable manner to the relevant employees in the form of a poster
and/or a manual, and put into practice.
[optional item](36) The equipment concerning heat source, lighting, and air conditioning
have been periodically maintained with developing a manual and record
to ensure efficient operation (Attached Table 1).
(37) Temperature in the facility is set appropriately. Also, the temperature of
guestrooms is reset to the preset value after checkout. In the case ofcentralized air conditioning, the cold water outlet temperature setting
tends to be high in summer and the hot water outlet temperature setting
tends to be low in winter, in as far as an optimum room temperature canbe maintained.
(38) In the benchmark system by the government or local government forenergy consumption, the site is placed in the upper class above theaverage.
<Heat source, heat supply>(39) Operation is being improved that would lead to energy-savings of heatsource and heat supply (Attached Table 2).
(40) Heat source equipment with high energy efficiency has been introduced(Attached Table 3). Or, there is a specific introduction plan (timing,
quantity, type, etc.)(41) Renewable energy or unused energy is used or those equipment is being
implemented (Attached Table 4). Or, there is a specific introduction plan(timing, quantity, type, etc.)< air conditioners and ventilators>(42) The buildings are being heat-insulated (Attached Table 5). Or, there is a
specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.)(43) Operation is being improved to conserve energy with air conditioning andventilation equipment. (Attached Table 6).
(44) Air conditioners and ventilators with high energy efficiency have been
introduced (Attached Table 7). Or, there is a specific introduction plan(timing, quantity, type, etc.)

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]
[1p]

[2p]

[1p]
[1p]
[1p]

If the occupancy is taken into account, the applicant shall show an appropriate reason and calculation
method.
10

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503criteriaV2<lighting>(45) LED ramps or LED lighting equipment have been introduced. Or, there isa specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.)(46) Other (Attached Table 8). (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）

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[1p]
[1-3p]

503criteriaV2

4-5. Water saving[mandatory item](47) Water consumption is grasped and compared with the previous year, andan effort is being made to reduce it.
(48) Water conservation in washing and cleaning is communicated in anunderstandable manner to the relevant employees in the form of a poster
and/or manual or other ways, and put into practice.
[optional item](49) A system is adopted that guests staying two or more consecutive nights
can choice the exchange of bedding goods, towels, etc. or not.
(50) The plumbing equipment is maintained with developing manual andrecord to ensure efficient operation. (Readjustment / optimization of the water

[1p]
[1p]

pressure / water amount, check on water leakage, check on johkasou (waste
water treatment tank), etc.

(51) In the common areas (big common bath, toilet in common areas, etc.) or
back areas (kitchens, etc.), water saving equipment11 has been introduced
for water faucets, showers, toilets, dish washers, etc.
・One water saving equipment has been introduced or there is a
specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.) [1p]・Two or more water saving equipment have been introduced [2p](52) Waste water is cleaned and reused (use of recycled water)(53) Rain water is used. (Rain water tank, toilet cleaning by rain water, etc.)(54) Other12 (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）[1-2p][1p][1p][1-3p]

water saving disc, constant flow regulating valve, aerator cap, flow control valve, shower head with thewater stopping function at hand, shower head with small flow rate water discharging function, timer
faucet, regulating flow faucet, automatic faucet, hot-water saving faucet, toilet bowl with 6.5L or less offlushing water, urinal with 2L or less of flushing water, Automatic washing apparatus with flow control for
urinal, dish washer whose instruction manual clearly states that it is a water saving type, etc.
12 Installation of onomatopoetic devices in common toilets, etc.
11

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4-6. General environmental consideration on facility
operation[mandatory item](55) The facility shall comply13 with the applicable environmental laws andregulations, etc. (including municipal ordinances)[optional item](56) An environmental policy has been established, and a system has been put
in place to verify the implementation status of environmental objectives
and plans for achieving the policy and continually make improvements.
(57) The environmental activities being conducted at the site arecommunicated to employees and guidance is provided if any work needs
improvement.
(58) Cleanup activities are being carried out in the surrounding area.
(59) On the site or in the surrounding area, development of greenery area andhabitats for living creatures and nature conservation activities are being
carried out.
(60) Cooperation is provided or contributions (donations) are made toenvironmental activities (including campaigns and events) conducted by
the local government or regional groups, NGOs and nature conservationgroups.
(61) Environmental-friendly products and services 14 are used such as Eco
Mark products either for the supplies used in the office and back areas or
durable goods and services.
(example) -office supply, -toilet paper, tissue paper -building material,
interior material, -furniture -uniform -courtesy car, office car -services(outsourcing printing, insect pest control, cleaning, automobile repair,etc.) -other(62) Low VOC (volatile organic compound) products 15 or products made ofenvironmental-friendly raw materials16 are used for insect repellents andinsecticide, aerosol products such as insect repellents and insecticide,
deodorant refreshers, paints, adhesives and detergents. Employees use
these chemicals in an appropriate amount.
(63) Non-CFC products or low global warming potential17 CFC products are

[2p]*

[1p]

[1p]
[1p]*

[1p]*

[1p]

[1p]

[1p]

Compliance refers to the absence of violations such as administrative measures or administrative
directives in the last five years. If there is a violation, appropriate improvements should be made,preventive action should be taken and the related environmental laws and regulations should be properly
complied with thereafter.
14 Examples of eco-friendly products: Products using recycled materials, plant-based plastics, thinned wood,
products that have obtained environmental label certification such as forest certification, etc., building
materials, interior materials and furniture with low VOC such as formaldehyde, electric vehicles, hybrid
vehicles and low emission vehicles, services that meet the standard of Green purchasing law, services
that have obtained environmental label certification and services offered with eco-friendly products, etc.
15 Aerosol products: Atomizer type, pump type, metered-dose valve type, compressed air use
Paints and adhesives: Non-toluene/xylene products, product without use of formaldehyde, F☆☆☆☆
products, aqueous products, products conforming to the 4VOC standard by the Japan Adhesive Industry
Association, etc.
16 Products using sustainability-conscious plant oils, products using waste food oil, etc.
17 At the time of implementation, the lower end of the global warming potential has been confirmed
compared with the conventional product.
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used for freezing/refrigerating equipment and air conditioning equipment.
Or, there is a specific introduction plan (timing, quantity, type, etc.)(64) Other18 (1 point per 1 activity, maximum 3 points）[1-3p]*For application of multiple sites with common operation methods, points are given if conducted as acompany.

18

Use of carbon offset, purchase of green power certificate, participation in RE100, establishment of
Initiative policy for the UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, efforts leading to education ofenvironmental awareness of employees, etc.

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4-4. Example of efforts on criteria items for energy saving
Points are earned when examples in each table below or those related efforts are
conducted.
Attached Table 1
Maintenance leading to energy-savings
Cleaning lamps and filters
Periodic inspection of central heatsource equipment, etc.
Adjusting boiler air ratio
Inspection for steam leakage in thesteam piping system and insulating
materials and their repair

Attached Table 2
Operational improvements of heatsource and supply
Heat insulation of piping
Seasonal temperature adjustment withcold or hot water
Adjustment of the flow rate andpressure of pumps and fans
Review of temperature settings of thewater heater being suitable for theseasonAttached Table 3
Energy efficient heat source equipment

Attached Table 4
Renewable energy or unused energy

Equipment for boiler waste heatutilization
Micro gas turbine
Cogeneration (combined heat andpower) system
Fuel cellHeat-pump-type water heater

Solar power, wind power, small
hydraulic power generation
Attached Table Utilization of solar
heat, geothermal energy, hot-spring
heat, or hot-spring waste heat
Utilizationofbiomass,
energyrecovered from waste
Utilization of exhaust heat energy,
river, ocean, groundwater heat
Attached Table 6
Operational improvements on air
conditioners and ventilators equipment
Appropriate fresh air intake (control)Intermittent operation of 24-hour
operation
For 4-pipe type, turn off the hot water
pump in the cooling period and thecold water pump in the heating periodNight purge (summertime), coolingwith outside air (wintertime)
Optimal arrangement of exterior units,
removal of screens, installation of aboard for shielding wind / sunlight,
spraying water
Attached Table 8
Other efforts

Attached Table 5
Heat insulation of buildings
Installation of double-entry doors or apivoted door
Use of insulation sash
Use of light shielding film
Installation of double-glazed glass, heatabsorbing glass, heat reflection glass,Greening of the rooftop or wall surface
Prevention of solar radiation of the roof
using heat reflective paint, etc.
Attached Table 7
Energy efficient air conditioners andventilators

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Illuminance sensors, timer function,
and/or human sensing sensors for lessfrequently used lighting
Control of exterior illumination by thetimer or luminous intensity sensor.
Automatic control of lighting areas andilluminance
Proper control of illuminance according
to JIS Z 9110 "General Rules ofRecommended Lighting Levels."
Turning off lights on vending
machines, extension of the coolingshut-down time or adoption of anenergy-saving unit
Reduce the operation of elevators andescalators, or adoption of energy
saving equipment such as inverter
control, human sensing sensor, etc.
Adoption of low-loss / high efficient
type transformer, capacitor, reactor

Inverter control of pumps, fans, etc.
Total heat exchanger (Lossnay etc.)
Local cooling and/or local ventilationequipment
Ventilation control unit in indoor
parking space

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5. Application unit, indication, etc.
(1) The application unit shall be each lodging facility or multiple sites with common
operation methods.
(2) The Eco Mark shall be displayed in the facility (front desk, guestrooms, etc.) and on
the website (not applicable if no website has been opened), in principle. For theindication specifications, "Guide to Eco Mark Usage for Hotels and Inns" shall befollowed. Examples are as follows. The facilities certified under Product Category No.
503 “Hotels and Inns Version1” may display the conventional certification number
and Eco Mark.
[Display example]
Patters
Eco Markbasic logo +pictogram

Example*It is acceptable to indicate only pictograms (figures / characters representing the
purpose according to each evaluation category) for which at least 2 points are
acquired in the corresponding evaluation category.

Eco Markbasic logo
alone
エコマーク認定ホテル

March 1, 2019

Established (Version2.0)

September 1, 2020

Revised, (26) (Version2.1)

July 1, 2022

Revised, addition of (65), revision of (7) (Version2.2)

March 15, 2024

Extension of Expiration dateAugust 2024

Revised, 5(3) deleted (Version2.3)

February 28, 2031

Expiration dateCertification Criteria of this Product Category shall be revised as needed.
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