With the news that Milan, a renowned European capital of culture, will soon be able to boast of its first "zero emissions" hotel, the question remains whether or not this innovation will develop as a trend in tourism throughout the world. While we all try to be as "green" as possible in our everyday lives, it's certainly reassuring that this priority can be continued in our leisure and travel time. With the development of eco-friendly and sustainable holiday destinations, it could certainly mean some great new opportunities for travel. Gone are the days when a green-minded holiday involved hiking and a tent, now it's even possible to stay in five-star luxury without it costing the earth.
The creator of the four-star Hotel Milano Scala project told a recent press conference that the venture would represent "the first zero-emission hotel in Milan, one of the most polluted areas in Italy and probably in Europe", with a promise that the hotel would not contribute to this pollution. Incorporating Japanese technology from Mitsubishi Electric and local green energy, the hotel aims to avoid emitting nearly 420 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per annum. Any measure to help trim the city's immense carbon footprint must certainly be seen as a positive. The hotel's general manager added that the hotel would stock all its products, from soap to furniture, from environmentally friendly suppliers based in the immediate vicinity where possible to support local retailers.
Though the hotel targets well-heeled guests, there are hotels all around the world that are trying to curb their carbon emissions and generally take a greener outlook for the future of the planet. Many San Francisco hotels have marketed themselves as green for many years now, though with more widespread attention to the issue even more difference can be made. National and international environmental awards are also in place, providing well-deserved recognition for the London, Tokyo and New York hotels that have taken a greener approach to functioning in a metropolitan center, as well as eco-resorts the world over that have taken the step towards more sustainable operations.
