We are starting a series in which we will gradually introduce the current holders of the Ecolabels. We start with (so far) the only Czech eco-centre that has confirmed the environmental friendliness of its accommodation services with an official certification. We interviewed Martina James, the head of operations at Ekocentrum Dotek, which is one of the long-time holders of both of our certifications – the EU Ecolabel and Eco-friendly services.
Give a brief introduction to your company and the products you certify.
In our eco-centre, we strive to deepen responsible behaviour towards nature and the planet, as well as towards each other and towards sustainable living. Through education and training based on the experience, practical action, participation, direct contact with the world around us, connecting different disciplines. We care about one thing, but it is essential – we care about the world. Sustainability, nature, relationships, understanding and responsibility play a key role in our work. What do you mean by that? For example, we offer short-term and multi-day residential learning programmes and long-term educational projects to primary and secondary schools. For teachers and student teachers we offer courses, seminars, consultations, conferences, internships, teaching aids and literature every year. We also provide training for other groups of adults, such as government and local government employees, farmers, small entrepreneurs, and NGO workers. For other groups and for the general public we prepare educational, awareness-raising and cultural events. We also offer support for public involvement in decision-making processes and assistance in solving environmental problems. Outside of our core business, we also provide accommodation and catering for the public, which can be booked through Booking.com, and we also offer lunch deliveries in the nearby area of Horní Maršov. Our accommodation services are certified with the eco-label awarded by CENIA.
How did you find out about the possibility of obtaining the eco-label?
It was so long ago that not even the biggest memories at our eco-centre remember it. When I started, we were already holders.
What motivated you to get the ecolabel for your products?
Getting the ecolabel was a prestigious thing for us, as an environmental education centre it was essential for us to secure such a label. We wanted to operate our premises according to the strict criteria that the ecolabel requires.
How has this benefited your business?
The eco-label criteria are in line with our organisation’s values and mission, and in gaining the eco-label we were able to link our mission and values into our practical activities of building management and sustainable tourism. By obtaining the label, we were able to improve the quality of our services. We have connected with other eco-label holders, we are part of the official catalogue of products and services and we can participate in CENIA training events. Last but not least, the eco-label automatically allows us to be listed as a sustainable accommodation on Booking.com.
Do you use the eco-label as part of your corporate marketing? How?
Yes, we use the eco-label as part of our marketing. Accommodation services with the eco-label are mainly sought after by foreign tourists. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of awareness and promotion of eco-labelled services and products in the Czech media. For example, we use the eco-label logo on our website and in presentations of our services.
You can find out more about the eco-label at www.ekoznacka.cz.
