Kraków’s businesses & hotels: a commitment to sustainability
Sustainable development has become a key goal for businesses in Kraków, with an increasing number of companies integrating environmentally friendly practices into their operations. By the end of 2024, over 30 businesses across various industries have earned prestigious certifications recognising their commitment to sustainability. Among these, hotels and tourism-related enterprises stand out as key players in adopting green initiatives.
The hospitality industry in Kraków has made significant progress in adopting eco-friendly practices, earning internationally recognised certifications such as GREEN KEY, LEED, BREEAM, and ISO standards. These achievements reflect a strong commitment to responsible resource management, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, aligning with the objectives of the EU-funded MINEV project.
Key MINEV initiatives such as:
🔹 Waste minimisation regulations for event organizers
🔹 Sustainable merchandise drop-off points at festivals
🔹 Education on proper waste segregation
directly support the city’s hospitality sector and eco-friendly tourism development.
With certifications like Green Meetings and Good Travel Seal, Kraków is setting a high standard in ensuring that events are sustainable and environmentally responsible, reinforcing its position as a leader in green tourism in Europe.
Sustainable hotel certifications in Kraków
- GREEN KEY Certification
This globally recognised label certifies hotels that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental care and sustainability. Certified hotels in Kraków include:
✅ Sheraton Grand Krakow
✅ ibis Styles Kraków Centrum
✅ Mercure Krakow Fabryczna City
✅ The Crown Handwritten Collection
✅ Leonardo Boutique Hotel Kraków City Center
✅ Radisson Blu Hotel
✅ MGallery Bachleda Luxury Hotel
✅ Park Inn by Radisson
✅ Plantonia Aparthotel
✅ Mercure Stare Miasto
✅ Novotel Kraków Centrum
- LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Hotels in Kraków with LEED certification, recognised for their energy efficiency and sustainable building practices:
✅ PURO Krakow Kazimierz
✅ PURO Krakow Stare Miasto
✅ ibis Styles Krakow Centrum
✅ Radisson RED Hotel & Radisson RED Apartments
- BREEAM Certification
An international standard for sustainable building design and operation. Certified hotels include:
✅ Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Cracow
✅ Radisson Blu Hotel
✅ Mercure Hotel Kraków Centrum
✅ Hilton Garden Inn
✅ Sheraton Grand Krakow
✅ Novotel Krakow City West
✅ Novotel Krakow Centrum
- ISO Certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 9001)
These standards ensure effective environmental, energy, and quality management. Certified hotels include:
✅ Hampton by Hilton
✅ Hilton Garden Inn
✅ Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport Balice
✅ DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Center
✅ Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport Balice
Tourism industry embracing sustainability
Beyond hotels, Kraków’s tourism sector—especially in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)—is also making great strides in sustainability.
- GREEN MEETINGS Certification
This certification helps event organisers select sustainable venues and suppliers. Certified company:
🥉 BRONZE Level: Symposium Cracoviense
- TRAVELIFE for Tour Operators
An international certification that evaluates sustainability in tour operations, covering environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. Certified companies in Kraków include:
✅ See Krakow
✅ Wyjazdy szkolne.pl
✅ 4transfer
✅ UTC Tour Operator
✅ eVisitCracow.com
✅ JAN-POL Incoming Tour Operator
- Good Travel Seal
Awarded by Green Destinations, this certification recognizes tourism businesses for sustainability, ethical operations, and community engagement.
🥈 SILVER Level: Żywe Muzeum Obwarzanka
Challenges and future outlook
Despite these achievements, sustaining and expanding sustainability efforts in Kraków's tourism industry will depend on:
✔️ Financial conditions and investment in green initiatives
✔️ Evolving environmental regulations
✔️ Business adaptation to sustainability demands
Educating business owners and fostering innovation in sustainable solutions will be crucial to maintaining Kraków’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination.
With ongoing collaboration between businesses, local authorities, and EU projects like MINEV, Kraków is on its way to becoming a European leader in sustainable tourism and event management.