QALIA’s Pledge Framework for Luxury Rental Brands

With the Pledge level of our verification, luxury rental brands further their engagement as responsible leaders within the tourism industry. With 35 criteria, the framework addresses key areas in energy, waste, and water management, with an additional focus on social responsibility and community engagement.

Many properties would already have installed the fixtures and equipment we either recommend or require to comply with the framework. However, our team will work with each property individually to assess which criteria are feasible and which may require additional planning and implementation.

To be certified at the Pledge level, properties must meet 22 mandatory criteria and at least 50% of the 13 recommended criteria. If a property commits to a maximum 12-month plan to implement the necessary recommended criteria, they may meet the minimum requirements for certification at this level, with an additional assessment at a later agreed-upon time.

To ensure compliance with our standards, all evidence must be submitted through our secure online platform, which maintains strict confidentiality.

NB: We use “luxury rental brand” as a generic term for high standard and exclusive stand-alone properties. This would include chalets, villas, lodges, private islands, castles and mansions. Eligible properties have the attributes of conscious luxury accommodation. They sit sympathectically within the location and its surroundings with elegant design features. The interiors showcase space and comfort with state-of-the-art amenities, stylish décor and quality furnishings. The ultimate goal of our sustainability framework is to provide an outstanding conscious luxury experience to discerning travellers. We aim to demonstrate that it is completely possible to offer this type of responsible hospitality without compromising the guest experience. In fact, this mindful approach actually enhances their stay.

ReferenceCategory
Required
Recommended
ENERGY, SDG goals
1The property offers charging stations for electric cars or a list of the nearby charging stations
2Power supply is sourced from a sustainable provider (when available in the destination)
3Bedrooms with A/C have energy saving switches (e.g. keycard-controlled electricity) or motion sensors or inverter systems
4Property with heating systems uses most efficient heaters and/or smart thermostats and/or inverter systems
5Property only uses energy efficient appliances (cf Energystar or international equivalent)
6Property uses smart lighting system to reduce energy consumption at night or when no guest is present in a room
7Windows are double glazed or are fitted with sun protection screens to reduce heat exposure (except when no temperature controls system is in place e.g AC or heaters)
WASTE, SDG goal
8Property offers a 100% paperless experience (e.g. check-in forms, in-property booking for tours and activities, menus, destination & property guide,...)
9Property uses recycled toilet paper & kitchen cloth
10Espresso machine pods are paper based, compostable and recyclable (replacing alumium pods) or has a grinder incorporated
WATER, SDG goal
11Property only uses water-efficient toilets (e.g. low-flow toilets, dual flush toilets)
12Property only uses water-efficient showers (e.g. smart showers, low flow shower heads)
13Property uses smart watering system for the garden (e.g. drip, rain sensor, timer)
ECOSYSTEMS, SDG goals
14Property or laundry service provider is using 100% natural and non-polluting washing products
15When meals are provided at the property, meat is sourced from a sustainable supplier
16When meals are provided at the property, seafood is sourced from a sustainable supplier
17Property has a food waste policy and training for its staff when meals are provided or has information available to Guests to raise awareness (e.g. welcome book, booking information) that may include education, prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal
18Property provides guests with information and alternative (products/shops) to sun protection creams being harmful for marine life
19Property has used a minimum 80% of sustainable and/or locally-made items for decoration and soft furnishings
20Local artists are offered a platform to display their talents
BIODIVERSITY, SDG goal
21Property raises awareness about local or regional animal preservation or sanctuary to guests, support with regular donation a plus
CONTRIBUTION, SDG goal
22When regular cleaning/towel change service is provided, a towel re-use program is available to guests :
  • savings are cumulated and donated to a charity
23When regular cleaning/towel change service is provided, a towel re-use program is available to guests :
  • savings are cumulated and donated to a charity and guests are offered to match the donation
24When regular cleaning/linen change service is provided, Guests are offered the option of a less frequent linen change :
  • savings are cumulated and donated to a charity
25When regular cleaning/linen change service is provided, Guests are offered the option of a less frequent linen change :
  • savings are cumulated and donated to a charity and guests are offered to match the donation
DESTINATION, SDG goal
26Property provides guests with further information regarding local ecosystems, heritage and culture
SOCIAL, SDG goals
27Property is fully compliant with local tax requirement with audited accounts
28Property practices employee inclusion (e.g gender equality, LGBTQ+) whenever possible
29Property assigns one staff member to be the Impacts leader, measuring and reporting performances and progress
30Property is wheel chair accessible or fully PRM-friendly
31Property checks green credentials of its partners/suppliers
EVENTS, SDG goals
32Property strictly offers seasonal and local fruits & vegetables through awareness and education to guests (e.g. seasonal chart)
33Single-use water or sodas plastic bottles are not offered
GUESTS WELL-BEING, SDG goal 3
34When offered, oils & products used for massage and wellness treatments are organic and/or locallly sourced (country based accepted)
35When available in destination, property offers in-house or outsourced health retreats programs (e.g. detox program, cooking classes, mindfulness, yoga and fitness retreats...)
QALIA Framework V1.2, April 2023

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