9 GECA Standards Every Hospitality Business Should Know
Gone are the days when sustainable hospitality was just a card placed in a hotel bathroom, encouraging guests to reuse towels. According to consumer research, 74% of travellers are looking for more sustainable options backed up by credible assurance.
“Sustainability is no longer optional”, says the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, “it is essential for the success of every business in the visitor economy. Sustainable practices will often help businesses become more efficient, thereby improving profitability and making businesses stronger and more resilient over time.”
Investing in GECA certified products and services delivers real-world benefits: reduced operational costs, improved asset value, and an enhanced guest experience. With sustainability now expected as part of a quality stay, integrating certified solutions into your fitout is not only responsible - it's good business.
Here are 9 GECA standards hospitality venues can use to reduce their footprint, enhance their reputation, create a healthier space for staff and guests and demonstrate a genuine commitment to a sustainable future for people and the planet.
1. Carpets
From guest rooms to high-traffic corridors, carpets play a critical role in both guest comfort and indoor air quality. GECA certified carpets are designed to minimise harmful emissions, prioritise responsible materials, and deliver long-term durability, helping create healthier spaces without compromising on performance or design.
Effective cleaning is essential in hospitality, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of human health or the environment. GECA certified cleaning products reduce hazardous chemicals, support biodegradability, and limit impacts on waterways, giving you confidence in both performance and safety.
Sustainability is not just about what you buy, but how your operations are delivered. GECA certified cleaning services embed best practice across chemical use, waste minimisation, and worker wellbeing, helping ensure consistent, responsible outcomes across your venue.
Flooring is one of the most visible and heavily used elements in any hospitality space. GECA certified floor coverings are assessed across their full lifecycle, from raw material sourcing through to emissions and durability, supporting smarter specification decisions that stand up over time.
5. Furniture, Fittings, Foams & Mattresses
Guest comfort and sustainability should go hand in hand. GECA certified furniture and bedding products address chemical safety, responsible sourcing, durability, and end-of-life considerations, helping you invest in fitouts that are built to last and better for people and planet.
Paints can significantly impact indoor air quality, particularly in enclosed guest environments. GECA certified paints and coatings are formulated to reduce volatile organic compounds and harmful substances, helping protect both guest health and worker safety while maintaining a high-quality finish.
Amenities are a small detail that can make a big impression. GECA certified personal care products limit harmful ingredients, address sourcing impacts such as palm oil, and consider biodegradability and packaging, helping you deliver a premium experience backed by credible sustainability.
High-volume essentials like toilet paper and paper towels can have a significant cumulative impact. GECA certified sanitary paper products support responsible fibre sourcing, reduced chemical processing, and efficient manufacturing, making everyday items a lower-impact choice.
Sustainable procurement does not end at purchase. GECA certified waste collection services ensure structured waste management, improved diversion from landfill, transparent reporting, and better recycling outcomes, helping hospitality businesses track, manage, and reduce their waste footprint over time.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are planning a new fitout or reviewing your current procurement strategy, GECA certified products and services provide a practical way to reduce risk, meet growing expectations, and demonstrate credible sustainability outcomes.
Explore GECA certified solutions or speak with our team to understand how your business can integrate trusted, third-party certified products and services across your operations.