On September 27, 2026, Directive (EU) 2024/825, titled the “Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition” (EmpCo), will enter into force across the EU.

What does this mean for BSGP?
BSGP continues to operate as a “Layer 2 issue-level” certification focused on waste reduction.
“Layer 2 issue-level certification” refers to a targeted verification process that substantiates a specific, detailed claim, rather than certifying an entire facility or property.
You can access the current BSGP certification criteria Критерии за оценка.
We remain available to answer any questions via the contact form.

25.09.26

№BG16M1OP002-2.009-0017

The project is funded by the EU through the ERDF and by the State Budget of Bulgaria through Operational Programme “Environment 2014- 2020”. The overall funding is 188 598,40 EUR, of which 160 308,64 EUR from the EERDF and 28 289,76 EUR national co-financing.

The time frame for implementation is 23 months (17.09.2020 – 17.08.2022).

This website is created within the implementation of Demonstration project for establishing a waste reduction model within hotels and lodging places.

The available information will continue to be updated with new certified hotels, good practices and other valuable information.

03.10.2022

The successful implementation of the Project will result in establishing a national eco-certification model for responsible waste management in hotels and lodging places. The model will enable hotels to have an environmental image stimulus to expand the range of their eco-practices as well as get access to comprehensive information and a competent team of experts to guide them through the needs and requirements of the certification process.

The eco-certification model provides four levels of progression- bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Naturally, the requirements for achieving higher levels of certification are stricter. In general, the project aims for overall waste reduction practices, plastic waste being a big contributor to the general waste stream.

When it comes to plastic waste specifically, hotels at all levels of certification will be expected to collect plastic waste separately, levels above bronze will be expected to establish waste reduction practices, levels above silver will even be expected to achieve certain quantitative criteria for waste reduction.

We believe that the hotel industry has tremendous potential for positive change. A medium-sized hotel for example uses approximately 150 000 tiny bottles of just shampoo yearly. Substituting these toiletries with dispensers, using eco alternatives to amenities like corn starch combs, cardboard earbuds, etc. are just a number of suitable waste reduction alternative policies for hotels.

Resources needed

The project is funded by the EU through the ERDF and by the State Budget of Bulgaria through Operational Programme “Environment 2014- 2020”. The overall funding is 188 598,40 EUR, of which 160 308,64 EUR from the EERDF and 28 289,76 EUR national co-financing.

Evidence of success

The certification mark has already been successfully reviewed by the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and is in the final stages of registration. The fundamental documentation like criteria for assessment, methodology and assessment forms is all in place. The Project is heading toward the planned demonstrative assessment of two hotels:

one sea resort- Royal Bay Resort in Kavarna, Bulgaria

one mountain resort- Cornelia Deluxe Residence in Bansko, Bulgaria

Difficulties encountered

N/A

Potential for learning or transfer

The project is primarily focused on getting the model established on the national level as it aims to answer the needs of hotels and lodging places in Bulgaria when it comes to responsible waste management. However, the model is also built with regard to successful international models of certification and widely applicable environmental practices. Potentially widening our scope on the international level can be considered in the course of time.

The publication is in recognition of the Project as a Good Practice by PLASTECO. Link to original publication: https://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/good-practices/item/5907/demonstration-project-for-establishing-a-waste-reduction-model-within-hotels-and-lodging-places/

03.10.2022

The successful implementation of the Project will result in establishing a national eco-certification model for responsible waste management in hotels and lodging places. The model will enable hotels to have an environmental image stimulus to expand the range of their eco-practices and reduce waste.

Part of the implementation process, is the initial assessment and certification of two hotels (a sea resort in Kavarna, Bulgaria and a mountain resort in Bansko/Razlog, Bulgaria) and the overall development of a comprehensive set of waste reduction measures. The eco-certification model provides four levels of progression- bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

Certification has already taken place in both locations-

Royal Bay Resort in Kavarna, Bulgaria

Cornelia Deluxe Residence in Bansko, Bulgaria

Royal Bay Resort in Kavarna has already been awarded a Bronze level of certification.

The success of the initial assessment promises a fast pace of progression in the certification hierarchy and indicates the potential for greater contribution to the environment and sustainable business practices as well.

For additional questions or inquiries for upcoming events, please use the website contact form

www.eufunds.bg

Project № BG16M1OP002-2.009- 0017-C01 for implementation of “Demonstration project for establishing a waste reduction model within hotels and lodging places”, funded by the EU through the ERDF and by the State Budget of Bulgaria through Operational Programme “Environment 2014- 2020”

03.10.2022

The successful implementation of the Project will result in establishing a national eco-certification model for responsible waste management in hotels and lodging places. The model will enable hotels to have an environmental image stimulus to expand the range of their eco-practices and reduce waste.

Part of the implementation process, is the initial assessment and certification of two hotels (a mountain resort in Bansko/ Razlog, Bulgaria and a sea resort in Kavarna, Bulgaria) and the overall development of a comprehensive set of waste reduction measures. The eco-certification model provides four levels of progression- bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

Certification has already taken place in both locations-

Cornelia Deluxe Residence in Bansko, Bulgaria

Royal Bay Resort in Kavarna, Bulgaria

Cornelia Deluxe Residence in Bansko has already been awarded a Silver level of certification.

The successful start is an even bigger stimulus for future achievement and an excellent motivator for other hotels to embark on their sustainability journey.

For additional questions or inquiries for upcoming events, please use the website contact form

www.eufunds.bg

Project № BG16M1OP002-2.009- 0017-C01 for implementation of “Demonstration project for establishing a waste reduction model within hotels and lodging places”, funded by the EU through the ERDF and by the State Budget of Bulgaria through Operational Programme “Environment 2014- 2020”

The above article has originally been published in Ilindenpress news website

03.10.2022