Spa Quatre Terres at the Hotel Ermitage – part the Evian Resort in Évian-les-Bains, France – has received Ecocert certification for its eco-friendly spa facilities.

The 9-treatment facility, whose Evian water is drawn from the heart of the Alps, has met the mandatory criteria for ecological spa operations certification by Ecocert Greenlife – the organic quality assessment specialists worldwide.

Known for its certification of organic food products, cosmetics, services and management systems, the Ecocert Greenlife introduced its ‘Being’ division to assess spa operations in September 2013.

Being’s Ecocert Level 1 ‘Organic & Ecological Spa’ label has been given to the Spa Quatre Terres because the 29 per cent of the facility’s products are organic, services provided meet Ecocert’s environmental, hygiene and safety expectations and the spa’s consumption of water, resources is managed carefully – without producing excessive waste or emissions.

The spa itself features a two-person booth, sauna, steamroom, heated indoor pool, spa pool, relaxation room and a fitness room.

In an interview with Spa Business 2013 Q3 p48, general manager of Ecocert Greenlife – Valerie Lemarie – explained the Being label is designed to help consumers recognise hiqh quality spa facilities which are respectful of the environment.

The Level 2 Being label, 'Excellence: Organic & Ecological Spa' – which is harder to attain – is awarded to ambitious spas that meet all of the criteria at Level 1 plus six additional standards.

Three of these should be based on exceeding the compulsory criteria, such as having more than one natural and organic product and treatment offering. The other three can be chosen by the spa and be specific to its operation, such as committing to using renewable energy sources like solar panels, or sourcing more products locally.