In order to improve the local travel environment and upgrade the overall service level, the Chengdu Tourism Department is conducting a Green Hotel Program among its more than 2000 hotels.

A representative from Chengdu Tourism Department says that in the first part of August, more than 20 hotels in the city have submitted applications in hope of becoming the first batch of green-certified hotels. The program focuses on hotels who commit to save energy and resources, reduce emissions and prevent pollution.

The full score for being a green hotel is 300, but a hotel can become a green hotel so long as it reaches at least 240 points. However the passing mark for non-star grade hotels, such as budget hotels and inns, is only 180. Hotels earn points based on criteria in the Chengdu Tourism Department's guidelines.

Green hotels must have non-smoking floors or non-smoking towers, install water-saving toilets that can recycle waste water and adopt good energy sources like solar energy.

The next step in the process will have the city invite experts, hospitality professionals and government officials to review and assess hotels that have submitted the applications.