Rethinking camping: Exchange on energy and environmental labels at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau

How can campsites cope with changes in the energy sector? What role can eco-labels play in guiding guests? And why is clear, comprehensible information important? These were the questions addressed at the ECOCAMPING network meeting on September 22, 2026, at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau-Roßlau.

These topics can be relevant for campers when planning their trip: for example, when searching for a campsite with a specific award, when evaluating environmental information, or when questions arise about on-site facilities. The meeting therefore combined insights from energy policy, camping practices, and environmental labels.

Energy issues in camping practice

A key focus of the day was on energy policy developments and their significance for camping businesses. Prof. Dr. Frank Schaal from the German Camping Association (Bundesverband der Campingwirtschaft e. V.) provided an overview of European and German developments in the energy sector. Martin Rolletschek from ECOCAMPING contextualized the topics from the perspective of practical experience for camping businesses. Afterwards, there was an opportunity for exchange and discussion.

Energy issues affect various areas at campsites: these include buildings and sanitary facilities, the provision of hot water and electricity, as well as investments in technical infrastructure. Which measures are sensible and feasible depends on factors such as the location, size, structural conditions, seasonal operation, and the specific energy requirements of each campsite.

EU Ecolabel: Criteria and Revision

Another focus of the network meeting was the EU Ecolabel. Dr. Kristin Stechemesser from the German Federal Environment Agency presented the ecolabel and the status of the ongoing revision of the criteria for tourist accommodation establishments.

The EU Ecolabel is the European Union's environmental label. It can be awarded to products and services that meet the applicable environmental criteria for their product group. The criteria for tourist accommodation establishments also include campsites. These criteria cover several environmental areas, including energy use, water consumption, waste and wastewater management, as well as aspects of procurement and operational management.

The current criteria for tourist accommodation establishments have been extended until the end of 2027. At the same time, the European Commission is working on revising them. The aim of the revision is to further develop the criteria in light of technical, economic, and regulatory developments. Experiences from businesses can provide important insights into how the requirements can be implemented and verified in practice.

Working together on the future

The networking meeting at the Federal Environment Agency demonstrated how closely energy issues, eco-labels, and transparent communication are linked in the camping sector. The exchange between the camping industry, the Federal Environment Agency, and ECOCAMPING provides a platform for incorporating practical experience into current developments.

For campers, this can mean: evaluating information more precisely and choosing a campsite based on criteria that suit their holiday. On ECOCAMPS, campsites can be researched using criteria such as awards and specific features.

Image above: Group photo of participants (NaturistenCamp Sonnensee, Camping am Lippesee, Camping Zuruf, Naturcamping Usedom, Camping Bullerby am Attersee, Uhlenköper Camp Uelzen, Bio Naturidyll Wiesengrund, Camping Drei Gleichen, front right Dr. Stechemesser from the Federal Environment Agency, back right Prof. Dr. Frank Schaal from BVCD eV)

Image below: Organization ECOCAMPING Service GmbH (Martin Rolletschek & Katrin Gölsdorf)