RELACS (REnewabLe energy for tourist ACcomodation buildingS) is a IEE project - launched at the end of May 2010 in Modena - involving partners from 10 countries. It aims to involve and motivate a significant number of accommodations throughout Europe (at least 60) in implementing renewable energy technologies as well as energy efficiency measures on their buildings.
In order to reach its main goal of reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions, the project will develop appealing marketing tools for hotels, creating:

• a European tourist resort network,
• a sustainable energy logo,
• information tools (website, European Catalogue, national brochures, etc) on RELACS itineraries and
• a final prize.

The formal involvement of entrepreneur associations of the sector from the beginning is foreseen. To help the creation of the network, the RELACS Consortium will ensure a set of free energy services to the interested hotels, namely:

• e-mail and hotline assistance,
• "light" energy audits in their premises,
• training workshops on sustainable energy use for hotel management and staff,
• and creation of large purchasing groups to overcome cost barriers associated with technologies.