As people become more and more conscious about their own impact on the environment they begin to adopt a more responsible approach towards travel which has led to a greater demand for more sustainable accommodation regardless of budget.

Below are five examples of some of the world's most sustainable hotels whose unique and individual approach to sustainability should be admired.

The Whitepod Eco-Retreat, Switzerland

Image via whitepod.com

Awarded the World Prize for in 2005, The Whitepod Eco-Retreat aims to promote environmental awareness and to educate people about sustainability. Located in the village of Les Cerniers in the Swiss Alps, the resort features a number of small pods which have a minimal effect on the environment and contain a mixture of ultra-modern materials together with renewable energy sources.

URBN Hotel, Shanghai

Image via URBN Hotels

Developed inside a renovated factory warehouse and made completely from recycled, local materials, the URBN Hotel in Shanghai was voted as one of the top ten eco-friendly hotels in 2012 by international travel site Agoda. When you first enter the hotel your initial impression is that there is nothing unique to set this hotel apart from any other boutique hotel. However, on closer inspection it is the attention to detail that gives this hotel its uniqueness as recycled floorboards and suitcases have been used to create the interior walls and old bricks from a construction site have been used to build the exterior walls.

Hotel SO, Christchurch

Image via So Hotel

Hotel SO aims to go beyond most sustainable hotels by offering a range of green initiatives for its guest such as a free electronic car charging service. These initiatives are extended to the staff members of the hotel who use the electric cars to travel around the city. As for the hotel itself it is deeply committed to recycling, energy and water conservation and the use of recycled, biodegradable and non-hazardous products.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Copenhagen 

Images via breakingtravelnews.com

The first hotel in Denmark to have joined the UN's Global Compact and awarded the 'the golden nail' for being such an innovative and environmentally friendly construction.  The Hotel saves an estimated 1,373 tonnes of CO2 on an annual basis thanks to its sustainable build and emphasis on a high level of social and environmental awareness. The Crowne Plaza has the largest facade integrated solar Photovoltaics (PV) installation in Denmark and can reduce its energy consumption by 53% when compared to conventional hotels.

Adrere Amellal – Siwa, Egypt

Image via adrereamellal.net

Located in the in the Siwa Oasis and eight hours from Cairo, Adrere Amellal is a stunning 39 bedroom lodge which uses lanterns and candles for lighting and braziers for heat. Constructed as part of a local sustainable development plan most of the food served is completely organic and either grown in the grounds or sourced locally.

This guest post was provided by Jay-Jay Stephens, writing for HRH Boutique Hotels.