Certification body for sustainable development Ecocert has created the "Being" standard – the first Ecocert standard to be entirely dedicated to spas.

The Being standard allows promoting of wellbeing centres offering natural and organic treatments in a space respecting environment.

The standard guarantees quality services controlled according to the following domains: the environmental management of the spa – including energy and water consumption and waste management; the use of organic and natural cosmetic products; and the use of sustainable products – including food, textiles, home perfumes and cleaning products.

Ecocert's objective for the Being standard is to define high criteria allowing the consumers to chose a controlled centre they'll find a "global organic wellbeing" experience.

The standard was developed with the help of spa managers, therapists and architects, as well as opinions from independent experts and feedback from users and advisers.

In order for spas to achieve the standard they must meet criteria under the following sections: wellbeing including environmental and social responsibility; environment; and hygiene and security.

For products to be accepted as organic, natural or ecological they must be certified according to a standard recognised by Ecocert or the Organic Farming regulation.

Valérie Lemaire, Ecocert Greenlife general manager, said: "Being is a quality standard, orientated to today and tomorrow consumers needs, and that wishes a transparent service and the planet's preservation.

"It's the only standard that includes requirements for the respect of the planet, as well as for the treatments and services quality, and for the products used and sold by the centre."