Green Key
A voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 2,900 hotels and other establishments in 57 countries
The Green Key award is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their tourism establishments adhere to the strict criteria as stipulated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). A Green Key stands for an establishment’s promise to its guests that by opting to stay with such an establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental and sustainability level. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.
Download the Green Key Brochure
Aims
- Increase the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods of operation and technology in the establishments and thereby reduce the overall use of resources.
- Raise awareness and create behavioural changes in guests, staff and suppliers of individual tourism establishments.
- Increase the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods and raise awareness to create behavioural changes in the hospitality and tourism industry overall.
Criteria
Green Key is available for hotels and hostels, small accommodations, campsites and holiday parks, conference centres and restaurants. The full criteria can be viewed on the Green Key Global web site.
Ethos
Educate: We put huge focus on informing and involving visitors in the measures being taken by an establishment towards being more environmentally friendly and sustainable. We are also ensuring that the staff operating at the establishment are well informed and trained in the fields of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Innovate:Green Key is constantly searching for new and sustainable methods of operation and use of technology in a bid to reduce the overall environmental footprint through lower use of energy, water and waste. The change helps the establishments engaged in Green Key in saving costs.
Add value: Positive environmental credentials are becoming more and more important to travellers when they are trying to decide on a place to stay. Green Key symbolises a commitment to the environment and sustainable development which is extremely attractive to potential guests.
Promote: After achieving the prestigous Green Key award, this can be used by the establishments to showcase its engagement in environmental and sustainability issues.
Policies
- Here you can download Green Key's Policy document clarifying scope, non-discrimination, impartiality, confidentiality and objectivity.
- Here you can download Green Key's Agreement between applicant establishment and Green Key.
- Here you can download Green Key's Policy document clarifying appeal and complaint handling processes.
- Here you can download Green Key's Policy document clarifying the reference to Green Key during the award period.