Green Key

An eco-label for the hospitality industry, awarded to 3,200 establishments across 66 countries as of January 2020.

Raised hut on green field Fish being cut Green Key logo Radisson Hotel front Tents in a field

Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism facilities. Since 1994, Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. The Green Key programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Green Key provides a well-proven framework for an establishment to work with its environmental management on sustainability issues, including awareness raising. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent onsite audits.

Green Key is eligible for hostels, hotels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants and attractions. After achieving the prestigious international award, the establishment can use it in its PR and marketing. For guests, a Green Key shows that the establishment is committed to reducing the environmental impact of their stay.

The Green Key programme is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 addressed by the United Nations.

Download the Green Key Brochure.

Liability Notice

When establishments are awarded the Green Key, it is because these establishments have demonstrated to the Foundation for Environmental Education and its member organisations that they comply with the stringent Green Key criteria at the time of the award. The compliance is third-party verified after on-site or off-site audits.
During the award period, the establishments accept full responsibility to ensure continued compliance with the Green Key criteria. FEE and its member organisations carry out checks of the establishments at the time of the application or the annual re-application as well as during control visits.
Neither FEE, nor any of its officers, members or jury members accept any responsibility to any person in the event of any non-compliance with the Green Key criteria or any other matters relating to applicant/awarded established. FEE excludes liability for all such matters to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Application Process

Step 1. Complete the appropriate application form to your category of business and submit to the National Operator- lara.walsh@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org

Step 2. Receive on-site audits: will conduct a visual inspection and write up a summary report

Step 3. Decision on awards will be made by the Green Key National Jury

Application Forms:

Hotels & Hostels

Campsites & Holiday Parks

As the National Operators for Green Key, KNIB will be conducting the on-site audits of establishments as second party auditors and a National Jury will be used for awarding the Green Key once audits have taken place.

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.

Need more information?

Download the Green Key Northern Ireland information and see the Green Key Global website.

For more information, please contact Lara Walsh, lara.walsh@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org.