The Programme of the Green Key

Green Key is a standard of excellence.

(Source: https://www.greenkey.global/our-programme)

The Green Key certificate is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious certificate represents a commitment by businesses that their tourism establishments adhere to the strict criteria 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.

For a short introduction video to Green Key, click on the image below:

Educate

We put a 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 prestigious Green Key certificate, this can be used by the establishment to showcase its engagement in environmental and sustainability issues.

Our aims

Green Key officially aims to:

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.

More information about Green Key

The Green Key Brochure is a short overview of the programme, its history, the structure and criteria – intended for establishments or partners interested in the programme.

Educational principles

The Foundation for Environmental Education, has agreed upon these eight Educational Principles to guide (pdf file) our work towards excellence in Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development. We express our commitment to follow and champion these Principles in our programmes.

Ensure that participants are engaged in the learning/teaching process
Empower participants to take informed decisions and actions on real life sustainability issues
Encourage participants to work together actively and involve their communities in collaborative solutions
Support participants to examine their assumptions, knowledge, and experiences, in order to develop critical thinking, and to be open to change
Encourage participants to be aware of cultural practices as an integral part of sustainability issues
Encourage participants to share inspirational stories of their achievements, failures, and values, to learn from them, and to support each other
Continuously explore, test, and share innovative approaches, methodologies, and techniques
Ensure that continuous improvements through monitoring and evaluation are central to our programmes

Green Key and the Sustainable Development Goals

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments in doing their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. Please find enclosed a PDF file with information about how Green Key contributes to the SDGs in general (Green Key and Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030).