Your Guide through the Green Key for Hotels Evaluation System
🗾️ Takeaways — Green Key Certification at a Glance
Here is a summary of How to Get Green Key Certified. If you’re considering the Green Key label for your hotel, here’s what matters most:
- 🔢 The certification includes 150 performance criteria.
- ✅ You must meet all 75 Imperative criteria in year one.
- ➕ Guideline criteria must be progressively validated over the years.
- 🌟 The program is based on continuous improvement.
- 📃 Evaluation becomes more demanding as time passes.
- 🏨 The label applies to hotels, motels, eco-lodges, and other hospitality establishments.
Let’s dive deeper into how your hotel can become Green Key certified. 📆
Need help preparing for your Green Key audit? We provide remote support for hotels looking to get certified faster and easier. Reach out today! 🛌
How to Get Green Key Certified in Video
📚 Table of Contents
- 🗾️ Takeaways — Green Key Certification at a Glance
- 🌿 What Is Green Key Certification for Hotels?
- 🔢 What Are the Green Key Criteria?
- 🔄 How Does the Scoring System Work?
- 📊 Green Key Evaluation Example
- 🌼 Why Become a Green Key Certified Hotel?
- 📃 Green Key Certification Process
- 📌 Summary: How to Get Green Key Certified
- ❓ FAQ – Green Key Label
🌿 What Is Green Key Certification for Hotels?
Green Key is an internationally recognized eco label for hotels and other tourism establishments. It was developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and operates in over 60 countries. Green Key is one of the most recognized sustainable tourism certification worldwide.
The program aims to promote sustainable operations within the hospitality sector through measurable environmental practices. Hotels that earn the label are seen as leaders in:
- Environmental responsibility
- Efficient resource use
- Community engagement
- Ethical staff practices
The Green Key eco rating program helps guests identify hotels that are making real efforts to reduce their footprint. Our Hotel Sustainability Consultants can help you through your hotel green certification.
🔢 What Are the Green Key Criteria?
The Green Key criteria are split into two categories:
- ✨ 75 Imperative criteria: These are mandatory from the first year.
- 📈 75 Guideline criteria: These become progressively required over time.
Together, they make up 150 total performance criteria, covering areas such as:
- 💧 Water conservation
- ⚡ Energy efficiency
- 🚮 Waste reduction
- 💼 Staff training and sustainability
- 🛌 Sustainable food and beverage service
- 🌱 Eco-conscious guest communication
- 🏥 Green purchasing policies
The criteria are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect new best practices in sustainable hospitality. It is also important to remind that other types of business could be accredited by Green Key, such as camp sites, restaurants, convention centers etc… In these cases, the evaluation system remain the same, but the amount of criteria may vary. See here the different type of business that could earn Green Key certification.
🔄 How Does the Scoring System Work?
The Green Key scoring system is built around the principle of continuous improvement.
In Year 1:
- ✅ You must meet 100% of the 75 Imperative criteria.
- ❌ You are not required to meet Guideline criteria yet.
In Year 2:
- ✅ You must again meet all 75 Imperative criteria.
- ➕ You must also meet at least 5% of the 75 Guideline criteria (i.e. 4).
Each year, the percentage of required Guideline criteria increases:
| Year | Imperative | Guideline (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 75/75 | 0/75 |
| 2 | 75/75 | 5% (4/75) |
| 3 | 75/75 | 10% (8/75) |
| 5 | 75/75 | 25% (19/75) |
| 10 | 75/75 | 50% (38/75) |
The goal is to raise the bar every year, encouraging long-term sustainability goals rather than one-time compliance.
📊 Green Key Evaluation Example
Let’s walk through a simplified scenario:
Your eco hotel is applying for Green Key certification for the first time:
- ✅ You must comply with all 75 Imperative criteria.
- ❌ You don’t need to meet Guideline criteria yet.
Second year:
- ✅ All 75 Imperative criteria again.
- ➕ Meet at least 4 Guideline criteria (5%).
Third year:
- ✅ Still 75 Imperative.
- ➕ 8 Guideline criteria (10%).
Tenth year:
- ✅ 75 Imperative
- ➕ 38 Guideline criteria (50%)
This staged model makes Green Key one of the most realistic and scalable eco-labels for the hospitality industry.
🌼 Why Become a Green Key Certified Hotel?
Whether you’re running a luxury resort or a small motel, Green Key certification can offer:
- 📄 Tangible proof of environmental commitment
- 🏦 Preference on booking platforms for eco-labeled hotels
- 🛎️ Greater appeal to environmentally conscious travelers
- 📈 Improved operational efficiency and cost savings
- ✉ Enhanced reputation with B2B and B2C audiences
- ⚡ Better energy and waste management
Hotels holding the Green Key label also report higher guest satisfaction and brand loyalty.
📃 Green Key Certification Process
Here are the steps to get started:
- Application: Submit your interest to the Green Key program.
- Self-assessment: Use their toolkit to evaluate your current operations.
- Implementation: Ensure you meet all 75 Imperative criteria.
- On-site audit: A third-party auditor will verify your performance.
- Award issued: If successful, your hotel receives the Green Key label.
- Annual review: Maintain and improve performance yearly.
📌 Summary: How to Get Green Key Certified
| Step | What You Must Do |
| 1 | Submit application to Green Key program |
| 2 | Complete detailed self-assessment |
| 3 | Meet all 75 Imperative criteria |
| 4 | Schedule and pass third-party on-site audit |
| 5 | Start adding Guideline criteria from year two |
| 6 | Continuously improve and undergo annual reviews |
Need help preparing for your Green Key audit? We provide remote support for hotels looking to get certified faster and easier. Reach out today! 🛌
Q/A About How to Get Green Key Certified
What is the Green Key eco label?
Green Key is a global sustainability certification for hotels, based on 150 criteria split into Imperative and Guideline requirements.
What are the benefits of getting Green Key certified?
Credibility, guest trust, better visibility on booking sites, and operational savings.
How long is the Green Key certification valid?
It is valid for one year and must be renewed annually with progressive improvement.
Is the Green Key audit strict?
Yes, the Green Key audit includes a full review of your compliance with both environmental and social responsibility standards.
What types of properties can get the Green Key label?
Hotels, motels, resorts, campsites, and even conference centers. Depending on which type of business that seeking for the Green Key certification, the amount of criteria may vary. However, the evaluation system remain the same.