Green Key — How to get the Green Key Certificate

How to get the Green Key Certificate

4.1 Requirements for Obtaining a Green Key

To obtain a Green Key certification, an accommodation must meet certain requirements. Green Key is an international eco-label for tourist accommodations committed to sustainability and environmental initiatives.

• Environmental Management
  Environmental management is a key aspect of Green Key certification. Each accommodation wishing to be Green Key certified must implement an Environmental Management System (EMS). This involves identifying the environmental aspects of the accommodation and developing a plan to improve these aspects. The EMS must be documented and measurable to track the accommodation's environmental performance.

• Energy Management
  Energy management is another important aspect of Green Key certification. Accommodations must be aware of how much energy they consume and how to reduce it. They must ensure that the energy efficiency of the accommodation is measured and improved, for example, by using LED lighting, solar energy, or heat pumps.

• Water Management
  Accommodations must take responsibility for their water usage and look for opportunities to reduce this usage. They must also develop a plan to monitor and restrict their water consumption. This can be achieved, for example, by using water-saving showerheads, installing waterless urinals, or managing garden irrigation more efficiently.

• Waste Management
  Waste management is a significant aspect of Green Key certification. Accommodations must ensure a clear waste management plan to reduce, recycle, and dispose of waste. It is important to involve both guests and staff in the waste management plan to collaborate on reducing waste for sustainable long-term results.

• Sustainable Procurement
  Sustainable procurement means choosing products that are as environmentally friendly and socially responsible as possible. Accommodations must choose products that are more environmentally friendly, such as paper made from recycled materials, biodegradable cleaning products, or fair trade coffee and tea. By meeting these requirements, accommodations ensure that they contribute to a more sustainable environment. Obtaining a Green Key certification is not easy, but it contributes to sustainability and is evidence of commitment and motivation for the environment and the future.

4.2 The Assessment Process of Green Key 

The assessment process of Green Key certification is an important part of the sustainability journey for accommodations and attractions. Green Key auditors assess a location's sustainable performance based on various sustainability criteria, determining a score from 1 to 5. This ensures that a Green Key certification is always an accurate reflection of a location's sustainability performance.

There are several steps involved in the assessment process of Green Key certification. These steps include:

1. Registration Process. The first process in the assessment process is the registration process. This involves completing an application form where the location provides information about their current sustainability practices. This forms the basis for assessing the location's sustainability.
2. Visit from Green Key Auditors. Green Key auditors visit the location to assess their sustainability performance. This visit includes checking various aspects of the location such as energy and water usage, waste management, and procurement policies to promote sustainability.
3. Assessment of Sustainability Criteria. Green Key auditors use established sustainability criteria to assess the location's sustainability performance. Various aspects are considered, including energy and water usage, waste management, procurement policies, mobility, and education and communication.
4. Location's Score. Based on the visit and assessment of sustainability criteria, the location is given a score between 1 and 5. A score of 5 means that the location delivers excellent sustainability performance, while a score of 1 means that improvements are needed in many areas.
5. Granting of Green Key Certification. When a location achieves a score of at least 3, the Green Key certification can be granted. The certificate is then provided, and the location is allowed to call itself a Green Key accommodation or Green Key attraction. The location must then continue to meet the sustainability criteria to maintain the certification.

The assessment process of Green Key certification is an objective and comprehensive way to assess a location's sustainability performance. By focusing on different aspects of sustainability and providing a score, the location gets a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of their sustainability performance. Through Green Key certification, locations indicate that they are contributing to a sustainable future.