Discover Green Key

Our programme

Green Key is an international sustainability certification programme for tourism establishments.

The Green Key certificate recognises tourism establishments that have been assessed against Green Key’s published criteria developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in consultation with external stakeholders. The programme criteria cover various areas (sustainable management, guest awareness and involvement, water, energy and carbon, waste, procurement and living environment).

The management at the Green Key certified establishment must adhere to the applicable Green Key criteria, and conformity is assessed through documented evidence, regular third-party audits and independent certification decision as described in the Green Key certification process.

Guests at Green Key certified establishments are encouraged to participate in practical measures during their stay, including actions relating to reduction of energy, water and waste. In this way, guests can support the establishment’s efforts to improve its practices.

Our aims

Green Key officially aims to:  

• Support continuous improvement in the areas covered by the Green Key criteria, including environmental management, energy, water, waste, social responsibility, staff engagement and sustainability education.

• Encourage the efficient use of resources by promoting relevant operational practices and technologies in participating establishments.

• Raise awareness, inform, and create behavioural changes in guests, staff and suppliers of individual tourism establishments.

• Build knowledge and capacity through criteria, guidance, training and examples of good practice.

• Promote wider improvement across the hospitality and tourism sector by encouraging credible certification, knowledge-sharing and the adoption of more responsible operational practices.

Important Notice

Green Key is certified to eligible establishment following an audit by a trained third-party auditor independent of both the establishment and Green Key as scheme owner. The audit assesses a representative sample of evidence to determine whether the establishment meets the applicable Green Key criteria at the time of assessment. The findings are subsequently reviewed, and the certification decision is made by an independent Certification Body.

During the certification period, the establishments accept full responsibility to ensure continued conformity with the Green Key requirements.  

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), its officers, members, or partners do not have any responsibility to any person in the event of non-conformities with the Green Key criteria in a certified establishment. FEE excludes liability for all such matters to the fullest extent permitted by law.