Green Key Criteria
2026-2031
Green Key Criteria from October 2026
Following a comprehensive review, the Green Key criteria has been updated. This task is undertaken every 5 years to ensure the criteria remains relevant and purposeful.
The updated criteria and new application processes will be implemented internationally on 1st October 2026.
The new Green Key criteria is divided into 7 categories. In each section there are a variety of Imperative and Guideline criteria.
You can learn more about the new application processes here.
This page will guide you through the key documents and help you understand:
Whether your establishment is eligible for Green Key certification
Which category your establishment belongs to
Which criteria apply to your establishment
How the certification requirements increase over time
STEP 1: Identify your establishment category
Green Key criteria have been developed for the following six categories:
To determine which category your establishment should apply under, you should first review the definition of the Green Key establishment categories.
These definitions explain the type of operations, services, and facilities that fall under each category.
In most cases, an establishment will apply under one main category, which reflects their primary activity and core service offer. However, some establishments may also operate services that fall under additional Green Key categories, for example, a conference centre with an internally managed restaurant. In such cases, the establishment will apply under the main category, while additional criteria from other relevant categories apply.
Download the definition of establishments eligible in each category here: Category Definitions
STEP 2: Review the Green Key Criteria
The Green Key criteria and their explanatory notes for the period 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2031 have been developed for the six Green Key categories and cover the following 7 criteria areas.
The criteria describe what your establishment must do in order to receive Green Key certification. The explanatory notes provide additional guidance on how each criterion should be interpreted.
You can download PDF files for the criteria explanatory notes and supporting documents below.
STEP 3: Use the Green Key criteria support documents
In addition to the criteria catalogue, and the Green Key toolbox (available for applicant/participating establishments), two additional documents will help you understand how the criteria apply to your establishment.
This Scope of Certification document explains which services and facilities are included in the certification. Download the document here.
The Glossary document provides definitions of key terms and concepts used in the Green Key criteria, helping you interpret the requirements correctly. Download the document here.
STEP 4: Understand conformity with imperative and guideline criteria
The Green Key criteria catalogue consists of imperative and guideline criteria. An applicant establishment must conform will all imperative criteria and an increasing number of guideline criteria during the years of re-certification:
The certification is valid for two years, after which establishments must apply for re-certification.
Notes on the transition period from Green Key criteria 2022-2026 to 2026-2031
With the introduction of the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031, a transition period will apply to ensure a smooth change from the previous criteria set.
New applicants
From the publication of the new criteria, all new applicants are expected to begin their certification process based on the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031.
Re-applicants (Re-certification)
To help you navigate the changes between the criteria, a comparison of the old and new criteria can be downloaded here.
Need help?
In case of any questions regarding the Green Key criteria, certification process or eligibility of your establishment, please contact us for more information.