Spring 2026 Newsletter
News from Green Key International
April marks an important milestone for Green Key, with the official publication of the revised Green Key Criteria 2026–2031. The updated criteria introduce revised category definitions, strengthened requirements with newly structured explanatory notes, and an increased focus on impact-driven sustainability standards across all areas of operation.
Alongside the criteria, we are introducing an updated certification process and a set of new policies to further ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility across the programme.
Important Dates and Transition Deadline!
The new Green Key Criteria 2026-2031 will be implemented internationally on 1st October 2026.
In England the final date to submit applications on the current criteria is Tuesday 30th June. These applications will be audited before mid-September. All currently certified establishments with expiry dates until the end of September 2026 have been contacted with next steps.
Any applications received from Wednesday 1st July need to be on the new criteria and will be audited from 1st October.
Please email us if you have any queries on the application criteria or deadlines for your establishment.
Revised Criteria
The Green Key Criteria 2026–2031 have now been published on our website. We have introduced a clearer structure, and strengthened requirements across 7 key areas: Sustainable Management, Energy, Water, Waste, Procurement, Guest Awareness, and Living Environment.
Establishments are encouraged to review their eligibility and familiarise themselves with the revised criteria. Transition deadlines for currently certified establishments are detailed above. For further guidance, please get in touch with our team.
Revised Application Process
The updated Green Key Certification Process will also take effect on 1st October 2026 and is structured into five key steps: Application, On-Site Audit, Certification Decision, Ongoing Conformity, and Renewal.
Green Key certification will now be valid for two years, with surveillance activities between audits.
For further guidance regarding the process updates, you can read all the details on the Green Key International website.
New Policies
From 1st October 2026, updated Green Key policies will apply to all certified establishments, covering areas such as impartiality, confidentiality, non-discrimination, anti-bribery, certification agreements, complaints and appeals, suspension and withdrawal, and trademark use. These policies ensure integrity, transparency, and consistency across the programme. All documents are available on the Green Key International website.
New criteria and process explained
To support establishments during this transition period, the Green Key International team are hosting two webinars on Tuesday 5th May at 8AM BST and 2PM BST. These webinars will give an overview of the most important changes and introduce practical guidance on what is important for the application process. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions to the Green Key team to confidently navigate the updated certification requirements.
We look forward to supporting you throughout this transition - reserve your place today!
Become part of our Green Key network!
Green Key offers support to establishments throughout the entire process, from application to final certification, and is available for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions. If you would like to become certified with Green Key, please click on the button below for more information.
To speak with us directly and discover more for your establishment, please contact us at greenkey@keepbritaintidy.org we would love to hear from you!
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