The certification process begins when an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification. 

PROCESS

• The establishment contacts Green Key Management to express interest. 

  • Establishments located in countries with a Green Key National Operator should contact their Green Key National Operator, to join the programme. 

  • Establishments located in countries without a Green Key National Operator should contact Green Key International.

• Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment. 

• Eligible establishments receive: 

• information about the criteria and certification process

• the application form

• a list of required supporting documents

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The establishment must: 

• Complete the application form

• Submit the required supporting documents

• Sign and return the certification agreement

• Pay the participation fee

Green Key Management will then review the application to ensure that all required documentation has been submitted and confirm the scope of certification. 

Note: Some countries have fixed application deadlines, while others accept applications throughout the year. Please contact your Green Key Management for more information. 

Once the application has been reviewed, an auditor is assigned to conduct the certification audit. 

SCHEDULING THE AUDIT 

The auditor will contact the establishment to schedule the on-site audit. 

Before the audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management. 

AUDIT PROCESS 

The on-site certification audit typically includes: 

1. Opening meeting 

2. Document verification (may also be conducted in advance) 

3. Visual inspection of the establishment 

4. Audit summary and closing discussion 

After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings. 

AUDIT FREQUENCY

On-site audits are conducted at minimum: 

• Year 1 (before the first certificate is issued) 

• Year 2 

• Every three years thereafter 

In years without an on-site audit, off-site audits are conducted through document review. 

The audit report is reviewed by an independent third-party entity (either an external auditor or a National Jury) to determine whether the establishment fully conforms with the required criteria. 

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES 

A - Full conformity 

• The independent third-party entity proceeds to certification decision. 

B - 1–5 non-conformities 

• The establishment must submit additional evidence addressing the non-conformities. 

• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 

• The independent third-party entity reviews the additional evidence and proceeds to certification decision. 

C - More than 5 non-conformities

• The establishment must submit additional evidence and undergo a follow-up on-site audit. 

• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 

• The follow-up audit is scheduled after Green Key confirms that compliance has been achieved. 

• The establishment must cover additional audit and travel costs. 

• The independent third-party entity reviews the additional evidence and proceeds to certification decision. 

The independent third-party entity thereafter makes the final certification decision, and Green Key Management informs the establishment. 

If certification is granted, Green Key Management issues a certificate valid for one year. 

During the certification period, establishments must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. 

If an establishment cannot maintain conformity, it must immediately inform Green Key so the certification can be temporarily suspended. 

Handling complaints 

If complaints are received during the certification period: 

• The establishment must respond to enquiries from the Green Key management. 

• If complaints are confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities. 

• The certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored. 

Approximately 3-4 months before the certificate expires, the Green Key management contacts the certified establishment to encourage renewal. 

To renew certification, the establishment must again complete: 

• Step 1: Application 

• Step 2: Audit 

• Step 3: Certification decision 

For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page.