Green Key Criteria 2026-2031
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.
Sustainable management
Guest awareness and involvement
Water
Energy and carbon
Waste
Procurement
Living environment
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 the criteria and explanatory notes below.
Criteria and explanatory notes 2026-2031 for the different categories
Hotels and hostels (pdf file)
Campsites and holiday parks (pdf file)
Small accommodations (pdf file)
Conference centres (pdf file)
Restaurants (pdf file)
Attractions (pdf file)
All six categories (pdf file)
NB: For the individual criteria files for the other listed categories, please contact the Green Key team directly. We will be happy to provide the relevant documents upon request.
Step 3 : Use the Green Key criteria support documents
In addition to the criteria catalogue, and the Green Key toolbox (available for applicant 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 recertification.
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.
Important: Establishments may still decide to apply under the previous criteria after this deadline, but this will be at their own risk. In such cases, there is a possibility that the certification process will not be completed before the transition deadline, and the establishment may therefore need to switch to the new criteria during the application process.
Green Key therefore strongly recommends that new applicants follow the new Green Key criteria 2026-2031.
Re-applicants (Recertification)
During the transition from the Green Key Criteria 2022–2026 to the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031, establishments applying for recertification may have two options:
apply for recertification using the previous Green Key Criteria 2022–2026 until a specified deadline, or
apply directly under the new Green Key Criteria 2026–2031.
As the exact transition process and deadlines may vary between countries, establishments are encouraged to contact their national Green Key responsible office (National Operator) to understand the specific procedure and timelines that apply to them.
If you are unsure who to contact, you may also reach out to Green Key International, who can help direct you to the appropriate national contact.
Need help? Green Key contact
In case of any questions regarding the Green Key criteria, certification process or eligibility of your establishment, please contact Green Key International or a Green Key National Operator for more information.