More information about Green Key programme

Owner and manager of the Green Key programme

Green Key is a certification programme owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The management of the Green Key programme is carried out by FEE’s member organisations (Green Key National Operators) in 50+ countries. In countries without a Green Key National Operator, Green Key International is in charge of the management. FEE’s Green Key programme is not offered in the USA and Canada.

Categories and criteria  

Green Key is eligible for establishments falling within one or more of Green Key’s six categories: hotels & hostels, campsites & holiday parks, small accommodations, conference centres, restaurants and attractions. There is a detailed category definition document to be downloaded from the Green Key website.  

The Green Key criteria that an establishment must adhere to in order to be Green Key certified can be found in the criteria/explanatory notes document to be downloaded from the Green Key website.

The criteria are divided into imperative and guideline criteria. The establishment must adhere to all applicable imperative criteria and an increasing number of guideline criteria over the years of re-certification.

Certification process  

Green Key certified establishments have undergone a five-step certification process:

  1. Sending the application documents to the Green Key management

  2. Undergoing an on-site certification audit, based on a representative sample, conducted by an independent third-party auditor

  3. Having the certification decision taken by an independent certification body

  4. Undergoing continuous conformity assessment during the 2-year certification period (including surveillance activities)

  5. Renewing the certification before the end of the certification period

Green Key’s certification process is aligned with the international ISO 17065 standard. The National Accreditation Body in Denmark (DANAK) has approved the Green Key scheme processes to be following the ISO 17065 standard.

Green Key policies  

Green Key has a policy with a standardised process for filing a complaint/appeal that will be reviewed by the independent certification body. If any person observes non-conformity with a required Green Key criterion or process, FEE encourages the filing of a complaint/appeal.

Green Key is committed to ensure that all levels of participants in the Green Key programme adhere to Green Key’s policy on impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality, non-discrimination, anti-bribery and anti-corruption.

Green Key has a policy on the use of the Green Key trademark (logo) by a participating establishment during the certification period and when the certification is not valid. All use of the Green Key trademark (logo) must follow Green Key’s Branding Guidelines.  

Information about Green Key certified establishments

On the Green Key website, you can download the latest list of Green Key certified establishments.

More information about Green Key

For more information about Green Key, please visit the international Green Key website or the websites of the national Green Key programmes.

The contact details to Green Key International and the Green Key National Operators are also available on the Green Key website.