Green Key and Green Care Professional empower businesses to measure and certify their environmental impact

At Green Key, we know that every step toward sustainability matters - and we’re proud to work alongside partners who turn commitment into measurable action. That’s why we’re highlighting the Green Care Performance Calculator from Werner & Mertz Professional, a trusted Green Key partner. 

With the Green Care Performance Calculator, businesses can quantify their resource savings - specifically CO₂ emissions, crude oil, and plastic - achieved by switching to Green Care Professional products. The tool offers more than just numbers: it provides a certified, transparent foundation for sustainability claims, helping Green Key-certified establishments clearly demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. 

The tool produces a personalised certificate, complete with the user’s company logo, showcasing the verified environmental savings. This document is not only ideal for internal sustainability reporting but also enhances external communication - for example, in public tenders or green procurement processes that prioritise verified sustainable practices. 

The latest version of the calculator includes two new indicators: the recyclate content of the container and the recyclate content of the entire packaging (including caps). These additions reflect a deeper commitment to the circular economy, aligning with Green Key’s own sustainability criteria. 

“Our goal is to best prepare companies for the transition to a genuine circular economy,” says Thomas Ulbricht, Head of Werner & Mertz Professional. “With the Green Care Performance Calculator, we’re turning our sustainable product design into a competitive advantage - especially in the face of evolving regulatory landscapes.” 

This shared vision aligns perfectly with Green Key’s mission to support accommodations and businesses that want to make credible, responsible choices for people and planet. The calculator’s methodology has been independently validated by INTECHNICA GmbH, ensuring a robust and reliable foundation for its results. 

We encourage all Green Key-certified businesses - and those aspiring to certification - to explore the benefits of this tool. Use it to make your sustainability journey visible, back your actions with certified data, and strengthen your environmental credentials. 

Learn more and start calculating your impact at: 
www.green-care-professional.com/calculate-now 

Green Key intro sessions for interested establishments

Discover the Green Key advantage: Join our introductory online sessions on Wednesday 27 August

Are you a hospitality establishment looking to boost your sustainability credentials? Green Key International invites you to explore the benefits of certification through our upcoming Introduction to Green Key for interested establishments on Wednesday 27 August 2025. 

Two Sessions Available 

To accommodate different schedules, we’re offering two identical sessions: 

• Session A: Wednesday 27 August 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CEST). Register here 

• Session B: Wednesday 27 August 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (CEST), Register here 

Whether you're a hotel, campsite, restaurant, or another establishment, this is your chance to learn more about our famous certification. 

Meet the Speaker 

The sessions will be hosted by Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, who will guide participants through the key elements of the programme and share insights from his extensive experience in sustainable tourism. 

 What to Expect 

Each one-hour session will include a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the Green Key programme. Topics will include: 

• Overview of Green Key criteria and certification process 

• Participation costs and available support tools 

• The benefits of joining the Green Key community 

• Guidance on how to get started 

• Key contact information for follow-up 

After the presentation, we’ll open the floor to a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions and engage directly with Green Key International representatives. 

 Who Should Attend? 

These online sessions are ideal for interested establishments considering Green Key certification or simply wanting to learn more about sustainable operations in tourism and hospitality. 
Registration is free but required to receive the links.  

• Register for Session A 

• Register for Session B 

Join us on Wednesday 27 August and take the first step toward a more sustainable future for your business. 

Benerg joins the Green Key network

Green Key and Benerg Oy have entered into a partnership aimed at raising awareness and demand for food waste-to-energy solutions among the hospitality industry.   

Green Key x Benerg partnership

The partnership focuses particularly on supporting Green Key applicant establishments around the world, helping them meet Green Key criteria related to sustainable energy, waste disposal, and reduction.  

Benerg Oy, based in Helsinki, operates in the EU region with scalable and modular solutions starting from 60kg of food waste daily to 120kg.  

Benerg deploys scalable building-scale biogas machines to the hospitality industry to convert food waste into electricity with remarkable efficiency. Our technology can deliver up to 1 million kWh of energy with 120kg of food waste daily. With this technology, hotels can save money on energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and eliminate food waste disposal costs. 

About Benerg  

Benerg Oy was established in 2024 as a result of 4 years of research and development, focusing on flourishing and maintaining biogas production per kg of food waste. Benerg has 4 different capacity machines for the hospitality industry, starting from 60kg to 120kg.  

Key Features 

• Daily Capacity: Processes between 60kg - 120kg of food waste per day (plant-based, animal-based, or mixed). 

• Energy Generation: Produces 915,000 kWh/year (enough to power 250 households annually). 

• CO₂ Reduction: Avoids 96 tonnes of CO₂e/year (equivalent to planting 4,400 trees). 

• Organic Fertilizer: Produces 30 tonnes/year of nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

• Compact Design: Fits in small spaces 

• Smart Monitoring: IoT-enabled for real-time performance tracking. 

For additional information about Benerg, please visit www.benerg.io. 

Green Key (FEE) and ATTA announce partnership to promote sustainable travel practices

ATTA and FEE have created a Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of jointly promoting sustainability awareness, fostering practical implementation, encouraging community engagement, and activating market participation among the members of both organisations. This collaboration will benefit the members of ATTA and FEE (Green Key and Blue Flag programmes), while aiming to build more sustainable destinations and companies.

““The collaboration between ATTA and FEE will lead to the development of more resilient and eco-friendly travel destinations and continue setting a high standard for the industry.””

— Daniel Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer of FEE

By leveraging each other's strengths and resources, this partnership will enhance the visibility and impact of sustainability initiatives. It will provide a robust framework for members to adopt and showcase best practices in environmental stewardship. Additionally, it will facilitate deeper community involvement, encouraging local populations to actively participate in sustainability efforts. This concerted approach is expected to drive market activation, creating a competitive edge for businesses that prioritise sustainable practices. 

According to Shannon Stowell, CEO of ATTA, "Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity for the future of travel. This partnership between ATTA and FEE represents a significant step toward equipping more destinations and businesses with the tools and knowledge to implement meaningful change. By working together, we can create a more responsible and resilient tourism industry that benefits communities, protects our planet, and enhances the traveler experience."

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About Foundation for Environmental Education

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries. With a network of over 50,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Ecosystems and Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognised for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. 

About the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), established in 1990, is the largest global network of adventure travel leaders with around 30,000 individual guides, tour operators, lodges, travel advisors, tourism boards, destination marketing and management organisations, outdoor educators, gear companies and travel media who share a belief and commitment to sustainable tourism. ATTA’s mission is to empower the global travel community to protect natural and cultural capital while creating economic value that benefits both trade members and destinations. ATTA offers a portfolio of strategic solutions and a robust ecosystem of events around the world. ATTA has specialised expertise in research, education, media, and promotion.

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Statement on Green Key's status - 2025 and beyond

The current Green Key standard (criteria and explanatory notes) took effect on 1 January 2022 and has been internationally recognised. This Green Key standard is expected to remain in force until 31 December 2026.

The certification process includes third-party verification, conducted either by an independent auditor or a National Jury, to ensure compliance with Green Key requirements.

To meet upcoming EU directives on consumer protection and green claims, Green Key is committed to securing scheme approval from Denmark’s national accreditation body (NAB), a member of the International Accreditation Forum.

During 2025, Green Key will be updating and revising criteria and process to allow for application for scheme approval which will be submitted by 31 December 2025, with the goal of achieving approval by 31 December 2026.

Any updates to the Green Key standard and certification procedures resulting from this process will be implemented no later than 1 January 2027.

Green Key is compliant with Travalyst criteria

We are happy to announce that Green Key criteria are fully compliant with Travalyst's sustainability criteria. For over 30 years, Green Key has championed responsible practices across the hospitality sector. This recognition further validates Green Key’s commitment to helping establishments reduce their environmental impact while meeting the highest standards in sustainable tourism.

We are pleased to share that Green Key has been independently reviewed and deemed compliant with Travalyst's criteria. Green Key will therefore be included in Travalyst's list of compliant sustainability certifications for accommodation providers; an initiative aiming to support certifications like us, through the evolving legislative landscape whilst providing consistency across travel booking platforms.

Travalyst's list is publicly available here.

About Travalyst: Founded in 2019 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Travalyst is a not-for-profit coalition of some of the biggest brands in travel and technology including Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa. The coalition works pre-competitively to bring sustainability information to the mainstream to help people make more informed travel choices.

About Green Key: Green Key has been a pioneering force in sustainable tourism for more than 30 years, playing a critical role in promoting environmentally conscious practices across the hospitality industry. Launched in 1994, the certification has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most respected eco-certifications, currently operating in over 70 countries and certifying more than 6000 establishments globally, including hotels, hostels, campsites, and restaurants.

Green Key's certification process is rigorous and encompasses a broad range of criteria aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the tourism and hospitality sectors. These include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and environmental education. To achieve certification, establishments must demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and undergo periodic audits to ensure continuous improvement.

In addition to offering certification, Green Key actively supports its members by providing guidance on sustainable management practices and helping businesses adapt to new environmental challenges. By fostering a culture of sustainability, Green Key-certified establishments not only reduce their ecological impact but also appeal to a growing market of eco-conscious travellers.

Green Key is more than just a certification programme; it is actively involved in various global initiatives and projects aimed at furthering sustainable tourism. Green Key collaborates with UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization), and other international bodies to promote best practices in the industry. Green Key also participates in education and outreach campaigns to raise awareness among both tourists and businesses about the importance of sustainability.

Green Key’s vision for the future involves continuously evolving its standards to address new sustainability challenges, such as carbon reduction, plastic pollution, and biodiversity preservation.

By achieving compliance with Travalyst criteria, Green Key reaffirms its position as a trusted leader in sustainable tourism and reinforces its dedication to supporting businesses that prioritise environmental responsibility.

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If you want to stay informed about our latest news and developments, follow this link.

If you're looking to explore more ways your business can enhance its sustainability, check out our latest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments across the globe. Discover innovative initiatives that can inspire your journey toward a greener future!

Diversey, a Solenis company, becomes the newest partner of Green Key International

Green Key and Diversey Southeast Asia have entered into a partnership aimed at raising awareness of sustainable cleaning products among hospitality establishments worldwide.

Green Key’s new partner, Diversey, a Solenis company, is a global brand with long-standing expertise and commitment to sustainable hygiene, infection prevention, and cleaning solutions. With over 100 years of experience, the company is dedicated to delivering products, services, and technologies produced with consideration for natural resources, the environment, and social impact.

The partnership focuses particularly on supporting Green Key applicant establishments in the Southeast Asia region, helping them meet Green Key criteria related to daily cleaning products.

“In our day-to-day work, we receive numerous inquiries about eco-friendly cleaning products from hospitality businesses across the world, including Southeast Asia. That interest is very apparent, and we are delighted to welcome Diversey as our newest partner.”

— Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director

Diversey, provides its solutions to customers across six continents. Within its brand portfolio, clients can find products carrying renowned eco-labels, such as Nordic Swan, Green Seal, or the EU Ecolabel.

 

“Diversey continuously works to reduce its ecological footprint and generate value for its stakeholders. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about helping our hospitality customers thrive in an ever-changing global landscape and prioritise environmental and social responsibility through our partnership with Green Key.”

— Sherif Fahmy, Vice President of Diversey Southeast Asia

About Diversey
Diversey, a Solenis company, provides cleaning, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions for the hospitality, food service, healthcare, beverage, and processed food and dairy markets. These solutions, which include advanced chemicals, digital technologies, and value-added services, enable customers to build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world.
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About Solenis
Solenis, owned by Platinum Equity, is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including pulp and paper, institutional, industrial, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control, and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 70 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,500 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2024 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.

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If you want to stay informed about our latest news and developments, follow this link.

If you're looking to explore more ways your business can enhance its sustainability, check out our latest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments across the globe. Discover innovative initiatives that can inspire your journey toward a greener future!

Hyatt Hotels Corporation establishes Green Key as a preferred partner in Asia Pacific

A new cooperation between Green Key and Hyatt Hotels Corporation has been signed, specifying Green Key as a preferred sustainability certification programme for the hotels in Asia Pacific.  

Yakitori Bar, Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s portfolio had more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties globally, including over 280 properties in Asia Pacific.

As the world evolves and new challenges emerge, Hyatt has advanced its global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy through World of Care to care for the planet, people and responsible business. The global approach is derived by closely listening to what is most important to colleagues, guests, customers, hotel owners, investors and the communities in which Hyatt hotels operate around the world.

From reducing food waste to the eliminating use of single-used plastic, Hyatt teams across Asia Pacific are accelerating efforts toward Hyatt’s 2030 environmental goals – focused on areas of climate change and water conservation, waste and circularity, responsible sourcing and thriving destinations. Learn more at: https://about.hyatt.com/en/world-of-care.html

Andrew Mensforth, Senior Vice President Operations in Asia Pacific, said:

‘Aligning with World of Care, our global approach to advancing care for the planet, people and responsible business, we are pleased to collaborate with Green Key as we continue our ongoing efforts to cultivate sustainability knowledge across our hotels in the region’. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, also expressed his enthusiasm:

‘It is great to see an important hotel chain like Hyatt recognising the sustainability and educational value of partnering with Green Key, and choosing as a preferred certification programme partner. We are really looking forward to seeing more of Hyatt’s hotels in Asia Pacific adopting the Green Key criteria and validating their sustainability efforts against the certificate’. 

Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance to become the Green Key National Operator for Australia

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is pleased to announce that Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance (“SDA”) is taking over the coordinating role for the Green Key programme on the national level.

SDA has been established to meet the growing demand from venues and travellers in the Australian market for sustainability certification programmes with transparent and rigorous standards in the areas of both environmental and social responsibility. Based on those criteria, a decision to establish the national management of the Green Key programme has been made.

As a registered not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, the core objective of SDA is to empower Australians of all ages and backgrounds to become active environmental stewards through impactful education, engagement, and recognition. SDA hopes to use the stringent sustainability criteria of the Green Key programme as a national benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, with the cornerstone elements for achieving this being:

● Empowerment: To equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make a positive impact on the environment.

● Inclusivity: To strive to reach all Australians, regardless of age, background, or location.

● Impactful Education: To deliver engaging and effective programs that foster environmental awareness and action.

● Engagement: To create opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, participate in sustainability initiatives, and advocate for positive change.

● Recognition: To acknowledge and celebrate achievements in environmental stewardship through the Green Key program.

The SDA team is already actively engaged with the promotion of the Green Key programme. The positive reception and strong interest from various stakeholders are believed to reflect the commitment of industry professionals to creating a more sustainable future for Australian tourism.

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For enquiries please contact: greenkey@austsda.org