Green Key intro sessions for interested establishments

Discover the Green Key advantage: Join our introductory online sessions on Tuesday 6 May 

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 Tuesday 6 May 2025. 

Two Sessions Available 

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

• Session A: Tuesday 6 May 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CEST). Register here 

• Session B: Tuesday 6 May 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 Tuesday 6 May 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."

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.
LinkedIn (Global) | LinkedIn (APAC) | Facebook | Youtube

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.

---

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.

---

For enquiries please contact: greenkey@austsda.org

World’s Leading Travel & Tourism Certification Organisations Collaborate to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainability

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key International, and Blue Flag International are proud to announce our participation in a global collaboration of leading certification organisations dedicated to developing and upholding industry-recognised standards for sustainable tourism.

This significant milestone highlights the critical importance of our 10-year strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, which pledges to empower climate action, protect global biodiversity, and reduce environmental pollution. By joining forces with these respected partners, we collectively enhance our capacity to drive global sustainability initiatives and demonstrate our commitment to creating a more sustainable future by providing transparent, achievable, and affordable solutions for the industry.

Representatives from the organisations which took part in the meeting in Copenhagen. From left to right: Billy Bishop (Travelife for Accommodation, Daniel Schaffer (Foundation for Environmental Education), Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada (Responsible Tourism Institute), Elissa Keenan (Ecotourism Australia), Naut Kusters, (Travelife for tour operators), Birte Pelayo (Green Globe Certification), Gary Graham (Green Key Global), Albert Salman (Green Destinations), Marco Giraldo (TourCert)

At the commencement of 2024, leading sustainable travel & tourism certification organisations formed a collaboration to address better practices and improve cooperation across the globe. These certification organisations and their related educational and training bodies include Biosphere: Instituto de Turismo Responsable; Blue Flag; Ecotourism Australia; Good Travel Seal; Green Globe Certification, Green Key: Foundation for Environmental Education; Green Key Global; TourCert; Travelife for Accommodation; and Travelife for Tour Operators.

For more than 30 years, these leading certification organisations have been responsible for developing internationally accepted sustainability criteria, constituting the industry-recognised standard for sustainable tourism. Collectively these organisations have certified more than 19,000 of the world’s leading travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations.

The hallmark of these certifications has been and continues to be, a focus on transparency, integrity and credibility. This inclusive approach is underpinned by the combined knowledge of industry professionals, academia, quality assurance auditors, destination managers and regulators. All stakeholders contribute and benefit from the ongoing development processes, providing a common platform that neither favours nor discriminates, but promotes the continuous improvement of sustainable performance by all.

As leading sustainability certifiers, these organisations have ensured that the criteria and indicators of the industry-recognised standard have been developed for use in various countries, regions, and geographies. This process has allowed the travel and tourism industry to comply with the standard, via actions that contribute to the sustainability of the communities in which they operate and on which their activity has a direct and indirect impact, promoting more respectful and resilient business models.

The travel and tourism industry and destinations have for many years relied on the indisputable veracity of the professional services delivered by these certification organisations. These organisations’ certification services are underpinned by a quality management approach and assured by independent verification inspections.

Participants in the meeting in Copenhagen from Travel & Tourism Certification Organisations

Over decades and today, many thousands of travel and tourism enterprises, organisations and destinations utilise the certifications provided by these organisations to prove ESG practices to shareholders, investors, governments, and destination managers. Recently, sustainability’s remarkable rise in popularity with travel consumers has led to an unprecedented demand for certification by many more businesses and destinations.

With the rapidly growing appreciation of sustainability’s immeasurable value, certification organisations have come together to ensure that core values, along with criteria and indicators that define sustainable tourism, are not diluted, or manipulated.

Furthermore, on behalf of their clients and members, the organisations will work collectively to satisfy the requirements of emerging consumer protection legislation such as the European Union Green Claims Directive. This collaboration of certification organisations looks forward to discussing and aligning approaches to future legislation, reporting standards and other requirements relating to sustainable tourism certification.

Concerning their historical roles as founders and developers of the knowledge and practices that have grown sustainable tourism, the certification organisations are dedicated to further fostering a global industry that thrives on sustainability. This includes the development of frameworks and pathways that encourage all enterprises to engage sustainability as a driver for their business. The fundamental goal is to provide transparent, achievable, and affordable solutions for the industry, and assist them in meeting the challenges of operating sustainably and achieving continuous improvement.

This new level of collaboration by certification organisations will further empower travel and tourism to embrace sustainability through rigorous certifications, and promote destinations that endorse eco-friendly practices, support local communities, and preserve cultural richness. To this end, the certification organisations will continue to guarantee that their professional services are provided fairly and affordably across all sectors and to all businesses, including micro and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, that make up the great majority of the travel and tourism industry.

---

About Green Key International
Green Key is an internationally recognised programme that certifies hotels, resorts, theme parks, and conference centres, that adhere to strict criteria in social and environmental responsibility, alongside sustainable business practices. Achieving this certification reflects a commitment to exceeding global standards through innovative solutions.

Green Key operates under the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is recognised by a range of international hotel chain partners and other entities in the tourism and hospitality industry as a preferred sustainability certification partner. With over 5,900 certified businesses in 70+ countries, Green Key is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism and hospitality industry. Learn more at www.greenkey.global.

About Blue Flag International
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.

Blue Flag operates under the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is world-renowned award trusted by millions around the globe. With over 5,100 awarded beaches, marinas and tourist boats in 51 countries, Blue Flag is the leading programme promoting sound environmental education and sustainable management of beaches, marinas and boating operators worldwide.

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 80 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About 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.

---

For more information, please contact:

Alessandro Venti, International Blue Flag Coordinator
Email: alessandro@fee.global