Green Key International featured in the UNWTO Affiliate Members newsletter

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has recently released its November Affiliate Members newsletter, featuring Green Key International at the side of others tourism-related organisations.

The UNWTO, the United Nations agency charged with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, is the leading international organisation in the field of tourism. Its November newsletter highlights Green Key as one of the few international labels in the hospitality industry managed by one of the UNWTO affiliate members, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Green Key programme guides tourism establishments in doing their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN member states in 2015. Worldwide, our network engages in acts of awareness-raising about environmental management and sustainability education related to the SDGs. Moreover, Green Key is involved in UNWTO’s Affiliate Member working group on SDGs support on behalf of FEE.

This September, Green Key also signed the International Tourism Plastic Pledge at the sides of over 100 companies and organisations from the tourism sector to reduce plastic pollution at holiday destinations worldwide. The International Tourism Plastics Pledge is a reflection of the readiness and commitment of tourism stakeholders to take action in the fight against plastic pollution. The joint ambition of its signatories to come to a concrete roadmap with tangible goals and a monitoring system will be taking place within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, led by UNWTO and UN Environment and in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

You can have access to the UNWTO Affiliate Member newsletter here.

A document describing Green Key’s overall contribution to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be downloaded here.

Green Key International welcomes its first national operator in Kenya

KOEE (the Kenyan Organisation for Environmental Education), the Kenyan member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), has become the Green Key National Operator for Kenya.

Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, awarded with the Green Key since January 2016

From now on, Kenyan establishments wishing to join Green Key will need to contact and apply for the Programme through KOEE.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, says: "We believe that the administration of Green Key programme through a national entity is an advantage enabling a closer contact between the Green Key administration and existing/potential Green Key establishments and with a better understanding of national conditions, while maintaining the international quality of the programme.

Two hotels in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi already have the Green Key: Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill and Park Inn by Radisson Nairobi Westlands. Until now, Green Key International (located at the head office of FEE) was administrating these establishments. They will now be transferred from Green Key International to KOEE.

Lorraine Dixon, Green Key National Operator in Kenya, adds: “We are excited to administer the Green Key programme in Kenya, and we will be looking forward to have many more establishments joining Green Key from all over Kenya. Any interested Kenyan establishment is welcome to contact us on the contact details below.

For more information about Green Key in Kenya, please contact:

Kenya Organisation for Environmental Education (KOEE)
P.O. Box 1513-00621 Nairobi
Green Key National Operator: Lorraine Dixon
Telephone: +254 780 231699 / +254 708 961796
E-mail: lorraine.dixon@koee.org / Lorraine_dixon@live.com
Web: http://greenkey.koee.org/

At Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort, a new smart electricity system saves energy

Green Key-awarded Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic re-opened its doors one year ago after a thorough renovation, including the installation of the latest technologies.

Since air-conditioning and lighting are main sources of electricity consumption in the resort, LED has been installed all over the establishment as the source of lighting during the renovation. Moreover, a smart presence sensor system controls the lighting and the air-conditioning in the guest rooms shutting off all lights and returning to a pre-set comfort temperature of the air-conditioning system when finding the room empty. The sensors replace the key card and register presence when guests are entering the room. When registering presence, all lights that were on upon de client leaving the room turn back on automatically. The sensors also register when guests are opening the balcony door and the air-conditioning is turned off to avoid waste of energy and condensation. 

“With a location in a tropical area, the use of the computer controlled smart sensor systems and LED lighting have meant a reduction in the electricity consumption of the establishment contributing to a lower environmental footprint. The system is at the same time easing the work of the staff at the establishment without compromising the comfort of the guests. This is a true win-win situation for the establishment, our clients’ comfort and for the planet.” Cyntia de Cayón, Resident Director at Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort

One of Stockholm's most famous landmarks Green Key awarded

Green Key awarded STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen hostel is located in Stockholm city, Sweden, on the small island of Skeppsholmen. You can stay in the Craftsmen’s building from 1832 or on ‘af Chapman’ – a fully rigged ship anchored to the island and one of the most famous landmarks in Stockholm. 

The hostel offers families, couples, backpackers and experienced travelers of all nationalities the opportunity to experience the hostels friendly atmosphere and unique accommodation. Many of the guests often return to enjoy the pleasant and scenic environment, but also to take advantage of the superb location close to Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and the Royal Palace. For excursions a little further away, the hostel sells tickets to public transportation and offer guests bikes to discover the city.

STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen hostel was awarded with Green Key in 2018, and has rapidly become a forerunner in sustainability. The hostel has focused on increasing its social and environmental commitment by planting flowers that are beneficial for bees and other insects, and by supporting the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation’s project “Save the bees”. Through the Swedish Labour Office’s project "Make space", they have employed staff with special needs.

 The hostel offer a great deal of organic food for breakfast, such as organic coffee, milk and muesli, and buys on average a total of 40% organic food per year. The hostel is registering food waste from breakfast and takes actions to reduce it through visible information to guests as well as ideas on how to use ‘nudging’ on the buffet to decrease food waste. The establishment encourages and informs its guest about the excellent drinking quality of tap water in Sweden and does not sell any bottled water at all.

 Through a rewarding cooperation with the property owner, the hostel has managed to decrease the energy consumption significantly with 14% by, among other things, changing thermostats on all elements as well as switching to new windows with insulating glass.

Hotels in Slovenia gradually fulfill their commitment to sustainable development

With two new Green Key awarded establishments, the Hit Group continues to spread eco-friendly practices in the Slovenian tourism industry and the Goriška Region

This October, the Lipa and Sabotin Hotels received the Green Key award for their work done with sustainability. Both located in the green countryside of the sunny Goriška Region, these two establishments part of the Hit Group offer a myriad possibility for active relaxation or services adapted to the needs of sportsmen.

Recognised as “cyclist-friendly hotels” the Lipa and Sabotin Hotels promote sightseeing by bike in order to encourage their guests to think about responsible tourism. The hotels’ staff is dedicated to the preservation of the environment and inform the guests about the sustainable alternatives provided by their establishments.

Ecological, green, and local represent the key to ensuring top quality services for future tourists, we are sure of that. All our employees actively help develop and promote the sustainable nature of our hotels. The Green Key label opens up new opportunities for the marketing of our hotels.” say the Manager of the Lipa Hotel, Leon Mavrič, and the Manager of the Sabotin Hotel, Jana Jakin Petejan.

The recipients of the Green Key environmental label undertake to meet strict environmental standards and commit intensively to raising awareness of environmental and sustainability issues among guests, employees, and suppliers” said Boris Šušmak, representative of the Doves FEE Slovenia association upon handing over the certificates.

The establishments started activities to reduce their environmental impact such as strict separation of waste or the use of ecologic materials rather than plastic. Their commitment to sustainability also merged in gastronomy since they offer local and seasonal dishes and local wine thanks to their strong cooperation with local producers.

Green Key keeps reaching new countries: welcome Suriname!

Green Key is delighted to announce that The Torarica Group is the first company with Green Key awarded establishments in Suriname and South America.

The largest hotel brand in Suriname now counts three Green Key awarded hotel properties. In that way, the Torarica Group provides unprecedented sustainable hospitality and guest experience in its 357 guestrooms. Located in the city of Paramaribo, Torarica Resort & Casino, Eco Torarica and Royal Torarica are offering a breathtaking view of the Suriname River.

The three awarded establishments stretch their imagination regarding sustainable initiatives implemented on the properties. Indeed, they are using eco-friendly takeaway packaging (Styrofoam free) and serving biodegradable eco-friendly straws upon guest request only. The plastic issue is taken very seriously with collection bins placed on all properties to be recycled.

We cannot imagine a world without Green! All steps matter! Go Green! Go Green Key! Caring for our environment is a structural part of our business objectives.” says the Torarica Group’s General Manager, Dave Boucke

Their commitment to sustainability can also be found in the kitchen. The establishments manage to avoid food waste by giving leftovers such as potatoes, vegetables, food and bread waste to the Paramaribo Zoo on a daily basis. Moreover, they are recycling cooking oil to ensure a clean and safe environment by not deposing it into the water or the environment.

They are not outdone neither regarding eco-friendly energy consumption. Initiatives such as the reuse of printed paper, the recycling of used printer cartridges or a paperless guest experience survey involve both guests and staff into the process. LED lighting and water sensors have also been installed around the properties to reduce energy and water consumption. In the guestrooms, an energy saving card activates lights and air conditioning in order not to overconsume energy, and the patio furniture is made from recycled material.

Furthermore, the staff is encouraged to commute to work by carpooling, using public transportation, biking or walking. The Torarica Group Corporate Responsibility connect the establishments with various charity organisations. In that way, they are donating bed linens, bath towels, bedsheets to local hospitals and homeless shelters.

About The Torarica Group

With more than fifty-five years of experience, the Torarica Group is a true Surinamese landmark and stands for unprecedented hospitality and guest experience. Suriname is located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America bordering French Guyana to the east, Guyana to the west, and Brazil to the south.

Planning your next trip? Please visit torarica.com for ways to connect and make your next hotel reservation: reservations@torarica.com

 Facebook: ToraricaGroup

 Instagram: ToraricaGroup

NH Hotel Group and Green Key collaboration for environmental education in Mexico

The collaboration started in January has led to a new initiative in Mexican establishments to raise guests’ awareness among their carbon footprint.

As part of the work towards environmental information to guests, a joint production of cards with environmental information has been launched between NH Hotel Group and Green Key in Mexico. This initiative aims to generate a positive change in both guests and staff in the first two NH hotels awarded Green Key in Mexico City. Indeed, NH and Green Key collaboration in Mexico focuses on environmental information to guests, one of the 13 criteria areas to comply with to achieve the Green Key award.

Through the joint production of these informative cards, Green Key supports the first Spanish hotel chain’s ambitious sustainability goals. Green Key in Mexico also takes part to the implementation and spreading of eco-friendly practices in Mexican establishments since more NH hotels are underway in the country.

Recently, NH Hotel Group announced to have approved long term goals by the Science Based Targets Initiative, meaning that these goals are reviewed by a scientific committee and are meaningful for the planet.  This target set goals to reduce its carbon emission by 20% by 2030 based on 2018 as based-year on all supply chain activities in order to avoid the emission of over 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

As part of its work with sustainability, NH Hotel Group also prioritizes innovation to develop eco-friendly solutions regarding energy, water, responsible suppliers, carbon footprint and climate change. With 46 Green Key awarded NH hotels worldwide, Green Key also supports this large scale transformation involving the entire hotel chain.

Green Key awarded Mexican hacienda with focus on sustainable gardening

As part of the work with sustainability, Fiesta Americana Hacienda San Antonio El Puente Cuernavaca has integrated responsible use of water and composting for its garden areas.

The hotel, located in the village of Xochitepec just 15 minutes away from Cuernavaca and 1.5 hour away from Mexico City, is a perfect place to celebrate the past and the present. It is a historical hacienda with a beautiful colonial architecture and a modern decoration of the rooms.

Fiesta Americana Hacienda San Antonio El Puente Cuernavaca is surrounded by impressive gardens requiring additional focus on sustainability. The management has installed an irrigation system only using collected rainwater supplemented with water from a nearby river, while the municipal water supply is not used for this purpose. The hotel is naturally only watering the garden at night or in the morning when the water evaporation is lower. Furthermore, the hotel focuses on collecting and composting garden waste for later use as natural fertilisers in the gardens and thereby reducing the need for adding artificial fertilisers.

José Luis Jiménez Cortés, Maintenance Manager at Fiesta Americana Hacienda San Antonio El Puente Cuernavaca, says: “With the unique location of our hacienda in beautiful green surroundings, we are aware of our need to manage the gardens as sustainable as possible, and we are therefore very proud of our rainwater and garden waste collection systems.

The Hotel belongs to Grupo Posadas, the largest hotel group in Mexico with around 160 hotels across the country holding the Green Key award.

First Green Key awarded hotel in Nigeria

Green Key is pleased to announce that the first establishment in Nigeria, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja, has been awarded the Green Key!

The team of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja proudly presenting their Green Key award.

Green Key keeps growing on the African continent, our newest member being the Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria.

As a safe and healthy environment is top priority to the hotel, achieving the Green Key award has been a milestone in its sustainability work.

To name a few of the hotel’s initiatives, it is working in partnership with the cleaning product company Diversey and SOS Children Villages to recycle soap in the frame of the “Soap for Hope” programme, an initiative to reuse unfinished soap bars from hotels. Children and caretakers in the SOS Children Villages learn how to recycle them and distribute the new soap bars in their community. Furthermore, the hotel has several initiatives to reduce its water consumption. Guests are asked to reuse their towel and bed linen through the “Just a Drop” initiative, low-flow shower heads and taps restrict the water flow and the hotel’s main water tanks is installed with a water float switch to stop spillage when full. In addition, the use of filtration and purification systems for the pool and fountains help the hotel to conserve and reuse water. In total, these practices save the hotel about 80m3 of water daily.

 “We as a hotel are proud to be Green Key certified, showing that we are part of the leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism and hospitality industry”

- Lovina Onyinye Ozoagu, Assistant Human Resources Manager