Green Key and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #4

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments to do their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. In our new feature series we will present each of the 17 SDGs and explain their connection to Green Key. 

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide governments, the private sector and civil society in transforming our world into safer, fairer and more livable place.   

On this page, you will learn more about Goal 4: "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all".

What is Goal 4 about?

According to the UN, poor education, and equity issues regarding the access to education facilities and vocational training are problems that still need to be solved worldwide. Furthermore, Goal 4 explicitly addresses the need for education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.

How does Green Key help to achieve Goal 4?

Although Green Key is not merely an educational programme, it does have a strong educational component that addresses SDG target 4.7, education for sustainable development. The Green Key standard includes various criteria that promote awareness-raising and the active engagement of guest and staff in sustainability actions. Furthermore, ensuring equal access to training and employment is encouraged as well (SDG target 4.5). Many Green Key certified establishments like the Park Inn by Radisson Leuven or the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel in Prague have special training programmes for disadvantaged social groups, supporting participants in gaining skills relevant for the work in the hospitality sector. Other relevant contributions of the Green Key 2022-2025 criteria to SDG 4 are:

• TRAINING OF STAFF - Sustainability education within the establishment is ensured through regular staff training on environmental and other relevant sustainability issues. In the effort to continuously improve operations towards sustainability, it is paramount that the whole organisation is engaged in the green transition, thus ensuring that all parts of the establishment’s activities share a common eco-friendly vision and organic implementation (criterion 2.3);

• ENGAGEMENT OF GUESTS - In addition, Green Key certified establishments are required to inform their guests about environmental initiatives, as well as to encourage them to support their work by opting for more sustainable decisions during their stay. For example, guests should have the option to forego sheets and towel changing or room cleaning altogether (criteria 5.1, 5.2, 5.12). Guest support can revolve strictly around the establishment’s environmental management (e.g. water- and energy savings, as well as waste prevention), but also tackle issues related to social, cultural, economic, quality, health, and safety (e.g. support to local charities) and other green initiatives (criterion 3.4). Establishments must make information available for guests about parks and nature conservation areas and about bike rentals, in its surroundings (criteria 12.1, 12.2), and would preferably take action to promote sustainable tourist behavior among its guests (criterion 12.4);

• SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DISSEMINATION - Green Key certified establishments must establish active collaboration with at least two relevant local stakeholders to support the local community in the field of sustainability capacity building. Civil society and other businesses are regarded as potential recipients of sustainable development education provided by Green Key certified establishments (criterion 1.5); moreover, Green Key sites are required to inform third party-operated businesses operating on their premises as well as suppliers about their environmental commitment, and should encourage them run their activities following the principles of sustainability (criteria 13.1, 13.4);

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

Green Key and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #15

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments to do their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. In our feature series we will present each of the 17 SDGs and explain their connection to Green Key. 

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide governments, the private sector and civil society in transforming our world into safer, fairer and more livable place.   

On this page, you will learn more about Goal 15: "Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss".

What is Goal 15 about?

According to the UN "Preserving diverse forms of life on land requires targeted efforts to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems. Goal 15 focuses specifically on managing forests sustainably, restoring degraded lands and successfully combating desertification, reducing degraded natural habitats and ending biodiversity loss". In the link above, you can read about the targets and indicators to Goal 15. 

Healthy ecosystems with flourishing biodiversity are often the main reasons why tourists visit a destination. However, tourism can also contribute to biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems if not managed responsibly. Tourism infrastructure may negatively affect ecosystems and habitats. Waste and wastewater are introduced in fragile environments and disturb the natural balance. Illegal hunting as well as souvenirs and food products derived from endangered species threaten local biodiversity. 

How does Green Key help to achieve goal 15?

SDG 15 addresses the issues related to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services due to unsustainable management and environmental pollution. In fact, two of Green Key’s strategy focal points for 2030 revolve around biodiversity and environmental pollution, as they both heavily affect the hospitality industry, thus representing either a threat, if resources are ill-managed, or a big opportunity, if sustainability is implemented.

Conservation of terrestrial and freshwater eco-systems (SDG target 15.1), sustainable forest management (SDG target 15.2), biodiversity conservation of mountains and natural habitats (SDG targets 15.3, 15.4), support of local communities against poaching and illegal trafficking of endangered species (SDG targets 15.6, 15.c), as well as containment of invasive species (SDG target 15.8) are some of the principles that contribute to shaping 2022-2025 Green Key criteria for certified establishments.

Here are some of the ways the programme promotes the achievement of SDG 15:

• RESPONSIBLE SOURCING – Ensuring that products and supplies used in the daily operations are manufactured according to sustainable practices is key to make sure that the establishments are not indirectly contributing to environmental harm. For this reason, Green Key asks its certified establishments to source goods and services from eco-certified suppliers (criterion 13.5) and to make sure that e.g. food products (criteria 8.1, 8.10), sanitary paper (criterion 5.5) and office supplies (criterion 13.2) are also eco-labeled. Paper use should also be reduced (criterion 13.3) to lower the strain on forest ecosystems: woods and trees act as natural carbon-sequestration devices that trap CO2 from the atmosphere and turn it into biomass. Logging trees for paper production inevitably consumes energy and water for industrial processes, but also limits the ecosystem capacity to both act as a habitat for biodiversity and to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere;

• ENDANGERED SPECIES - It is not permitted for Green Key certified establishments to sell or display endangered animal or plant species within their premises certified (criterion 11.7), nor to serve food products derived from such species in restaurants (criterion 8.3). Establishments are required not to deal in products deriving from poaching and illegal trafficking (criterion 11.3) and to support local communities build capacity against these harmful activities (criterion 11.6). Establishments are also asked to respect animal welfare and not exploit domesticated or wild animals for entertainment purposes (criterion 11.8);

• GREEN AREAS –. For gardens and other green arrangements to be sustainable in the long run and easily maintained, Green Key promotes local biodiversity and the use of native species (criterion 10.4), as they are more resilient and adaptable to local weather and climate conditions. At the same time, invasive species that threaten local biodiversity should be avoided and actively dealt with according to safe and effective protocols (criterion 10.5);

• PROMOTING LOCAL NATURE – Only by knowing the local nature, can visitors appreciate its aesthetic, economic and environmental value. Educating tourists about local ecosystems and species is one of the ways establishments can generate positive impact on their surroundings and local communities. Green Key certified establishments are required to provide guests with information about nearby parks, landscapes, and nature conservation areas (criterion 12.1). The information must include the encouragement to follow established guidelines or codes of conduct to minimise visitors’ negative impact on the environment (criterion 12.4).

 It is worth mentioning that Green Key has taken part in the GA:IA 2030 biodiversity campaign along with the other programmes run by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Green Key’s objective is to raise awareness among pivotal players in the hospitality industry, as well as to share best practices by certified establishments in the field of biodiversity conservation.

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

Green Key and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #2

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments to do their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. In our new feature series we will present each of the 17 SDGs and explain their connection to Green Key. 

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide governments, the private sector and civil society in transforming our world into safer, fairer and more livable place.   

On this page, you will learn more about Goal 2: "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture". 

What is Goal 2 about?

According to the UN, "Goal 2 aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. It also commits to universal access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food at all times of the year. This will require sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices, equal access to land, technology and markets and international cooperation on investments in infrastructure and technology to boost agricultural productivity." In the link above, you can read about the targets and indicators to Goal 2. 

How does Green Key help to achieve Goal 2?

The Green Key criteria include several requirements and guidelines that promote sustainable food production and support local agricultural businesses. In particular, Green Key criteria 2022-2025 contribute to supporting incomes of small-scale food producers (SDG target 2.3), promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem protection (SDG target 2.4), as well as maintaining the genetic diversity of plant species (SDG target 2.5). Here is how Green Key criteria do that:

• LOCAL FOOD SOURCING - With the new 2022-2025 criteria, each Green Key certified establishment will purchase and register at least five types of food/drink products that are organic, eco-labelled, fair-trade and/or locally produced, a further step in the path to responsible sourcing. This is to ensure that each establishment supports sustainable food producers and stimulates the local economy, as well as implementing sustainable patterns of consumption and encouraging sustainable production on the offer side (criterion 8.1, 8.10). For customers to be aware of food/beverage origin and composition, establishments are encouraged to provide information about them in the menu (criterion 8.7);

• BAN ON PRODUCTS FROM ENDANGERED SPECIES - Green Key certified establishments must not serve products from endangered species, as a way to make meals less impactful on ecosystems and biodiversity (criterion 8.2);

• VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS - The Green Key programme promotes the inclusion of vegetarian and vegan alternatives on the menu card, as meat-free dishes have a lower environmental footprint (criterion 8.3). In their effort towards continuous improvement, establishments are encouraged to keep widening their vegetarian/vegan offer in the restaurant menus (criteria 8.8, 8.9);

• SUPPORTING LOCAL PRODUCERS - The programme promotes the provision of means for local small entrepreneurs to develop and sell sustainable products within the establishment’s premises. This includes the possibility for local farmers or food producers to either sell their products to the hotel or directly to the guests (criterion 11.7). Consumption of locally sourced products can significantly lower environmental impact by reducing transportation emissions, packaging-related waste and by supporting non-intensive use of the land as well as low-emission manufacturing.

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

Green Key and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #1

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments in doing their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. In our new feature series we will present each of the 17 SDGs and explain their connection to Green Key. 

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide governments, the private sector and civil society in transforming our world into safer, fairer and more livable place.   

Sustainability lies at the heart of Green Key, which is why the programme inherently contributes to all of the 17 goals. Today, we talk about Goal 1: "End poverty in all its forms everywhere".

What is Goal 1 about?

According to the UN " Goal 1 calls for an end to poverty in all its manifestations by 2030. It also aims to ensure social protection for the poor and vulnerable, increase access to basic services and support people harmed by climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters." In the link above, you can read about the targets and indicators to Goal 1. 

How does Green Key help to achieve Goal 1?

The Green Key criteria include several requirements and guidelines that indirectly contribute to the eradication of poverty. In particular, Green Key establishments need to comply with all local, national, and international law on labour, thus making sure that employees are recruited and work under safe and equitable conditions. This setup contributes to achieve the points raised in SDG targets 1.2 and 1.4, respectively calling for reduction of poverty in all its forms, and gender equality as regards access to economic rights. These are some of the ways Green Key criteria 2022-2025 contribute to achieving the SDGs vision:

• STAFF SALARY - All employees working in Green Key certified establishments are paid at least a living wage, as compliance with local, national, and international regulations on labour is one of the imperative criteria, so the salary cannot lie below the legal minimum threshold (criterion 11.1);

• RECRUITMENT EQUITY - All Green Key certified establishments are encouraged to be equitable in hiring women and local minorities, including in management positions, while restraining from using child labour (criteria 11.2, 11.5). Fair conditions and justice at the workplace are at the core of the programme’s ethics, and must be shared by all Green Key certified establishments;

• LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Green Key certified establishments are asked to actively supports green activities or initiatives for social community development including, among others, education, health, sanitation, and infrastructure (criterion 11.6). In addition, establishments are encouraged to support local small producers in the sale of sustainable products based on the area’s history, nature, and culture (11.7);

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

Booking.com implements ‘Travel Sustainable Badge’ to aid identifying conscious establishments

Booking.com has released a new Travel Sustainable Badge that is accessible to all global partners to gain recognition through the programme, whilst making it simpler for travellers to find eco-conscious establishments.

Booking.com has introduced a sustainability recognition programme that is available for all global partners to utilise. It has been created to encourage the travel industry to act more sustainably and to make it easier for travellers to make sustainable booking choices. The online booking platform has stated that travel allows individuals to broaden their horizons and bring people together, though it is vital for travelling to be done properly, by treating the environment, biodiversity and the residents of the destination with respect.

The Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge shares their partners’ sustainability practices so that the public can understand the initiatives the establishments are taking before making their choice. Allowing those who are environmentally conscious an opportunity to make their reservation with confidence that their visit will have a low impact on the destination. There are 32 sustainability practices that establishments can choose from and the claims are verified through independent professionals in the sustainability sector. The initiatives are additionally shared in numerous languages for individuals to read on their property pages.

In addition, establishments that fulfil the criteria of a GSTC recognised standard such as Green Key have their eco-certification also added to their profile page in Booking.com.

Booking.com has stated that their research found that 73% of travellers are likely to reserve a room in an establishment that has sustainability practices in place. Though 41% are not aware of how to identify sustainable travel options. This problem is solved through the use of the new badge, showcasing establishments that are eligible for the badge as they have been verified and met the sustainability criteria model. Furthermore, the badge provides the establishments with additional recognition for their efforts.

NH Hotel Group continues sustainable initiatives as they gain recognition for third year in a row

NH Hotel Group has continued to be recognised for their sustainable efforts through numerous environmental commitments and initiatives. As they are among the top three establishments within S&P Global report for a sustainable hotel corporation, whilst similarly maintaining recognition as a top performer within the hospitality industry.

NH Hotel Group has been recognised within the hotel sector as one of the three most sustainable companies in the world. S&P Global assessed the group for the third subsequent year, as they repeat their position at third place among the top three establishments within sustainability in the hotel industry globally. S&P Global assesses the organisations yearly as they produce promising corporate procedures concerning sustainability, with a focus on three sustainable dimensions: economic, social and environmental impacts and initiatives. In 2021, over 8,000 organisations were asked to partake in the method as a questionnaire was produced containing both public and private data from the participating organisations. Since the previous year, the NH Hotel Group have improved their score acquired in the criteria. 

"This recognition showcases our firm commitment to the responsible and sustainable management of our company, even in the most adverse of times. These results confirm that we are moving in the right direction and encourage us to continue working towards leading sustainability within the sector". - Ramón Aragonés, CEO of NH Hotel Group, 

Additionally, the NH Hotel Group, part of Minor Hotels has maintained recognition as a top performer within the hospitality industry. They are among the 25,000 hotels that have endeavoured to establish a standard definition of hotel sustainability, this will be launched in March 2022 to drive responsible travel & tourism. The framework will provide a common ground starting point for hotels to begin their sustainability journey. The information will be easily accessible for hotels around the world, regardless of whether they are a large corporation or independent hotel. Furthermore, a recent internal training has been made mandatory for all employees on Environmental Awareness.

Recent research recognises a change in consumers attitudes and desire for sustainable travel

Over the last 18 months, everything has changed, and that includes people's attitudes towards sustainability - both in their everyday lives and when it comes to how they travel. In this context, Skyscanner in cooperation with YouGov conducted research to better understand how the pandemic has impacted people's attitudes and behaviour around more responsible air travel.

Since the start of the pandemic, people are thinking differently about sustainability.  Alongside YouGov, Skyscanner surveyed over 6,000 people to discover what’s motivating travellers globally and how lifestyle choices have impacted the way they want to travel. 

The key takeaways as stated in Skyscanner’s original report are:

1. Awareness around sustainability is huge and it's seen as a key issue. Due to the pandemic, people are trying to be more sustainable in their lives, avoid products with excessive packaging and buy more local produce.

2. People are willing to accept a level of personal accountability towards making more sustainable travel choices but believe the responsibility lies chiefly with governments and the travel industry.

3. In general, people feel there's very little information regarding sustainability. And what is available is very confusing.

4. Many don't believe carbon offsetting helps to reduce the effect of global travel. Instead, they believe more fuel-efficient aircrafts and sustainable aviation fuel could be the answer. Overall, they feel there's too little or confusing information on the benefits of carbon offsetting when deciding which flights to book.

5. Across all countries surveyed, cost remains a key factor and remains the deciding factor when it comes to booking plane tickets.

The ongoing pandemic has held an intense impact on societies' lives and lifestyle decisions. In the survey, it was identified that 'caring for the environment’ plus 'increasing sustainability to tackle climate change' are now of similar importance than ‘improving access to healthcare’.

Though, it was also stated in the report that few individuals may argue that it is of higher importance to improve tourism figures before focusing on other areas. In the article in Travel Weekly, YouGov’s head of travel and tourism, Eva Satkute Stewart disagrees as she argues that sustainability and recovery are not mutually exclusive. Customers are prepared to spend higher amounts for sustainable travel as individuals desire to take part in advocating to preserve the environment.

Due to the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers needed to make adaptions. It can be suggested that the additional time with limited possibilities to travel has allowed tourists to become more conscious of the negative impact on the environment that they may have whilst travelling. Being aware of what consumers are looking for allows organisations to make responsible decisions that will aid both the tourists and the organisation to achieve improved sustainable travel results.

The research from YouGov reports that customers around the world desire to be more sustainable in their daily lives as well as strengthen that passion through travel. It was stated that there are a few important limitations to adopting sustainable travel, such as cost, access to information and convenience.

Source: YouGov and Skyscanner’s Sustainability in Air Travel report 2021

Foundation for Environmental Education celebrates 40 years of positive change!

Green Key has participated in numerous activities to celebrate the Foundation for Environmental Education’s 40th anniversary.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is the world's largest environmental education organisation with members in 77 countries. FEE manages five programmes (including Green Key) in which they empower individuals, authorities and businesses to participate in meaningful and purposeful actions in order to further a more sustainable society.

In 2021, FEE celebrated its 40th Anniversary of positive change on a global scale. FEE began in 1981 through a small but enthusiastic gathering of environmental educators. Today, FEE has more than 100 member organisations spread over six continents!

A few of Green Key National Operators have shared short video interviews about their involvement with Green Key. Be sure to watch the interviews with Erik van Dijk from the Netherlands, Mikal Holt Jensen from Denmark and Joanna Moses-Wothke from Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, Green Key is very proud to highlight the interview with Antonio Loureiro, a recognised chef from a Green Key awarded establishment in Portugal.

Additionally, be sure to watch the #passtheflag video from our National Operators from around the world to share their birthday wishes!

Furthermore, Green Key is participating with an advent quiz on Instagram, be sure to try the questions each day up until the 24th of December!

For more information regarding FEE visit: https://www.fee.global/.

Green Hotels in Qatar share their challenges, recommendations and pathways for a greener sector

Qatar Green Building Council aims to engage the community in a wide range of sustainability-oriented activities, and Green Key is suggested as a useful mechanism for developing a sustainable sector.

A range of workshops with the attendance of numerous hospitality staff, speakers and stockholders has been held, surveys were distributed and a report has been produced which noted current difficulties, recommendations and best practices advice. The report urges Qatar decision-makers to take solid actions for green change.

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) is the Green Key national operator for Qatar, QGBC evaluates the dedication of tourism and hospitality organisations to their environmental and sustainable standards and actions. Green Key has been suggested as a useful mechanism for developing a sustainable sector.

“Hotels are encouraged to use industry-recognised certifications, tools, and resources, such as Green Key, to create and further this framework” - (QGBC)

The benefits of the Green Key Certificate include a step-by-step approach towards sustainability. The Certificate elevates the sustainability standards of an establishment and assures its customers of its commitment to green practices. The Certificate also acts as a motivating reward for the team involved in achieving the ecolabel.

Green Key certified Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery inspires visitors to reuse bed sheets and towels through their ‘Plant for the Planet’ scheme which reinvests the proceeds into planting trees. The staff at the hotel are also enabled to acquire ownership of the program, as they determine visitors which engage in the towel reuse is seen as a manageable yet impactful approach to helping the local community. To read the report click the following link: https://www.qatargbc.org/app/media/5435 

Furthermore, a Focus Day was held as part of Qatar Sustainability Week 2021 and the findings were published as ‘Resilience and adaptation to climate change-Green Hotels, Challenges and Pathways.’ This can be found at: https://www.qatargbc.org/outreach/qsw