Hilton Rome Airport becomes Green Key certified: sustainability at the service of travelers all over the world

The Hilton Rome Airport, directly connected to the Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino, celebrates a new success: obtaining the Green Key certification.  

Opened in 1999, it was the pioneer of airport hotels in Italy, earning the title of "the only hotel with its own airport". However, not only its convenient connection to the terminals via a covered pedestrian bridge and a moving walkway makes the hotel stand out. Also, its wide range of services and proximity to the main monuments of the capital is what makes it a convenient choice for all visitors to Rome.  

The Green Key certificate marks the continuous sustainability efforts of Hilton Rome Airport. Starting from the installation of heat recuperators connected to the heating system, and solar panels in the parking lots, multiple eco-friendly practices have been implemented. The hotel actively seeks to reduce its waste by gradually replacing plastic with glass in the hotel facilities, favouring recyclable materials during events and banquets, recycling disposed soap, and adopting consumption LED lamps.  

In line with the Hilton chain's "Travel with Purpose" campaign and ESG strategy, Hilton Rome Airport is actively engaged in environmental protection and the promotion of local consumption. The hotel has embraced multiple volunteering actions, such as donating basic necessities and other supplies to the ones in need or raising funds for care houses. The hotel's commitment also extends to beach cleaning activities by staff, and participation in awareness-raising events, e.g. the Run4Rome and Race for the Cure marathons, with significant donations to charitable organisations (including Operation Smile Italia). By joining the Hilton "Carbon Neutral" program for zero-emission events, Hilton Rome Airport takes another step towards the reduction of its carbon emissions. 

In each room, guests can also find multilingual information on the hotel's sustainability program for washing sheets and towels, while digital materials via QR codes provide information on bicycle use in Rome and less-known tourist activities. The hotel also puts an emphasis on using zero-kilometer culinary products, supporting local producers, in the menu offered by Artists Bar and Le Colonne Restaurant, two gastronomic points appreciated not only by hotel guests but also by the locals. 

Hilton Rome Airport aims to create unique experiences for all its guests. The Green Key certification confirms the thoroughness of sustainability and inclusion policies that the hotel implements, adding a new dimension to its high standing.   

The Papadopoli Hotel in Venice receives the Green Key certificate

Surrounded by the greenery of the Papadopoli park, and within walking distance from the Grand Canal and the Constitution Bridge, Hotel Papadopoli has been certified with Green Key. The Venetian Lagoon has expanded its accommodation offer with an elegant and sustainable boutique hotel, catering to all visitors who care about their environmental impact.  

The Papadopoli Hotel has 100 rooms and suites furnished in a characteristic 18th-century Venetian style, with a wonderful view of the Tolentini Canal and the Papadopoli Gardens. Elegant and magnificent, all the rooms tell of the past and present Venetian grandeur and splendor. The building itself dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when it was a summer residence of Teresa Mosconi and the Papadopoli-Foreste palace and its garden became popular meeting points for high society.  

The hotel from the Accor group aims to combine rich history and tradition with sustainability operations and solutions. The Green Key sustainability criteria have been with that, setting standards and goals for waste management, reducing the overall use of resources, raising awareness, and creating behavioural change in guests, staff, and suppliers of different facilities.  

The Papadopoli Hotel ensures the involvement of its entire staff by raising awareness of good practices. The impact of sustainable innovations is also monitored as a part of routine activities management. All staff is updated daily on ongoing actions and heavily engaged in planning activities that are related to their areas of work. 

In all rooms, there is information on the green initiatives launched by the hotel. Particular attention is paid to reducing environmental impact, effective waste management and recycling, and offering support to the local producers. The lighting is 100% LED and access to the rooms is with a magnetic key. 

Positioned close to all the iconic places of the lagoon, the Hotel Papadopoli seeks to preserve the glory of its past and combine it with a smart, modern, and sustainable approach.  

Ilha dos Arvoredos becomes the first Green Key certified tourist attraction in the Americas

Located in the crystal-clear waters of Guarujá, on the north coast of São Paulo, Ilha dos Arvoredos successfully passed the independent audit becoming the first tourist attraction in the Americas to receive the Green Key certification. The Brazilian establishment incorporates environmentally responsible practices into its operations, providing a unique and awareness-raising experience for visitors.

Conceived and designed in 1950 by mechanical engineer and environmentalist Fernando Eduardo Lee, Ilha dos Arvoredos extends over 36 thousand m². The research centre works on and employs technologies focused on the preservation of natural resources. Since 2021, the place has been open for visitors offering a unique experience that combines leisure with education on history, science, and culture. Located in a paradisiacal setting, the island is an ecological refuge that redefines the relationship between comfort and environmental preservation.

Leana Bernardi, representing the National Operator of the Green Key programme in Brazil, expressed her excitement about this significant achievement: "Ilha dos Arvoredos is an inspiring example of how innovation and environmental commitment can converge to create a truly sustainable tourism experience. The Green Key certification recognizes not only the beauty of the site but also the exemplary commitment to eco-friendly practices that shape a greener future for tourism."

The environmental practices adopted by Ilha dos Arvoredos include efficient management of waste and the pioneering use of renewable energy sources. The island is one of the first places in Latin America that incorporate solar panels in their facilities. What is more, the establishment actively promotes environmental education activities for its visitors, contributing to collective sustainability awareness.

To achieve the best outcomes in its educational, scientific, and touristic activities, Ilha dos Arvoredos bases its management system on the Green Key criteria. Through the Sustainable World Project, a partnership between the Fernando Eduardo Lee Foundation (FFEL) and the Nova Maré Institute (INMAR), the island organises collaborative ecotourism experiences, introducing visitors to numerous sustainable practices.   

Priscilla Bonini Ribeiro, researcher, and advisor to the Eduardo Lee Foundation elaborated in her doctoral thesis the model of environmental education, underpinning the collaborative visitation program on the island. She commented on the Green Key certification of Ilha dos Arvoredos: "Obtaining the certificate is the materialisation of the desire to present the island as a great environmental reference. We feel extremely honored. It is a source of pride not only for us, researchers, but for all collaborators, partners and, above all, a prestige and reference for the community, so that they recognize and contribute to the actions of preserving our planet for future generations".

Bruno Tacon Cardoso, environmental engineer, and president of the Nova Maré Institute (INMAR) was the person who suggested and enabled the Green Key certification process: "The title of the first sustainable tourist attraction in the Southern Hemisphere and the Americas with the Green Key validates the legacy that Fernando Lee left us. Brazil has been a protagonist in sustainability in the past, and we resume this vision and place Ilha dos Arvoredos as a great symbol of a sustainable future. We have proved that this is feasible, and now we hope to inspire other green spots on the world map of sustainable tourism."

About the Fernando Lee Foundation

Created in 1983 by Fernando Eduardo Lee (considered by many to be the father of Sustainability in Brazil), the Foundation is the holder of the Island concession and was designed to continue the projects in this open-air laboratory for the benefit of Humanity. Over the decades, the Foundation has carried out several studies and projects to promote and disseminate knowledge through the scientific and environmental nature of Ilha dos Arvoredos. Currently, in partnership with UNAERP and INMAR, the dream of Fernando Eduardo Lee is being pursued. By implementing the Sustainable World project, the public can interact with this legacy. The Sustainable World project is based on the doctoral thesis of the Foundation/Unaerp volunteer researcher, Profa. Dr. Priscilla Bonini Ribeiro, who created a model of Environmental Education that the island uses to boost the teaching-learning process, stimulating protagonism and environmental awareness.

To learn more about the research and projects of Ilha dos Arvoredos, visit www.ilhadosarvoredos.com.br or learn more about the attractions on Instagram @ilhadosarvoredosoficial. For collaborative visit scheduling, please refer to the http://tursustentavel.org.br portal.

Harmony of Opulence and Eco-Friendliness: Aleph Rome Hotel of Curio Collection by Hilton passes the Green Key certification process

The Aleph Rome Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is a five-star establishment nestled in the heart of Rome, just a stroll away from iconic landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Villa Borghese. With the newly obtained Green Key certificate, the hotel makes another step forward toward achieving and promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry.

Occupying the historic location of Italy's prestigious Cassa di Risparmio bank, the Aleph Rome Hotel exudes a unique charm that seamlessly blends past and present. With high ceilings, handcrafted Italian furnishings, fine woods, and the opulence of Italian marble and onyx, the hotel's ambiance perfectly intertwines with contemporary designer pieces and modern, spacious, hi-tech interiors. 

The architectural design of the ground floor is distinguished by the brightness of marbles, including the original, recovered, and restored marbles. The interplay of Golden Sky white, indus gold yellow, cipollino green, and onyx green imparts a sense of linearity, harmony, and tranquility to the expansive spaces within the hotel. 

Dynamic and flexible spaces await guests at the Aleph Rome Hotel, from the Borghese room and the Onix bar to the trendy 1930s setting, the atmospheric Lobby Bar, the refined Cognac Lounge, the authentic Italian cuisine of the Sky Restaurant, the urban oasis of the Organic Sky Garden Roma on the top floor, to the Rooftop Pool. The Organics Sky Garden Terrace, celebrated by cinema and beloved by locals and tourists alike, features a scenic infinity pool that offers breathtaking views of the Capital's skyline. Additionally, the former bank vault in the basement houses the hotel's spa, complete with a hammam and indoor pool. 

Catering to a diverse range of tastes, the Aleph Rome Hotel provides both classic and cutting-edge experiences for guests and visitors. Sustainability and environmental responsibility are integral to the hotel's core values. The Aleph Rome Hotel is dedicated to reducing environmental impact, implementing green initiatives, educating and raising awareness among staff and guests, practicing virtuous waste management and recycling, and supporting local communities and products. 

Guests are informed about the hotel's sustainability program through a dedicated website page and a pre-arrival letter sent before each stay. The Aleph Rome Hotel successfully combines luxury with sustainability, setting the standard for both high-quality tourism offerings and excellence in sustainable management in the heart of the Capital. 

Mama Shelter Roma with the Green Key certification - a blend of irreverence and coolness now embraces sustainability

Vibrant, lively, inclusive, and now eco-friendly – Hotel Mama Shelter Roma, nestled in the heart of Rome's Prati district just steps away from the treasures of the Vatican, proudly received the prestigious Green Key certification. This achievement marks the commitment of Mama Shelter Roma to environmental excellence. 

Established in 2021, this 4-star urban oasis in Rome offers an irreverent and pop-inspired experience. With 217 rooms ranging from M to XL, each equipped with balconies, the hotel is a unique destination that captures the hearts of diverse travelers. Boasting cutting-edge design elements, Mama Shelter Roma features two modular meeting spaces, bars, restaurants, a rooftop with a solarium, an outdoor garden bar, and Mama Baths with a pool. Notable highlights include the Summer Garden, the Winter Garden adorned with leafy lamps and wicker armchairs, the Pizzeria, and the Rooftop providing a captivating view of St. Peter's Basilica. 

The artistic touch of Chartres-born artist Benjamin Saillard, also known as Beniloys, graces the hotel's ceilings with drawings and ancient statues. A blend of surrealism, classical modernism, and cheerful post-modernism defines the hotel's fun and irreverent style, infused with street art-inspired details and advanced technologies. Mama Shelter, a lifestyle brand that celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023, is part of Accor's Ennismore joint venture, with 17 addresses, including Mama Shelter Roma. 

Founded by Frenchman Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin, Mama Shelter aims to create urban hotels as genuine living spaces – environments for inclusion, meetings, discussions, and celebrations. 

Mama Shelter Roma's commitment to sustainability extends to its diverse culinary offerings, featuring homemade, local, organic, and even vegetarian/vegan products in collaboration with local businesses. Noteworthy practices include Food Saving to combat food waste and support a virtuous circular economy. The hotel efficiently manages waste both indoors and outdoors, and guests are informed about the sustainability program, particularly in the responsible use of linens. 

Constantly engaging with guests and surroundings, Mama Shelter Roma ensures that its staff is well-trained in the adopted sustainability practices. Beyond offering high standards in tourism, Mama Shelter Roma proudly upholds the excellence of sustainable facility management, aligning seamlessly with the values and criteria of the Green Key programme. 

Milan's Excelsior Hotel Gallia Certified by Green Key: Embracing Milan's Duality with Traditional and Modern Elegance

A splendid example of belle époque architecture, Milan's centrally located Excelsior Hotel Gallia boasts 235 luxuriously appointed rooms, including over 50 suites, making it a true icon in the city. Each room reflects and enhances the refined Milanese aesthetic, featuring handcrafted and modern design details from prestigious local ateliers. 

Situated in Piazza Duca d'Aosta, right next to Central Station, a bustling hub of business and trade, the hotel was founded in 1932 by the Milanese Gallia family and has long held a place among Italy's most prestigious hotels. The interiors evoke the Milanese lifestyle and timeless elegance of the Arte Deco era, showcasing custom-made furnishings by Italy's top designers and craftsmen, alongside over 500 works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and photographs. 

The facility comprises two buildings: a meticulously restored historic building and a new modern wing with steel and glass curtain walls. The lobby pays homage to Milanese architecture of the 1930s, reminiscent of La Scala Theater, Villa Necchi Campiglio, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Welcoming guests is a majestic chandelier at the entrance, a 30-meter high cascade of 180 cylinders in Murano glass that illuminates the entire historic staircase across its seven-story height. 

 As part of the Luxury Collection brand of the Marriott International chain, the Excelsior Gallia in Milan embodies the city's two souls: the traditional one, narrating Milan and its history, the entrepreneurial and hotel vocation of the Gallia family, and the modern one, reflecting a Milan at the forefront of finance and trends. The hotel's third soul, the green one, is now certified by Green Key, an international program for sustainable tourism hospitality recognized by UNESCO. 

Ongoing green initiatives at the hotel focus on sustainability and continuous performance improvement. Effective communication management internally, directed towards staff, and externally, towards guests, aims to generate awareness and involvement in adopting good practices for daily life. Information in multiple languages about the hotel's sustainability program is available in all rooms. The facility is committed to eliminating plastic, with the goal of becoming plastic-free in the medium term. All lighting is LED, and home automation is integrated into the hotel. 

This year, the Milanese facility is made even more special with light sculptures by artist Marco Lodola. Gallia Bar & Lounge along with Terrazza Gallia with its panoramic view, offers a journey to discover the gastronomic excellence of different Italian regions. In line with Green Key criteria, the hotel boasts a wide range of local and certified food and beverages, with homemade offerings using local, organic, and vegetarian/vegan products. 

Marriott hotels, including many already Green Key certified, are aligning with the green goals sought by today's increasingly conscious and sustainability-aware tourists. The Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan, with its commitment to excellence in tourist hospitality, luxury, comfort, and international vocation, can now proudly include sustainable hotel management among its accolades. 

22 Accor hotels in Mexico to receive the Green Key certificate

On February 7th, 2024, at ibis Mexico Alameda, 22 Accor hotels participated in the Green Key certification ceremony. As a result, 80% of its establishments in Mexico are now officially certified, with the remaining 20% in the process.

The Presidium was made up of Mauro Rial, Chief Operations Officer of Accor Hotels, and Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos, CEO of FEE Mexico, with Javier López, Vice President of Operations for Accor in Mexico, Central America, and Cuba, as master of ceremonies for the event.

In the first instance, Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos emphasised: "Green Key is a complex programme to operate at the beginning because it requires a great effort and commitment from all areas, since through on-site control visits, to fulfill the purpose of Green Key, also that it is a verifiable, traceable, documented, evaluated and accredited action. He concluded by indicating that this is the beginning of a path toward continuous improvement in environmental matters".

Accor’s Mexican establishments reduce single-use plastics by offering their guests drinking water in reusable glass bottles, which they can refill in the dispensers. The chain is also committed to reducing its water footprint to 30% by 2030 and reaching net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Starting from more than 6,000 tons of CO2 per year that is equivalent to 500,000 trees planted.

Mauro Rial, Chief Operations Officer of Accor Hotels, spoke about the internal School for Change program, noting that "it is a training program for our staff to learn about the small and large actions we take to mitigate our operations and care for the environment. The Green Key certification is one more element on this path".

Hotels across the central belt certified with Green Key

Four hotels located in Edinburgh and Glasgow have obtained the coveted international Green Key eco-certificate following audits by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. 

The establishments successful in meeting the Green Key criteria all demonstrated their sustainability credentials and a commitment to improving environmental practices against 13 set criteria areas.   

The certified hotels include:  

• Novotel Edinburgh Park 

• Motel One Glasgow 

• Motel One Edinburgh-Princes 

• Motel One Edinburgh-Royal 

The CEO of the National Operator for the Green Key programme in Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Barry Fisher, said:

“I’d like to congratulate all the newly accredited Green Key establishments. They join a prestigious collection of others in Scotland, leading the way in sustainable tourism, and join a family of thousands globally.  

It’s particularly encouraging to see Motel One locating key hotels in city centre locations promoting sustainable travel and using local produce, such as cheeses, milk, and crisps, where possible. 

Additionally, the ‘Go Green, Skip the Clean’ Accor initiative used by Novotel allows guests to collect points on loyalty cards for opting out of the in-room cleaning service if staying for two days or more.  

Both hotel groups are trialling innovative initiatives to increase their sustainability credentials, which is heartening to see.” 

As part of the Green Key accreditation process tourism establishments are offered a comprehensive in-person audit of premises and additional support to help achieve year-on-year environmental improvements and reduce climate-change-causing greenhouse gas emissions. From energy use in hotel rooms and laundry to food waste in kitchens, to how employees work day-to-day - all are areas where advice is offered through the audit process.  

A Green Key audit also provides access to advice on how to make financial savings, such as through more efficient use of energy and resources - vital with the current high level of operating costs.  

Green Key is a way to help businesses showcase their green credentials to a large pool of environmentally conscious consumers. 

Ciprian Uivarosan, Operations Manager at Novotel, said:  

“At Novotel Edinburgh Park, the Green Key accreditation symbolises our dedication to offering guests an elevated hospitality experience that champions sustainability. Your stay with us isn't just a getaway — it's an opportunity to indulge in comfort while supporting our eco-friendly initiatives.” 

Member of the National Green Key Jury, Riddell Graham, commented:

“My congratulations go to the newly eco-certified Green Key sites. It is great to see new hotels coming forward to join the international Green Key family with inspiring and innovative solutions to the challenges they face.   

I would encourage tourism establishments across Scotland to use the framework as a pathway to environmental excellence and sustainable operation and look forward to seeing more applications come to the jury for consideration this year.” 

Green Key certifies a wide range of establishments including hotels, visitor attractions, conference centres, campsites, and restaurants, and helps them meet global environmental standards recognised by the UN Tourism, (previously known as the UN World Tourism Organisation).

Applications for Green Key certification in Scotland receive third-party verification from an independent Green Key National Jury. 

Find out more about how to apply for Green Key on the Green Key webpages. 

Sustainable tourism in Kuwait develops along with the Green Key programme

Under Kuwait Water Association as the new Green Key National Operator for Kuwait, two hotels have received the Green Key certification. 

Kuwait Water Association has recently started the national management of the Green Key Programme in Kuwait. As a pioneering achievement for the hospitality industry in Kuwait, two hotels under the national management have now received the Green Key certification: Waldorf Astoria, one of the luxury hotels in the country, followed by Hyatt Regency Al Kout, a prominent five stars hotel. 

This accolade is a testament to both hotels’ unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for twining luxury and sustainability. 

Kuwait Water Association had the pleasure to hand over the certification to both hotels during two in-house ceremonies: Waldorf Astoria on 12 February 2024 and Hyatt Regency Al Kout on 13 February 2024. All celebrated this prestigious accomplishment in joyful ambiance. 

Both hotels gathered their teams, acknowledged their efforts in meeting all the imperative criteria set by the Green Key programme and proudly endorsed the adoption of more environmentally friendly attitudes in the hotels’ daily operations as well as with the guest communications.  

Mr. Kamal Sirtikirmizi, the GM of Waldorf Astoria underlined the role of the hotel as a pioneer in integrating luxury with sustainable practices and insured that by earning the Green Key certificate, the hotel not only champions environmental responsibility but also encourages others in the tourism industry to follow suit.  

“I worked with that team on the Green Key criteria for sustainability, resources conservation, and environmental education; and I found a highly dedicated group, working hard, in harmony, tackling these tasks seriously and professionally so that the hotel can meet the standards and get the Green Key, this prestigious certification:

This is excellency in dedication and loyalty to their workplace” summarised the National Operator of Green Key in Kuwait while handing over the Green Key Certificate.

Also, Mr. Walid Al Awadly, the GM of Hyatt Regency Al Kout proudly announced that Green Key certification reflects the hotel's philosophy of blending opulent experiences with a profound respect for the planet, showcasing that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. 

The Green Key National Operator congratulated Hyatt Regency Al Kout: “I could feel this belief, this vibrant passion in applying all those environmental guidelines that add to the luxury services provided by the hotel, a tint of respect and responsibility towards nature.

Everybody was involved, really racing against time to learn, perform, incorporate, accomplish, and lead the change towards a more responsible lifestyle.

And congratulations, you succeeded in a record time!”