Green Key featured in The Historic Traveller magazine

The Historic Hotels of Europe publication has dedicated a page to the eco-label certificate, highlighting the recent changes in the Green Key programme.

Historic Hotels of Europe that promotes an incredible collection of hotels, manors and palaces throughout Europe has now published the third issue of its Historic Traveller magazine, with a page dedicated to the Green Key programme. In the article, the Green Key’s International Director, Finn Bolding Thomsen, reflects on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospitality industry and Green Key’s role in supporting the certified hotels and other categories in the hospitality industry during these challenging latest years.

“During this uncertain time, we have supported our Green Key awarded establishments by showing flexibility in the certification process and by running campaigns that were tailored to the needs during the pandemic”, explains Finn Bolding Thomsen, adding that due to the recent worldwide events, the climate crisis is further becoming a top global concern.

The set of Green Key international standards for establishments is also highlighted in The Historic Traveller issue since the criteria have recently been strengthened to increasingly focus on the reduction of carbon emissions and pollution and the protection of biodiversity. Ultimately, the goal is to continue sharing the best practices of the certified establishments, as the Green Key International Director emphasises:

“Our ambition is to support our participating establishments through training, webinars, and other supporting tools […]. We also want to increase awareness of the guests visiting Green Key certified accommodation through information and involvement during the visit as well as promotion of the sustainability efforts through social media”.

Lastly, the Historic Traveller’s article on Green Key also addresses the intention of the eco-label organisation to join the Glasgow Declaration, which aims for a net-zero future by 2050.

More details on The Historic Hotels of Europe can be read here.

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.

Green Key partners with Greener Guest to help businesses source ethical and sustainable hospitality supplies

Green Key partners with Greener Guest as they aim to bring together the worlds’ largest marketplace exclusively for ethical and sustainable hospitality supplies.

Greener Guest is an online store which supplies hospitality businesses with ethical and sustainable items and arms them with the information they need to transform the sustainability of their operations.

Next to their online shop, Greener Guest provides advice, tips and information regarding sustainable actions to reduce single-use plastic, whilst providing a variety of products with transparent descriptions. This provides a practical solution for hospitality organisations in order to be more conscious of the products they purchase whilst also being able to save time and money. Examples of informed decision-making include being aware of where materials and products are sourced from, how products and packaging can be appropriately disposed of and being aware of the rights of the workers in the supply chain. 

Greener Guest do not see themselves as solely an e-commerce platform for sustainable products, as they also consistently encourage their users to review their purchasing behaviour and to consider implementing more efficient processes instead of using products to prevent unnecessary waste. Additionally, they offer a knowledge hub with downloadable resources e.g. standard operating procedure templates which businesses can use to switch from single-use to reusable products.

Green Key is proud to partner with Greener Guest as we hope to implement sustainability into hospitality businesses together. Similarly Greener Guest states:

“Greener Guest are delighted to be partnering with Green Key and look forward to sharing our expertise and insight with members through a series of webinars and by offering special discounts on loads of great products across our site”.

For more information, please visit their website at: https://www.greenerguest.com/

FEE member organisation takes on Green Key programme in Japan

The Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies (JARTA), the new Green Key National Operator for Japan, is an organisation that is committed to delivering high-quality tourism products and services.

“Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies, JARTA, is thrilled to be a part of the FEE global family. As we are growing steadily with the members comprising travel agencies, tour operators, and other interested parties in the tourism industry, there is also an increase in demand to seek reliable and like-minded accommodation facilities that unite all of us under the name of responsible and sustainable tourism.” says Masaru Takayama, Green Key National Operator for Japan.

He adds: “We see huge opportunities in working with the Green Key programme as welcoming more responsible travellers is now the national agenda. In addition, Japan boasts of having 35,558 km of coastlines, the 6th longest in the world. We feel responsible to keep our beaches and marinas/ports clean as the oceans and seas have been supporting our diet for thousands of years. Should you plan to travel to Japan, do not hesitate to contact us because our members can offer a unique and responsible holiday that you have always been dreaming of.” says Masaru Takayama from JARTA.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, highlights: “We are very happy to have the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies as a FEE member organisation. Their work in the responsible tourism industry is important to us and makes JARTA a good fit as the entity responsible for the Green Key programme in Japan. We believe Japan is a remarkable country which needs to be protected and it is vital that the hospitality industry contributes to the responsible actions in Japan through Green Key.”

For more information about Green Key in Japan, please contact the Green Key National Operator, JARTA, Masaru Takayama via phone: +81(0)75-406-7700, e-mail: takayama@eco-tourism.jp or through an online form on their website: https://jarta.org/en/

Green Key accredited Marriott hotel outlines their current sustainable practices and links with the net-zero campaign

The general manager Mr. Franco Vella of the Sheraton Tel Aviv hotel in Israel shares his experience implementing sustainable practices throughout the hotel and how this supports the recently announced Marriott Net-Zero campaign.

What influence will the net-zero target have for your hotel (which changes do you foresee and when)?

We are already doing a lot of eco-conscious initiatives in the hotel, so this is a continuation for us as we are not starting from the bottom. In 2017 we started renovations to become more sustainable; this included changing all the pipe-works so there is no loss of energy if the pipes were old or damaged, plus changing windows to keep heat in. Additionally, we changed to IPM to reduce our consumption of electricity so it is sourced from cleaner methods. Furthermore installing VRF units to use air-conditioning exclusively in areas where it is needed to control the consumption. As well as installing energy-efficient lighting throughout the whole building which has been converted but also to ensure replacements are done to continue being eco-conscious. We also utilise solely already generated fuel for our hot water needs as we try to use the heat generated from air conditioning. Our kitchen equipment has begun to be adapted into more energy-efficient and this will be finalised by the end of the year. 

How can your work with Green Key support the net-zero target?

Green key is very important to us, Green Key advocates to ensure we are always improving our efforts and continuing to make environmentally conscious endeavours. We have stopped including guest utilities in bathrooms and our suppliers do not use any single-use plastics, to ensure the item inside is still sustainable and not plastic and rather a tear box is used to confirm to the guest the product has not been used previously for Covid-19 reasons. We have likewise eliminated plastic water bottles and instead are using glass bottles which we send back to a partner organisation to be refilled. A new project we are working on involves the installation of electric scooters which are run through an app that allows guests to take a tour and so the guests will not use public transport but the tour can take them to areas which large bus tours usually cannot reach. 

As a result of working with the net-zero target, what differences will guests experience at your hotel and how will the local community be involved?

As previously mentioned, this is a continuous process for us, a priority is also that we try to minimise the impact on the guest. With the introduction of glass water bottles, the guests initially complained about not receiving a plastic bottle, however as we explained our reasoning and the importance of the change they understood and were fine with it. We think it is important to inform and try to change the guest's habits and perspective, the guests appreciate the changes we make and know this will be a positive impact on the environment.

We also sell any unused furniture which is in good condition and is sold to community centres so people with different needs are still able to utilise the furniture. An example is that we donated a substantial amount of furniture to an organisation looking after soldiers with PTSD so they can gather together. This also helps the hotel as the furniture which is sold to larger companies, the funds received from the sale is used to assist their associates if they are dealing with any difficulties. 

For more information contact: National Operator for Israel; michal@ecoocean.com

Google announces travel feature to improve the booking experience for eco-conscious travellers

Google has added a new feature to its travel site, making it possible to see whether a hotel is eco-certified or not. Green Key is one of the certification programmes used by Google Travel.

The feature allows tourists to distinguish whether a hotel is committed to contributing towards sustainable methods, the hotel is aware of their environmental impact and take responsibility and participate in sustainable practices.

Whilst searching on Google Travel for a hotel to stay in, the options on the list displayed will show a tag that states "eco-certified" next to a green leaf. This leads to travellers being able to identify hotels that take upon sustainable efforts and practices.

However, not all eco-certified hotels are featured as the tool is optional for hotels that opt-in to self-reporting. The eco-certified establishments would need to adhere to a set of practices provided through an accredited independent organisation such as Green Key.

How to use the feature:

1. On google.com/travel, search for hotels.

2. Select a hotel with an "eco-certified" label.

3. On the hotel's detail page, select the About tab.

4. Scroll down to the "Sustainability" section.

5. Find hotels with sustainability practices.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that not all establishments participating in sustainable practices are also eco-certified. Google provides a list of twenty-nine reputable green programs, which the hotel selects the one applicable to them which they are contributing to alongside adhering to external on-site audits. Next hotel staff add the hotel to the listing through the free Google My Business Profile.

This new feature enables tourists who are mindful of their environmental impacts while travelling a simpler booking experience. Among travellers desiring further transparency against greenwashing, which has become increasingly popular alongside the desire to locate eco-friendly hotels, the new feature is anticipated to be well received from tourists.

The Alex Hotel in Ireland to receive the Green Key award

The Alex Hotel is committed to ensuring guests have a comfortable stay and receive a high-end experience while still being environmentally conscious through limiting guests energy and water consumption.

The Alex Hotel in Dublin City centre is an award-winning Irish establishment with an iconic industrial and 1950s finish throughout the hotel. The Alex Hotel is part of the O’Callaghan Collection, which involves a group of five high-end and boutique hotels in Dublin and Gibraltar. All hotels have recently completed refurbishments to provide their guests with memorable stays in easily accessible locations.

Additionally, the O'Callaghan Collection are passionate about being aware of their environmental impacts. Thus, the Alex Hotel participates in sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment. The group is committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling, water conservation, awareness and education, reduced energy consumption, community initiatives and energy management initiatives.

The Alex Hotel is committed to ensuring the guests have a comfortable stay and receive a high-end experience while still being aware and making a conscious change to limiting guests and employees' energy and water consumption.

Furthermore, the hotel also ensures that the food they use in the restaurant is all sourced from local suppliers to reduce incurred food miles. They are similarly partnering with suppliers who partake within practising with Green policies. Another example they have shared includes using renewable energy for their electricity and using lighting bulbs in rooms and around the hotel, which are created to save energy.

 Learn more about the hotel here.

Agreement with Drinkable Air renewed to reduce water consumption and the disposal of plastic water bottles

Green Key is happy to announce the renewal of its agreement with Drinkable Air Technologies LLC. Drinkable Air products support a lower environmental footprint by reducing water consumption from other sources and minimizing the production and disposal of plastic water bottles.

Drinkable Air Technologies LLC is a US-based Emerging Growth Technology Company that designs, manufactures, assembles and distributes Atmospheric Water Generators ("AWG's"). 

The AWGs of Drinkable Air, Inc. create an unlimited supply of pure drinking water from "the moisture in the air". The purity, freshness, and taste of the water produced are superior to expensive bottled water options, easily demonstrating the cost savings. Drinkable Air products are now in 40 countries.

Today the company offers three scalable (from 10 litres to 280 litres of water per day) products that can extract humidity from the atmosphere. The technology utilizes condensation principles (the same way nature creates rain) to create water where there is no water. These units do not require plumbing or piping. The water is produced, stored and purified by a process that ensures the water is free of bacteria, viruses and impurities and has a superior alkaline value. Water is then dispensed from the units to the end-user as needed.

Further information about Drinkable Air can be found on their website: www.drinkableair.tech

Green Key to contribute to specialisation course on sustainable tourism in Cambodia

In collaboration with École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule (EHT) and the German agency GIZ Regional Economic Development Program IV (GIZ RED IV), Green Key on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education is offering a specialisation course on sustainability in tourism and hospitality to tourism professionals in Cambodia.

Copyright: Visme

Tourism and hospitality, one of the largest industries worldwide, currently faces many challenges, among them the responsibility to become more sustainable. When international tourists start returning to Cambodia, quality standards will be essential, and actors in the tourism and hospitality sector should start developing quality sustainable practices. As the awareness to make sustainable travel choices increases, seeking innovative principles for long-term sustainable solutions for the hospitality and tourism industry is of vital importance.

To stimulate a continuous stream of new ideas and best practices, we invite tourism and hospitality actors to join this short specialization course in collaboration with the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule (EHT), the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and the German agency GIZ Regional Economic Development Program IV (GIZ RED IV).

The course explores the conceptual foundations of sustainable development and discusses existing challenges in the context of Cambodia.

On behalf of FEE and Green Key, Isabel Lissner, International Green Key Coordinator, will facilitate one out of three modules of this course, focusing on the concept of sustainability, sustainable tourism and eco-certification in tourism and hospitality.

“We very much welcomed this opportunity as it is part of Green Key’s strategy to collaborate with educational institutions to integrate sustainable tourism and eco-certification in the curricula of hospitality schools and universities. In this way, we can ensure that the new generation of tourism professionals is well aware of how to build a sustainable industry that benefits the guests, host community and our planet”.