Ecolab Asia Pacific and Green Key International hold a sustainability industry webinar strenghtening the focus on green hospitality

In partnership with Green Key International, Ecolab, the global leader in water and infection prevention solutions, successfully conducted an insightful industry webinar across the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry.

The event explored the future of environmental responsibilities and the ongoing efforts to reduce the hospitality industry's carbon footprint. The webinar featured a compelling discussion on the growing importance of the Green Key certification programme and the progressive shift toward sustainability in the Asia Pacific’s hospitality industry.

Claudia Bogensperger, Green Key International Coordinator and Project Manager, shared the transformational journey the hospitality industry must undertake to become certified and highlighted the pivotal role Green Key plays in guiding the industry toward a greener future. Claudia emphasised Green Key’s dedication to supporting the industry in adopting environmentally friendly and socially sustainable practices.

The webinar also highlighted Ecolab’s innovative approaches to advancing environmental goals, demonstrating real-world applications of their pioneering solutions designed to counteract environmental concerns without compromising productivity.

Ricarda Schneider, Director for Sustainability at Marriott Asia Pacific (excluding China), and Lionel Kapetanakos, Asia Pacific Vice President for Ecolab, were key voices representing seasoned practitioners in the hotel industry.

Schneider remarked, ‘Marriott’s commitment to sustainable development resonates with the core tenets of the Green Key certification programme. These discussions are more than just a dialogue about the future - they are the groundwork for a shift in our industry's approach to the environment. The hotel sector needs to unite more than ever to develop a common vision for sustainability. Together, we can significantly lessen our overall environmental effect and meet the increasing expectations for sustainable practices by combining our knowledge and resources. Collaborating as an industry is essential to bringing about significant and effective change’.

Lionel Kapetanakos from Ecolab added, ‘This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our mission to forge a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Ecolab's science-based solutions, coupled with the Green Key certification programme, provide a clear path for hotels and accommodations to distinguish themselves as environmentally responsible businesses’.

The webinar united thought leaders, business executives and sustainability champions, fostering a shared vision for a more sustainable and responsible hospitality sector.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $15 billion, employs more than 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. Find out more at www.ecolab.com

Trinidad’s first certified hotel implements effective waste solutions

Hyatt Regency Trinidad has recently become the first hotel in Trinidad to pass the Green Key certification process. In order to meet the Green Key criteria, the establishment had implemented multiple measures to lower its environmental footprint.

L-R: Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Willard Harris, Director of Green T&T, Mr. Cliff Hamilton, Chairman of Trinidad Tourism Limited, June Quashie, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Michael Hooper, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering and Lead of Green Team, Hyatt Regency Trinidad 

To celebrate this success and make the hotel’s committment to sustainability more visible for both guests and employees, a certification ceremony has been organised. On the 22nd of May a Green Key flag was officialy raised and the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

Michael Hooper, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad, remarked:

"We are excited and proud to be the first hotel in Trinidad to be a Green Key certified establishment. This distinction signifies our ongoing commitment not only as part of the growing number of Hyatt hotels worldwide achieving this status, but also as leaders spearheading environmentally responsible practices." 

The hotel had adopted various improvements and strategies to mitigate its negative environmental impacts and comply with the Green Key requirements. That includes incorporating comprehensive recycling programs into hotel’s operating procedures and substiting single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternative.

Also, the energy waste had been addressed thanks to implementing advanced energy-saving systems that reduced the overall energy consumption.

Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering at the hotel, has been the one diligently serving as the hotel's liaison and preparing its application for certification. He commented:

“The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is pleased to have a local operator in Trinidad and Tobago that facilitated and worked together with us to bring the certification to reality. I would definitely encourage other hotels in Trinidad to adopt the Green Key criteria as it would help to lift the sustainability standards of the industry”.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Green T&T serves as the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Green T&T is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Green Key program within the country. Working in partnership with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality establishments, Green T&T promotes sustainable practices, raises awareness about environmental conservation, and drives the growth of ecotourism. 

During the ceremony, the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency by Willard P. Harris, Green T&T Director, who summarised:

“As the first hotel in Trinidad to become Green Key certified, Hyatt Regency Trinidad serves as an inspiration and leader in the industry. After almost a year of preparation and fulfilment of stringent criteria, the achievement is significant, and the hotel now plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry”. 

The CEO of Green T&T, Joanna Moses-Wothke added:

"Chain hotels that prioritise environmental sustainability play a critical role in combating global climate change, while simultaneously achieving cost savings and enhancing their brand reputation. We applaud Hyatt Regency Trinidad for their unwavering commitment to obtaining environmental certification and aspire for it to serve as an exemplary model within the industry. " 

This accolade highlights the hotel's dedication to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. By obtaining Green Key certification, Hyatt Regency Trinidad not only enhances its reputation but also serves as an inspiration for other hotels to pursue similar eco-friendly initiatives. 

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Green T&T

For more information on Green T&T and the Green Key programme, please visit www.green-tt.org or email greenkey@green-tt.org.

If you wish to learn about more initiatives that your business can implement to elavate its sustainability, discover our lastest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments all around the world.

Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance to become the Green Key National Operator for Australia

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is pleased to announce that Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance (“SDA”) is taking over the coordinating role for the Green Key programme on the national level.

SDA has been established to meet the growing demand from venues and travellers in the Australian market for sustainability certification programmes with transparent and rigorous standards in the areas of both environmental and social responsibility. Based on those criteria, a decision to establish the national management of the Green Key programme has been made.

As a registered not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, the core objective of SDA is to empower Australians of all ages and backgrounds to become active environmental stewards through impactful education, engagement, and recognition. SDA hopes to use the stringent sustainability criteria of the Green Key programme as a national benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, with the cornerstone elements for achieving this being:

● Empowerment: To equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make a positive impact on the environment.

● Inclusivity: To strive to reach all Australians, regardless of age, background, or location.

● Impactful Education: To deliver engaging and effective programs that foster environmental awareness and action.

● Engagement: To create opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, participate in sustainability initiatives, and advocate for positive change.

● Recognition: To acknowledge and celebrate achievements in environmental stewardship through the Green Key program.

The SDA team is already actively engaged with the promotion of the Green Key programme. The positive reception and strong interest from various stakeholders are believed to reflect the commitment of industry professionals to creating a more sustainable future for Australian tourism.

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For enquiries please contact: greenkey@austsda.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Foundation for Environmental Education
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 80 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognised for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

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For more information, please contact:

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

Ibis & Adagio Doha joins the certified hotels in Qatar

Ibis Doha and Adagio Doha have recently celebrated its Green Key certification. Upon meeting the stringent programme’s requirements, Ibis & Adagio Doha has joined the group of now 22 hotels in Qatar that currently hold the certificate.

To pass the Green Key verification process, the hotel complex that houses two Accor brands, fulfilled more than 100 international criteria related to environmental management, procurement, team involvement, guest information, water conservation practices, washing and cleaning methods, waste management, energy conservation practices, food and beverage quality, air quality, green landscaping systems and similar corporate, social and environmental activities. The engagement of the hotels in green initiatives and their efforts towards enhancing sustainability in everyday business operations have been validated by an independent audit.

Rajiv Tarcar, General Manager- Ibis & Adagio Doha said, “Hospitality is at the crossroads of many activities, making it an important vector for change. At Ibis & Adagio Doha, we believe that it is our responsibility to shape a more sustainable future of travel. Accor has been a pioneer in bringing sustainable development to hospitality for over 3 decades. The team are absolutely committed towards our green commitments, and towards Qatar’s sustainability goals as well as Qatar National Vision 2030’’.  

Since the hotel’s opening in November 2022, the hotel has used biodegradable wooden room access cards instead of plastic key cards and has reduced the use of ‘single use plastic’ by 70%. Furthermore, the hotel’s culinary in partnership with the food and beverage team has reduced food waste by 20% by implementing a number of changes in cooking methods, revision of menus, buffet replenishment techniques, etc. The hotel has also invested in AI tools bringing in food waste management solutions.   

Environmental Development is one of the four main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. This accolade and certification for Ibis and Adagio Doha is aligned with our commitment to Qatar National 2030 vision. The vision is for Qatar to become an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living to its people.