Goodbye Tiny Bottles, Hello Dispensers

The Grupo Posadas Hotel Chain in Mexico with more than 150 Green Key awarded hotels has launched a very efficient initiative with the aim of reducing the use of plastic.

A traditional tourism model is now considered unsustainable because of the irrational use of natural resources without improving the tourist offer. Hotels following the traditional model significantly contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, and the management results in the creation of big amounts of waste. When the waste is created in places without sufficient plans for handling the waste, it causes a considerable risk to the environment because of the average degradation of plastic (PET or PETE) being around 500 years. The current pandemic has, in addition, led to an increased use of single-use plastic with increased plastic pollution as a result.

It is, therefore, important that the hospitality industry changes its focus to demonstrate a high commitment to sustainable development. A great example of this commitment is the campaign that the Grupo Posadas Hotel Chain made during 2020 exchanging single amenities to dispensers in the guest rooms of all their hotels.

Before, each room used three bottles of 50 ml in Grand Fiesta Americana hotels and three bottles of 30 ml in Fiesta Inn hotels. These small single-use plastic bottles are now replaced by three dispensers of 300 ml. This initiative significantly reduces plastic waste as each refill replaces 18 single-use bottles in Grand Fiesta Americana hotels and 30 single-use bottles in Fiesta Inn hotels. With the occupancy rate of rooms in 2020 at the hotels of the Grupo Posadas Hotel Chain, this initiative has led to a decrease of 8.8 tons of PET plastic!

The change at these hotels to a more sustainable management practice has not only reduced the plastic pollution and ensured a lower environmental footprint, but it has also led to the supply chain having embraced a circular model approach by ensuring that the products and packaging are being redesigned, and it has resulted in more sustainable destinations receiving less plastic waste. On top of that, it has led to a decrease in operating costs for Grupo Posadas.

The excellent initiative in all the 150+ hotels in the Grupo Posadas Hotel Chain is a great support to the sustainable tourism model promoted in the Green Key programme. The initiative reduces the environmental footprint showing a pathway to a more sustainable management. Green Key and Grupo Posadas would encourage all travellers to choose an eco-friendly accommodation!

Two first establishments in Trinidad & Tobago achieving the Green Key award

The Green Key National Jury of Trinidad & Tobago has awarded the Green Key to the first two accommodation properties: Bananaquit and Shepherd’s Inn, both located on the island of Tobago.

The two establishments in Tobago are currently the only Green Key awarded establishments in the English-Speaking Caribbean.

Commenting on the achievement, Rachel Best, Manager of Bananaquit wrote: “Bananaquit has always tried to operate in a way which has the least impact on the environment. Tobago is still an untouched, unspoiled beautiful island and we want to be a part of keeping it that way. That is what our guests and visitors keep coming back for. We are excited to be approved by Green Key, and we are eager to work together in forging a way ahead for a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Tobago.”

Colin Shepherd, Owner of Shepherd’s Inn, added: “Green Key will play a pivotal role in the sustainability of the hotel. Mainly by protecting the environment, and conserving water and energy. I am happy to be part of that development. It is an honour to be Green

Green T&T, the National Operator for the Green Key Programme in Trinidad &Tobago, worked closely with both establishments to ensure that they met the requirements, and – in some cases - exceed some of the criteria set forward.

Tenisha Brown-Williams, National Coordinator for the Green Key programme in Trinidad & Tobago applauded the achievement and stated: “In spite of the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic to the local tourism sector, Bananaquit and Shepherd’s Inn have both demonstrated remarkable effort in assuring that their operations are environmentally sustainable. Having these properties obtaining the international Green Key award during this difficult period adds credence to the positioning of Tobago as an unspoilt, untouched Caribbean island that is committed to sustainable tourism development, not in word only, but in action. With the imminent restart of global travel, Tobago through the continued implementation of the Green Key programme will gain significant competitive advantage in the minds of the environmentally conscious traveller. Tobago is proving to the world that it is a small island with a big heart for sustainable tourism.”

The Green Key programme is jointly executed in Tobago by Green T&T and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL). For TTAL, the Green Key programme is seamlessly aligned with its ‘Tobago Beyond Ordinary’ brand, and its “unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered” tagline. As an advocate for responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives, the Agency has been working on empowering local tourism stakeholders to project the core appeals of the island, and to raise the standard and quality of sustainable tourism products. To this end, TTAL continues to collaborate with local and international NGO’s such as Green T&T to direct change and development within the industry, while enhancing the sustainability of destination Tobago.

Louis Lewis, CEO of TTAL stated: “With two accommodation establishments attaining Green Key accreditation, it signals incipient signs of a synergy between the private sector and the policy intent to position Tobago as an authentic, sustainable tourism destination post COVID-19. One of the most important facets of this programme is that it raises awareness and creates behavioural changes in guests, staff, and suppliers of individual tourism establishments which has a ripple effect throughout the tourism sector. We endorse this initiative and want to encourage all accommodation providers on the island to consider engaging in this programme, not only for its competitive advantage and positioning, but because it is the right thing to do for the environment.”

One of the fundamental principles of FEE and the Green Key programme is the use of national stakeholders in key decision-making processes. As such, the decision to award an establishment the Green Key certification is made by the Green Key National Jury from Trinidad and Tobago consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation- Tobago House of Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, Department of Environment- Tobago House of the Assembly, Environmental Management Authority, Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute, Tobago Hospitality & Tour Operators Association, Council of Presidents of The Environment (COPE) and Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd.

Green Key announces its new standard for 2022-2025

Green Key is very proud to announce its new criteria and explanatory notes taking effect from 1 January 2022 and valid until 31 December 2025.

Green Key International and the Green Key National Operators have been working on the revision of its requirements for the past 1.5 years. The revision has also included a hearing process involving the hotel chain partners and other external partners as well as encouraging the public and participating establishments to give input to the new standard.

Green Key’s new requirements have an increased focus on carbon emission monitoring and reduction, reduction of waste (including reduction in the use of single-use plastic and food waste), promotion of circular economy and the protection of the local and global biodiversity. The involvement of the staff, guests, suppliers and the surrounding community through information, training and active engagement remain an important position in the new Green Key criteria.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, says: “It is with great pleasure that we can announce the new Green Key criteria/explanatory notes as a result of a long revision process, and I would like to thank all involved for constructive input during the revision period.”

The new standard is valid for the following categories: hotels & hostels, campsites & holiday parks, small accommodations, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions. The criteria/explanatory notes of the accommodation categories are officially ‘recognised’ by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

The new standard has around 120-140 criteria depending on the category with around half of the criteria being imperative and the other half being guideline criteria, and an establishment applying for Green Key must comply with all imperative criteria and an increasing number of guideline criteria depending on the years of involvement in the Green Key programme.

The new international Green Key criteria and explanatory notes can be downloaded HERE. It is now possible for Green Key national programmes to at strengthen/add criteria in relation to the international standard. It is the aim to have national standards published by 1 July 2021 or with six months’ notice.

News from Green Key's corporate partner: Purezza Premium Water

Removing single-use bottled water from your establishment has never been easier!

Purezza Premium Water provides high-quality sustainable water dispensing solutions to thousands of hotels, restaurants and cafés globally. As a leading global provider of drinking water solutions, Purezza offers a complete and comprehensive package to help hotels reduce their impact on the environment.

Purezza Premium Water provides an unmatched level of expertise through our core products and re-usable bottles, complemented by their client support and customer service. The expert team helps venues with practical guidance on the simplest and most efficient methods of setting up their self-bottling operation, from the equipment and serving bottles to cleaning and hygiene best practice. Purezza’s solutions are applicable across various operations where beverages are served. This includes restaurant, bar, conference and event areas, in-room and poolside.

Exclusive offer for Green Key Venues - Sign up with Purezza Premium Water and get these great bonuses with every machine:

• 3 months free rental

• 150 reusable glass bottles

• free installation

For more details; contact Purezza Global Head, Scott Mitchell – scott.mitchell@purezza.com, or your local Purezza office.

Green Key featured in HOTREC’s Business Newsletter

HOTREC (Association of Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés in Europe) has highlighted the Green Key programme in their recent business newsletter.

Since HOTREC published its position paper on sustainability in the hospitality industry that included support for environmental programmes such as Green Key, the cooperation between HOTREC and Green Key has intensified.

Recently, Green Key’s International Director, Mr Finn Bolding Thomsen, had the opportunity to be interviewed for HOTREC’s Business Newsletter. Green Key had the opportunity to explain more about the Green Key system and criteria, highlighting the advantages of joining a programme like Green Key and the connections to the European Commission. You can read the full interview here: https://www.hotrec.eu/interview-with-mr-finn-bolding-thomsen-director-at-green-key-international/.

Green Key also had the opportunity to present the programme at a meeting of the HOTREC Working Group on Sustainability. The members of the Working Group representing various national hotel and restaurant associations received a short presentation about the programme, the structure, the criteria and the application process.

Green Key launches first online course on FEE Academy

As part of the Foundation for Environmental Education’s eLearning platform FEE Academy, Green Key launches its first online course that introduces the programme.

Ever wondered how the Green Key programme has been developed, how the award process works or what the benefits of the programme are?  In our new online course, you will learn all of this - and more!  

The course is designed for tourism establishments that want to apply for Green Key, for staff in awarded establishments that need an introduction to the programme, and for basically anyone who is interested in Green Key.  

It is part of the FEE Academy, an online platform that offers courses which are connected to the Foundation for Environmental Education and its five programmes. To enroll in any of the courses, you will need to create an account. Taking the Green Key Introduction Course is of course free of charge. Once enrolled, you have one month to complete the course.  

The Green Key Introduction Course is only the first of a series of courses that Green Key is planning to offer. If you would like to stay up to date on our available courses, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Social Media Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Green Key growing in Montenegro: Welcome CUE Podgorica!

Green Key is happy to welcome CUE Podgorica in the programme. The establishment located in Montenegro is appreciated for exploring how new technologies can benefit both guests and the environment.

Located at The Capital Plaza, the heart of Montenegro’s capital city Podgorica, CUE Podgorica enjoys a well-deserved reputation of trendy, chic and comfortable hotel with electric atmosphere, good food and excellent service.

But CUE Podgorica is more than just an elegant and vibrant place to be. The hotel also benefits from top-notch technologies used judiciously to monitor and reduce their energy and water consumption. A water leak on the system will be automatically notified and will be fixed within the hour. In guest bedrooms, air conditioning will switch off by itself if windows are opened, lights will turn on with motion detectors in hallways and low consumption light bulbs are used almost everywhere around the hotel.

 Guests can recharge their electric cars using one of the 5 power stations available in the hotel underground parking, go on eco-tours in the Podgorica surroundings or enjoy an electric scooter ride on trails by the Moraca river. All guest information is a simple click away by scanning a QR code and avoiding printing material where possible.

CUE Podgorica represents the avant-garde of the hospitality industry in Montenegro in terms of innovation towards sustainability and we are very honored to count them amongst our new Green Key members. We look forward to seeing how you keep striving for more sustainability in the hospitality industry!

Welcome Landal Middelfart!

The Holiday park Landal Middelfart has received the tourism industry’s international eco-label, Green Key. The holiday park is part of the chain Landal GreenParks, which has a total of seven holiday parks in Denmark.

Since Landal GreenParks came to Denmark in 2018, the holiday park chain has garnered recognition from the international tourism industry for its strong focus on sustainable operation and its efforts for the climate. As a receipt for the green work, the holiday parks in Denmark have been Green Key awarded.

Landal Middelfart will be the chain's sixth holiday park in Denmark to receive the green stamp.

Landal for a greener Denmark

“We are constantly working to make a difference for the climate and contribute to a greener Denmark. This applies in general as an organisation, but also in the daily operation of the holiday parks. Therefore, we are pleased that Landal Middelfart is now joining the list of our Green Key certified parks in Denmark. It is important for us to be able to show our guests that they help to take care of the environment when they choose to holiday with us, and the certification from Green Key contributes to that, ” says Kent Lodberg, Sales and Marketing Manager at Landal GreenParks in Denmark.

Landal took over Sund og Skov near Middelfart

In 2020, Landal GreenParks took over Sund og Skov Conference and Holiday Center, which subsequently changed its name to Landal Middelfart. Already a year after the takeover, Landal Middelfart has been awarded with the Green Key.

About Green Key  

The Green Key certificates serve as a guarantee to guests that shows that the holiday park chain makes a great environmental effort. Strict requirements are set for environmental areas such as water, energy, CSR and sustainable food, in order to achieve the green guarantee. In addition, the certificates require regular inspection visits and ongoing documentation to ensure that all obligations and requirements are met in the holiday parks.

Landal with Green Key in Denmark - and Europe

In Denmark, the chain includes the holiday parks Middelfart, Søhøjlandet, Seawest, Rønbjerg, Grønhøj Strand, Ebeltoft and Fyrklit, all of which offer active family holidays in nature. Since 2018, Landal GreenParks has invested more than DKK 25 million in the development of the parks to ensure sustainable facilities and indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Landal GreenParks also has a goal of being CO2-neutral by 2030. The goal applies to all 99 holiday parks in Europe.

Mattress spring-cleaning without chemicals

The holiday park Landal Bad Kleinkirchheim in Austria found an effective and ecofriendly way to clean their mattresses, peace of mind and sweet dreams for their guests guaranteed. 

Copyright: Landal Bad Kleinkirchheim

After a long winter season without guests due to the Corona pandemic, the holiday park Landal Bad Kleinkirchheim can’t wait to open their doors again. While the tourist industry went into a forced hibernation, the park management decided to make the best out of the time and started their spring- cleaning early this year.  

In February, all of the park’s mattresses were cleaned and disinfected to ensure their guests that they can expect the highest hygiene standards when returning to Landal Bad Kleinkirchheim. And not only that – the cleaning was done without the use of any chemicals, ensuring that it is not only good for the guests but for the environment as well.  

During the processes, the mattresses are put into a cleaning truck that cleans them in four steps. First, they are vacuumed to remove all organic materials. In the second step, the mattresses are irradiated with UC light which kills 99,99% of the bacteria, viruses and mould on the surface. In the third step, active oxygen is used to eliminate the bacteria in the core of the mattress. In the final step, the mattresses are thermally treated to reduce the humidity in the core. The cleaning system is patented by the company SLEEP TIDY.