Green Key present at the 2021 UN Climate Conference (COP 26)

Green Key is proud to be present at the COP26 event “Climate Action - Harnessing the Power of Networks!” highlighting some of Green Key’s activities within climate action.

The 26th UN conference on climate change is held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 31 October to 12 November 2021.

On 2 November at 3.30-5.00pm in the Glasgow Science Centre, Green Key will be present at the Green Zone event “Climate Action - Harnessing the Power of Networks!”. The event is organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with the President of FEE (Lesley Jones) as a keynote speaker and the CEO of FEE (Daniel Schaffer) as moderator. The event will showcase examples of FEE’s contributions to climate action as defined in FEE’s 10-year strategy (GAIA 20:30) as well as examples from the FEE programmes, including Green Key.

The contribution from Green Key at the event includes an interview with Dr. Stefan Hanselmann, Head of Programmes and Cluster Coordinator at the GIZ Office in Siem Reap, Cambodia. GIZ, which is the German Corporation for International Cooperation and FEE/Green Key have, together with a local hospitality school, been cooperating on a joint project to promote sustainable tourism for climate change in Cambodia.

There is also an interview with the General Manager of the Green Key awarded London Marriott Hotel Regent's Park and the Sustainability Chair for Marriott UK, Mr. Alok Dixit, about the work with climate change action in the hospitality industry through the participation in the Green Key Programme.

Join the live event through this link: https://youtu.be/5GCDBPL3_bM

Tobago gains two more Green Key Awards

Recently, the Green Key National Jury of Trinidad and Tobago unanimously awarded two tourism accommodation properties the internationally recognised Green Key.

Adventure Eco Villas and Native Abode became the two newest members of the International Green Key family of certified properties.

Together with Bananaquit and Shepherd’s Inn these four properties in Tobago are currently the only Green Key certified sites in the English-Speaking Caribbean. When deciding to become part of the programme.

lEan Mackay, Owner and Manager of Adventure Eco Villas commented that,

‘It seemed to be what we are all about, setting a strong environmental example to others and being a part of the Green Key programme worldwide made real sense as it endorses our sustainable dreams and efforts over the last twenty years.”

“For us the process was straightforward, since our goals are aligned, and the guidance provided was excellent. The Green Key initiative of sustainable tourism is in sync with our aims at Native Abode, so it was very easy for us to get onboard.”

Green Key demonstrates to visitors that tourist accommodation properties have taken steps to protect the environment and reduce their overall negative impacts. It assures guests that their green activities are genuine and real. Green T&T, the National Operator for the Green Key Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, worked closely with both properties to ensure that each operator was able to meet and, in some cases, exceed each of the criteria set forward. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) has been advocating and empowering local tourism stakeholders to raise the standard and quality of sustainable tourism products.

Director of Product Development and Destination Management, Narendra Ramgulam at TTAL describes it best:

Apart from strong brand positioning, Green Key certification helps tourism establishments to work towards sustainability in a structured way over time - it is phased in its approach and allows property owners time to implement changes annually. It also contributes to the reduction of costs at the tourism establishments, for example through lower energy and water consumption.

While the first four Green Key sites in Tobago are accommodation properties the Green Key standard is applicable to tourism attractions and restaurants as well. The journey has just begun, but Green T&T and TTAL will keep working together to ensure that Tobago continually increases its sustainable choices ensuring the preservation of the island for the future generations of all its travellers and residents alike.

New partnership to reduce food waste is launched by Radisson Hotel Group and Too Good To Go

A new partnership to implement positive actions and fight climate change is announced by one of the world’s leading hotel groups - Radisson Hotel Group, with mobile application Too Good To Go in Europe, which connects consumers and restaurants with unsold leftover food.

Too Good To Go is the #1 anti-food waste app as they state that every year, they are on a mission to reduce the food that typically goes to waste as this surplus food also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, Too Good To Go operates solely in Europe, thus the Radisson Hotel Group hotels in Europe contribute towards fighting against food waste and the negative impact that it comes with on the environment and other resources.

A large amount of food is wasted for numerous reasons throughout the world, from individuals over-ordering and restaurants over-preparing. The new partnership can work alongside the Hotel Groups current aim regarding responsible consumption as their current measures include portion control and enhanced storage for food to encourage food preservation.

The consumer can download the free app and purchase surplus food at a set discounted price. This allows both parties to support conserving the environment through lessening food, energy, and water waste. The destinations involved include but are not limited to Austria, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. These destinations will be able to provide additional food for their local community.

From its commencement, it has been reported that Radisson Hotel Group has prevented 15,367 meals from being wasted, which tallies to a CO² decline of 37.6 tons.

Mette Lykke, Chief Executive Officer of Too Good To Go says: “The latest figures on global food waste from the WWF have discovered the problem to be even higher than previously believed, with 40% of all food going to waste. We need to address this urgently to avoid going backwards on progress we’ve made in recent years. It is through partnerships like this that businesses can make an impact at scale, which we absolutely have a responsibility to do, on the complicated issue of food waste.” 

Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group said: “In light of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Too Good To Go. It strengthens our positive impact and is fully aligned with our sustainability goals, including setting science-based emissions reduction targets This strong partnership across Europe highlights the importance of tackling food waste in reaching the UN’s goal of SDG 12.3, to cut global food waste in half by 2030.”

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 England partners with Hotel360 Expo

Recently, the Green Key England team partnered with Hotel 360 in London. This partnership enabled showcasing Green Key as well as networking among others in the industry to inspire more hotels to join the programme.

Green Key England National Operators Louise Carr-Merino and Lynsey Atherton with Philippe Gonin CEO of AirDrink.

The Green Key England team were delighted to be invited back by Hotel 360 this year to partner with them once more at the event and to reconnect the industry in person. The event took place on 28-29 September at the home of world-leading events, ExCel London. The Hotel 360 Expo provided a 360 view of the hospitality industry, encompassing five topical areas: business growth (finance and marketing), technology, operations, sustainability, and design. 

Green Key national operators from England, Louise Carr-Merino and Lynsey Atherton attended with international partner Philippe Gonin from Drinkable Air in France alongside, and it was great to connect and share best practices among delegates and exhibitors alike. 

“It was great to be back at a live event and meet hoteliers and individuals from various sides of the hospitality industry in person after so long communicating only through a screen. The vibes were positive, and many businesses are ready to embrace more sustainable practices. We can’t wait to start work with the new hotels we connected with at the event and grow the number of Green Key awarded hotels in England as part of a wider national and global action to “build back better” following the global pandemic.” - Louise Carr-Merino, Green Key England National Operator, Keep Britain Tidy

Beirholm and Green Key enter cooperation agreement

Beirholm and Green Key enter cooperation agreement to increase the focus on sustainable textiles in the hospitality industry.

The Danish family-owned company, Beirholm, is the leading supplier of industrial textiles to the rental laundries in Europe, which supplies most of the European hospitality industry.  For more than 150 years, the company’s trendy, Scandinavian textile designs have brought joy and life to Europe’s hotels and their guests.

Today, Beirholm’s innovative and durable BeirTex® textiles are engineered to offer the quality, comfort and CO2e-savings desired by hotel guests while ensuring a high return on investment. And through the company’s holistic approach to sustainability, the BeirTex® textiles live up to some of the strictest social and environmental standards. For instance, the BeirTex® textiles are certified according to EU Ecolabel, Green Button, Oeko-Tex® Made in Green and Oeko-Tex® 100 standards. Combined with the company’s support of The Better Cotton Initiative, their BeirTex® textiles are sustainable from the cotton farm to the hotel room.

And don’t just take their word for it! Recently, Beirholm’s innovative BeirTex® bed linen was nominated for the German Sustainability Award (GSA). The bed linen offers revolutionary durability, a lightweight construction, and a sustainable raw materials blend of Fairtrade organic cotton, virgin- and recycled polyester generated from 20 recycled PET bottles. Consequently, the BeirTex® bed linen reduces CO2-equivalent emissions by up to more than 70% over its entire lifecycle compared to the average hotel bed linen in the industry.

The linen is woven in an exclusive, breathable, and soft satin binding quality, which is available in 13 unique designs and can be upcycled at the end of its usable life.

The goal of the cooperation between Beirholm and Green Key is to focus on using sustainable textiles in the hospitality industry. With Beirholm’s knowledge of sustainable textiles and Green Key’s 3.200 members committed to making an impact, the cooperation seeks to make the hospitality industry even greener.

To watch a brief introduction to our new partner, Beirholm, click here.

Andreas Beirholm, Business Development Manager at Beirholm, says:

“Beirholm develops sustainable and climate friendly performance textiles for the hospitality industry. This makes us a great match with the efforts done by Green Key. We are looking forward to the cooperation and to support the continued greening of the hospitality industry.”

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds:

“In our new Green Key criteria taking effect from 2022, we have increased the focus on sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly products, the reduction in use of resources and the recycling of material after use. Beirholm has these components well incorporated in their business structure, so we are happy to have Beirholm as a corporate partner supporting the industry.”

FEE joins celebrations of this year’s World Tourism Day on ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

On this World Tourism Day, which is dedicated to tourism’s potential to foster and promote inclusive growth, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is celebrating the achievements of its two tourism-related programmes, Blue Flag and Green Key, and their contribution to increasing inclusivity in the tourism sector.

Daniel Schaffer, CEO of FEE

Official message from the Foundation for Environmental Education’s CEO, Daniel Schaffer

As the world’s largest environmental education organisation, with members of all shapes and sizes in every corner of the world, inclusiveness is not only a core value for FEE but also a precondition for the sustainable development of our programmes. By involving multi-stakeholder approaches in our processes and including the voices of different interest groups, our programmes can ensure the long-term success of sustainable tourism development within local communities.

However, we believe that this does not only apply to our programmes, but to the tourism sector in general. Only if we strive for inclusive decision-making processes and empower all members of society can the positive economic and social benefits of tourism really be available to the whole community.

An example of inclusiveness through FEE’s Blue Flag programme is its work with accessibility organisations to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy both the economic and recreational benefits of tourism. For example, the Paradisus brand, manager of two Blue Flag awarded beaches in the Dominican Republic, implemented an inclusion programme that gives work opportunities to people with hearing, visual or motor disabilities, while the programme in South Africa initiated the “Beach Stewards” project for the development and skills-training of unemployed youth for future employment in the eco-tourism sector. Furthermore, the Blue Flag programme promotes accessibility on beaches to make sure that everyone can enjoy them safely.

Photo credit: WESSA

In light of the latest global events, we have once again realised how important the tourism industry is and how many livelihoods directly and indirectly depend on it. Sadly, we have also once again come to witness that the impact of these kinds of events is worst for the most vulnerable members of society. A thriving, strong community must practice an inclusive approach that takes all its members into account and allows them to have a stake in decision-making.  

Similar to how the pandemic affected the most vulnerable groups, so do the critical issues of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, which are at the heart of FEE’s GAIA 20:30 strategy to drive positive change over the next decade. At FEE it is our mission to empower people of all ages, genders, abilities, and classes to be part of the solution and build a future that benefits everyone.

A recent example of how FEE empowers people through education is our project on Education for Sustainable Development in the tourism sector. Within the scope of this project, hospitality professionals in Cambodia received training on sustainable practices to build their capacity to create a positive impact on the local community through their businesses. It was carried out through the Green Key programme in collaboration with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Changing mindsets about inclusivity and tackling the challenges presented in FEE's GAIA 20:30 strategy, through either top-down processes or through grassroot initiatives, requires educational tools and resources for many different audiences.  FEE recognises that education is an essential element for driving positive change and will continue to embed education in all its programmes and initiatives.