Beirholm’s bed linen became finalist in the German Sustainability Award

Green Key’s partner, Beirholm, has been a finalist in the Design Category in the prestigious German Sustainability Award with its innovative and sustainable bed linen for the hotel market.

In Beirholm’s first participation in the German Sustainability Award in 2021, the company managed to be selected as a nominee, and then advance as a finalist. Although Beirholm did not win the final award, it showed that their innovative technology is among some of the most sustainable solutions currently on the market.

The sustainable ben linen is called BeirTex^® Q784 and offers revolutionary durability, a light-weight construction, and a sustainable raw materials blend of Fairtrade organic cotton, virgin polyester and 20 recycled PET bottles. Consequently, this 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.

With its Green Button, Oeko-Tex^® Made in Green, and Fairtrade certifications, the supply chain lives up to some of the strictest environmental and social standards - from the cotton farmer and all the way to the finished bed linen.

It is woven in an exclusive, breathable, and soft satin binding quality, which is available in 13 unique designs enabling the laundry partners to cover individual hotel needs while minimizing stop-and-go processing. In addition, the BeirTex^® Q784 bed linen is designed to be upcycle-ready at the end of its usable life enabling it to be turned into fashionable tote bags for shopping purposes.

In the evaluation of Beirholm’s BeirTex^® Q784 hotel bed linen, the Jury of the German Sustainability Award concluded that “… Beirholm not only offers an exceptionally high-quality and modern-looking product that meets even the highest demands, but also assumes a high degree of social and ecological responsibility by adhering to high standards along the entire value chain.”

Beirholm has produced a short movie explaining the sustainable bed linen for the hotel industry: 

Andreas Beirholm, Business Development Manager at Beirholm, says:

“To be recognized for the hard work and extensive research and development of the next generation of BeirTex^® bed linen textiles and have it acknowledged as a holistically sustainable solution by Germany’s most prestigious sustainability award is nothing less than an exceptional achievement. It gives us a unique opportunity to provide our partners with sustainable performance textiles that can further advance the sustainable agenda in the hotel industry.”

The German Sustainability Award is one of the most coveted awards of its kind. According to a recent study by the University of Hohenheim on the importance of sustainability and environmental competitions in Germany, the German Sustainability Award is both the best-known and most coveted award in this field (ranking first in each case).

Green Key signs cooperation agreement with Iceland‘s largest hotel chain

Green Key Iceland has signed an agreement with Islandshotel hf. with the aim that all 18 hotels join Green Key.

Attending the signing, from left to right: Anton Birkir Sigfússon from Klappir Green Solutions, Stefán Karl Snorrason, Erna Dís Ingólfsdóttir, Guðlaugur Sæmundsson from Íslandshótel and Gunnar Á. Gunnarsson from Vottunarstofan Tún. Photo: Islandshotel

At a signing ceremony on 19 January 2022, Íslandshótel hf and Green Key Iceland signed a cooperation agreement to apply for the Green Key in all of their hotels.  

Islandshotel hf. (www.islandshotel.is , translates to ”Iceland‘s hotel“) is Iceland‘s largest hotel chain with 18 hotels and close to 2000 rooms located all around Iceland, most under the name ”Fosshotel“.

Erna Dís Ingólfsdóttir, head of Islandshotel’s HR and quality department, says: “it’s a pleasure signing the agreement with Green Key since responsible tourism is the foundation of Islandshotel’s policies and we wish to lead the promotion of sustainable tourism in Iceland, that is our responsibility”.

This agreement will transform the national availability of sustainably awarded accommodations by making it a choice all around Iceland for the very first time.

Islandshotel hf.‘s CPO, Guðlaugur Sæmundsson says: “The Green Key is an excellent continuation of the work we started a decade ago when our Grand Hotel Reykjavik received the Nordic Swan, in 2012. It is my belief that the Green Key award will make our hotel chain an even better and more desirable choice for our guests.”

Islandshotel hf. is 30 years old this year and has for the past ten years been a pioneer in sustainability and environmental matters in the Icelandic hospitality sector.

Green Key National Operator, Mr Ragnar Thórdarson, says: “We are happy to be entering into this agreement with Islandshotel hf., and we believe that their confidence in Green Key can be a major step forward for the entire hospitality sector in Iceland with regards to responsible and sustainable tourism.”

Denmark's largest hotel chain Small Danish Hotels has entered into an agreement with Green Key

Currently 14 hotels from the Small Danish Hotels group have been awarded with Green Key, and more hotels are joining the programme.

Hotel Vejlefjord

In December 2021, two Small Danish Hotels hotels - Fuglsangcentret and Hotel Vejlefjord - received the Green Key at the latest hotels in the Chain joining the programme.

Fuglsangcentret receives the Green Key

Fuglsangcentret is located in the city of Fredericia, and owned by the Danish Society for the Blind. The establishment is designed for the blind to navigate the building using sounds such as, running water and canaries.

The establishment has earned the Green Key after an application process with great commitment. It is important for Fuglsangcentret to take care of their surroundings and take the environment into account.

The hotel has established solar cells on the roof, completely phased out all weed control and increased the amount of organic food to over 30%. In connection with the renovation of rooms, all light bulbs were changed to LED.

Fuglsangcentret

Green Key to Hotel Vejlefjord

The iconic Hotel Vejlefjord is located outside the city of Vejle. When the establishment was built in 1901, fresh air and exercise were important elements in the treatment of tuberculosis patients, and therefore the large park was laid out in a romantic landscape style with bridges, streams and lakes in the strongly hilly landscape right down to Vejle Fjord. The green areas now benefit the hotel's guests.

The staff at the hotel has been at the forefront with help and ideas when the hotel applied for the Green Key. The National Jury deciding on the award found that the hotel's current efforts and plans for future activities have made it eligible for this certification.

Sustainability and Green Key Workshops in 2022

At the beginning of 2022, Small Danish Hotels and Green Key have arranged a number of workshops for hotels in the chain. The intention is to support the hotels moving forward with the sustainable work so that more hotels of the chain can join Green Key.

At the upcoming workshops, the hotels' knowledge about sustainability and Green Key will be strengthened. At the same time, the aim is to build cooperation and network between the hotels so that they continue to inspire each other and work together on sustainability after achieving Green Key.

The themes include: Workshop 1 - Save money on energy, water, and environmental management. Workshop 2 - Sustainable procurement and waste management. Workshop 3 - The good meal and preventing food waste. Workshop 4 - Sustainability and collaborate with the local area

For more information, please visit: Hotel in Denmark | hotel deals and offers | Small Danish Hotels.

Net Zero Methodology for Hotels

The Net Zero Methodology for Hotels aims to define net zero for the broader benefit of the hotel industry as well as travel and tourism.

Net zero is becoming a real business need and trend, championed by the investor community and embraced by companies and governments around the world.

The methodology has been developed to support hotels and the wider hotel industry as they seek to make net zero commitments and take action against them. It sets out a recommended approach which is relevant for hotel companies of any size but can be adapted as necessary to align with specific requirements of individual companies.

The methodology was developed in a joint initiative between Greenview, Tourism Declares, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), supported by an advisory group of experts from hotel companies around the world, and input from a wide range of stakeholders. It was launched as part of the Glasgow Declaration at COP 26 in Glasgow. This First Edition will be reviewed and updated as the net zero landscape evolves.

The Methodology is supported by a Summary and Practical Guide to Getting Started.

Net Zero Methodology for Hotels (external link)

Net Zero Methodology for Hotels - Summary (external link)

Net Zero Methodology for Hotels - Practical Guide to Getting Started (external link)

Source: Greenview

Top players in the hotel industry build inclusive sustainability framework accessible for all hotels

NH Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group and other leading groups with 25,000 hotels in total, are launching an initiative to set common definition of hotel sustainability to drive responsible travel and tourism.

In a unique cooperation between the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) and leading hotel companies, in consultation with distribution partners and key tourism and travel stakeholders, the hotel industry celebrates a responsible return to business with an initiative to raise the global basic level of hotel sustainability in a clear and transparent manner for all travellers and stakeholders.

The Basic Sustainability framework will critically deliver on a common starting point for hotel sustainability that is accessible to all hotel actors worldwide– whether they are part of large international group or independent hotels. Providing this common understanding for all hotels worldwide with actions that have a positive impact on planet and people will drive real change by stimulating the demand for responsible travel.

The Basic Sustainability framework reinforces and works in complement to SHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, which aims to enable every hotel to improve their impact, whatever their starting point on their sustainability journey, and will encompass four clear stages and practical tools that guide the industry towards a regenerative impact on our planet.

In the coming months, the hotel groups having joined in this initiative, will work in close alignment with the WTTC, SHA and key stakeholders, on finalizing the essential sustainability actions demonstrating positive impact, and collaborate to share tools and best practices with each other and the wider industry to ensure all hotels start on a pathway towards the targets of the COP 21 Paris Accord.

The sustainability basic framework is aligned with main aspirations such as the UNWTO Glasgow Declaration and the UN SDG’s.

Current partner groups include leading hotel companies such as Accor, Barceló Hotel Group, Huazhu including their affiliate Deutsche Hospitality, Indian Hotels Company Limited; Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd. including their affiliates Jin Jiang Hotels, Louvre Hotels Group and Radisson Hotel Group; Meliá Hotels International, and Minor Hotels including NH Hotel Group.

The Basic Sustainability framework has now entered the development phase and will be launched in March 2022.

New Green Key standards take effect from 1 January 2022

Green Key’s new criteria/explanatory notes are valid for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025.

Green Key certified Miskin Manor in Wales

As announced in May 2021, a new set of international criteria and explanatory notes for each of the six categories in Green Key: hotels & hostels, campsites & holiday parks, small accommodations, conference centres, restaurants and attractions (museums, visitor and interpretation centres and theme parks) take effect from 2022.

The new Green Key standards for the accommodation categories (hotels, hostels, campsites, holiday parks and small accommodations) are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, GSTC.  

Some Green Key national programmes (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Jordan, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turkey) have decided to strengthen the national Green Key criteria/explanatory notes compared with the international version. All other national programmes have decided to use the international version directly. You can find more information about the national standards by contacting the relevant Green Key National Operator.

In the new 2022-2025 standards there are various changes compared with the 2016-2021 standards: some criteria are added, some criteria are changed/modified, some criteria have changed status from guideline to imperative, and some criteria have been left out or incorporated into other criteria.

In general, the new criteria have an increased focus on resources/carbon monitoring and reduction, the protection of the biodiversity, the reduction of environmental pollution, and the information and engagement of staff, guests, suppliers as well as the connection with the surrounding community. The full comparison between the new standards for all categories and the previous standard for hotels can be downloaded here.  

For establishments already participating in the Green Key programme, the compliance with the new requirements will come into effect in connection with the renewal of the certification.

If you have any questions regarding the new Green Key standards, please do not hesitate to contact us at Green Key International or your Green Key National Operator.

Green Key announces its Biodiversity Campaign 2022

Green Key will in 2022 focus on a range of activities to assist the hospitality industry in supporting the protection of the global biodiversity.

Green Key’s Biodiversity Campaign is part of the GAIA 20:30 strategy of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the organisation that manages the Green Key programme.

The Campaign runs from 1 January – 31 August 2022 and has a range of various activities. The first activity will be a biodiversity quiz that will be launched on Green Key’s social media on 10 January. Other activities include the collection of best practice examples within biodiversity protection, a biodiversity course in FEE Academy, a series of webinars about protection of biodiversity in the hospitality industry and a “spotting nature” competition for staff and guests at Green Key establishments.

In this video, you can get a quick overview of the various activities in the Green Key Biodiversity Campaign:

On the Green Key website, you can access more information about content and dates for the various campaign activities: Green Key — Biodiversity Campaign 2022. Here you can also read about how the Biodiversity Campaign supports the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Green Care Professional and Green Key continue their partnership

Green Key and the Green Care Professional brand of Tana-Chemie GmbH have renewed their partnership agreement to keep promoting sustainable solutions for washing and cleaning in the tourism industry.

The eco-label Green Key and the Green Care Professional brand of Tana-Chemie GmbH have extended their partnership to 2024. The non-profit run eco-certification for environmentally-friendly accommodations and the Professional Division of Werner & Mertz, the Mainz-based cleaning products manufacturer, joined forces in 2019 to promote sustainable solutions for washing and cleaning in the tourism industry. 

 Green Care Professional is one of the world's leading sustainability brands for commercial building cleaning. The hygiene solutions of Tana-Chemie GmbH are distinguished by their environmentally compatible ingredients and innovative recycled packaging made from used plastic. For its unwavering focus on sustainability in all business areas, the Professional Division of Werner & Mertz was awarded the sought-after platinum medal by the CSR rating agency EcoVadis. That officially puts Tana-Chemie among the most sustainable companies in the world. 

 Performance Calculator: Online calculation of ecological benefits

Collaboration with Green Care Professional delivers real support to Green Key member companies as they work to achieve their sustainability goals. Since 2019 Green Key has made available its stand-alone version of the Green Care Performance Calculator from Werner & Mertz Professional. With the online tool, companies can figure out how much the conversion to sustainable cleaning products reduces their own ecological footprint.   

The Performance Calculator yields concrete data on how many tons of plastic waste, crude oil and greenhouse gases a user can spare the environment by using environmentally friendly products. The tool is available to certified members on the Green Key Website under the heading "Washing and Cleaning".  

"We are very happy that we can continue our successful collaboration with Green Key in the coming years," says Thomas Ulbricht, Head of the Professional Division of Werner & Mertz. "Wherever Nature is destroyed by climate change and pollution, the tourism industry loses one of the most important basics for its business. Therefore, together with Green Key, we will continue our work of explaining to owners and guests the environmental benefits of a functioning circular economy."

About the Professional Division of Werner & Mertz

The Professional Division of Werner & Mertz founded in 1971, offers commercial customers high-performance hygiene solutions under the brand names Green Care Professional and Tana Professional for use in professional building cleaning. Special emphasis is placed on Green Care Professional, the eco brand that stands for integrally sustainable cleaning in the circular economy. The company has long pursued a comprehensive, forward-looking sustainability strategy featuring environmentally compatible and biodegradable ingredients in cleaning products and innovative, recyclable packaging. The entire Werner & Mertz Group is a pioneer for a functioning circular economy far beyond its own industry.

Learn more about the professional division of Werner & Mertz here.

Green Key and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #14

Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments to do their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. In our new feature series we will present each of the 17 SDGs and explain their connection to Green Key. 

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide governments, the private sector and civil society in transforming our world into safer, fairer and more livable place.   

On this page, you will learn more about Goal 14: "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development".

What is Goal 14 about?

According to the UN "Oceans, along with coastal and marine resources, play an essential role in human well-being and social and economic development worldwide. They are particularly crucial for people living in coastal communities, who represented 37 per cent of the global population in 2010. Oceans provide livelihoods and tourism benefits, as well as subsistence and income. They also help regulate the global ecosystem by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and protecting coastal areas from flooding and erosion". In the link above, you can read about the targets and indicators to Goal 14. 

Coastal areas receive the highest percentage of tourists. If not managed sustainably, the tourism industry can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. If this is the case, then the hospitality industry is putting its own business at risk, as clean beaches, thriving marine ecosystems like coral reefs or mangrove forests, as well as healthy populations of marine wildlife are often the very reasons why tourists choose one destination over the other, and they end up being the most at risk when harmful environmental pollution comes into play. 

Tourism establishments can and should play an active role in the protection of the marine environment: if they ensure proper waste and wastewater management, reduce the use of toxic chemicals that could potentially enter the water cycle, and refrain from purchasing endangered seafood, their impacts on the environment will be drastically mitigated.

How does Green Key help to achieve goal 14?

Green Key 2022-2025 criteria are built in close connection with the organisation’s GAIA 20:30 strategy, whereby biodiversity conservation and environmental pollution prevention are two of the main pillars of FEE’s plan for the coming years. SDG 14 is particularly relevant in Green Key’s actions as it addresses key components of the hospitality industry, such as the resilience of marine ecosystems (SDG target 14.2), the need to reduce land-derived marine pollution (SDG target 14.1) and to support regulation against unsustainable over-fishing practices (SDG target 14.4), for example by providing small scale fishers more equitable access to markets and resources (SDG target 14.c).

It is also worth mentioning that Green Key partners up with the Blue Flag programme, also part of the FEE network, in the collective effort to make the tourism industry more sustainable. The Blue Flag programme certifies beaches, marinas, and tourism boats according to a variety of sustainability criteria, so that negative impacts on the environment are reduced, and that education about the role of coastal areas and of the oceans as ecosystems is improved.

Here are some of the ways Green Key contributes to the achievement of SDG 14:

• WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION - High concentrations of nutrients and other pollutants in the water can cause oxygen depletion and fish die-offs in water ecosystems. In Green Key certified establishments, all wastewaters must be treated in accordance with national and local regulations (criterion 4.8), so that the effluent meets the standards for the concentration of such pollutants. The establishment can either be connected to an existing public sewage system or have the wastewater treated in an on-site treatment plant (4.15) and reuse treated effluent for suitable purposes. Furthermore, to prevent excesses of chemicals from entering the water cycle, the use of hazardous compounds in cleaning and gardening products must be minimised (criteria category 5 and criterion 10.1);

• RESPONSIBLE SOURCING OF SEAFOOD PRODUCTS – Establishments are highly encouraged to plan their sourcing of food and beverages to avoid negative impacts on marine and aquatic ecosystems. Local, organic, and fair-trade food products should be preferred, e.g. fish and seafood coming from small local fishers (criteria 8.1, 8.10). Products deriving from protected or endangered species must neither be served, sold nor displayed within the establishments’ premises (8.2, 11.3). Green Key also encourages establishments to inform guests about whether food served in the restaurant is organic, fair-trade, eco-labeled or locally produced, so that customers can make well-informed decisions about their meals;

• SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT – Due to poor waste management and unclosed resource cycles too many tons of plastic and other solid waste end up polluting the oceans every year,. Ocean currents and marine winds move marine litter around the globe, harming not only the local ecosystems but also affecting destinations far away from the pollution source. Aside from the ecological impact marine litter has, it also affects the aesthetic attractiveness of a destination. Clean beaches and safe bathing waters are preconditions for flourishing coastal tourism. Tourism establishments should therefore have a specific interest in reducing the amount of waste they produce and in contributing to a clean destination. To support that, Green Key certified establishments must have waste plans and management systems in place to ensure effective collection, storage, and disposal of residues from their daily operations (category 6 of the criteria).

A document describing Green Key’s overall contribution to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be downloaded here.