Swisstainable recognises Green Key as a leading sustainability credential in Switzerland

Green Key has now become officially classified as one of the highest-level proofs of sustainability within the Swisstainable programme. This recognition gives the Green Key programme yet another opportunity to support and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Switzerland.

Lago di Saoseo © Switzerland Tourism / Nicola Fuerer

Led by the national Swiss Tourism Federation in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism, Swisstainable encourages and promotes sustainable tourism in Switzerland to both tourists and tourism service providers. The distinctive Swisstainable emblem improves the tourists' experience in the country by simplifying the process of searching for and choosing sustainable tourism operators. With multiple sustainability labels and eco-certificates present in Switzerland, Swisstainable thoroughly revises the criteria and quality standards of all of them. Only those programmes that fully satisfy multiple and strict requirements can become an approved credential for Swisstainable.

Green Key has been acknowledged as one of the leading standards of sustainability, joining a select group of certification programmes that comply with the most rigorous, Swisstainable level III – leading, requirements.

Becoming a level III – leading sustainability credential of Swisstainable signifies that all currently certified Green Key sites in Switzerland can apply and qualify for the highest level of Swisstainable status.

Showcasing their commitment to sustainability, Swiss tourism service providers with the Green Key certificate can join the Swisstainable network of sustainable tourism businesses from all over the country.   

Green Key is delighted to offer this opportunity to the Green Key establishments in Switzerland, as well as to be able to support another sustainability programme that focuses on empowering the tourism industry.

Read more on the Swisstainable sustainability programme here.

Find more details on participating in the Swisstainable sustainability programme as a tourism service provider in Switzerland here.

Green Key and Ecolab x Lobster Ink: harnessing the power of online training

From managers to frontline staff, the whole hotels’ team play a pivotal role in implementing sustainability initiatives, making it crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Understanding this imperative, Green Key has partnered with Ecolab and Lobster Ink, an esteemed online training provider, to create impactful online sustainability training tailored for hotels teams.

Green Key's dedication to promoting sustainable practices aligns seamlessly with Lobster Ink's expertise in delivering high-quality online training. This collaboration aims to educate and inspire individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices, ultimately driving positive change within their workplaces.

The training content developed by Green Key and Lobster Ink encompasses a series of 4 concise yet comprehensive modules that cover various aspects of sustainability pertinent to the hospitality industry. Addressing managers and frontline staff, these courses give practical insights on the importance of planning and communicating sustainability, on how to prompt waste reduction, energy conservation and responsible consumption.

The content is designed to be adaptable, acknowledging the diverse operational contexts within different hotels. Whether it's a boutique hotel or a large chain, the flexibility of the courses ensures that the acquired knowledge can be readily applied in day-to-day operations, making a tangible impact on sustainability practices.

As part of FEE, the core value of Green Key is education. Since its development in 1994, Green Key offers supports and believes in the importance of empowering frontline teams in hotels with sustainability training, as this extends beyond the immediate workplace. When individuals learn to implement eco-friendly practices within their roles, they become ambassadors for sustainability in their communities. Their influence extends to guests, suppliers, and fellow colleagues, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the reach of sustainable initiatives far beyond the confines of the hotel premises. 

The partnership between Green Key and Ecolab & Lobster Ink signifies a proactive approach towards fostering sustainability in the hospitality industry. By harnessing the power of online training, they empower the hotel teams to become catalysts for change, driving the adoption of sustainable practices and shaping a more environmentally conscious future for hotels and beyond. 

About Lobster Ink

Lobster Ink, a division of Ecolab, delivers performance-driven training for frontline employees across the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries. Our award-winning Hospitality Excellence Learning Library, custom content production capability and enterprise-class training platform offer a turn-key training solution that’s trusted by the world’s most remarkable brands.

For more information visit www.lobsterink.com. 

About Ecolab

A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that help protect people, planet and business health. With annual sales of $13 billion and more than 47,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, help maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

For more information visit www.ecolab.com.

Castara Retreats and Hibiscus Heights join the list of certified Green Key establishments in Tobago

Castara Retreats and Hibiscus Heights have recently been added to the list of internationally certified Green Key hotels in Tobago, bringing the total number of certified properties on the island to seven. In addition, Native Abode has achieved its second certification, a remarkable accomplishment. The Green Key programme, implemented by National Operator Green T&T in partnership with the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), has been instrumental in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism and hospitality industry.

©Tobago Tourism Agency Limited 

 Coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key is a global voluntary eco-certification programme. The certification process evaluates various aspects of an establishment's operations, including environmental management, energy conservation, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainable practices. With over 4,400 certified hotels and establishments across more than 60 countries worldwide, Green Key is recognised as the leading standard for excellence in this field.

The recent certification ceremony took place on November 21st and 22nd, where Castara Retreats, Hibiscus Heights, and Native Abode received their well-deserved Green Key certificates along with plaques and flags that proudly display their commitment to sustainable practices. This celebration marks a significant milestone for Tobago tourism as it prioritises eco-friendly initiatives that benefit visitors and the local environment.

Since 2018, TTAL has invited all tourist sites, accommodations, attractions, and restaurants in Tobago to participate in the programme. Participating sites can receive a comprehensive assessment from Green T&T and work towards meeting the esteemed Green Key standards. The sites are audited, and the Green Key National Jury reviews their applications. Upon achieving full compliance, these sites are awarded Green Key certification for one year. This rigorous process has established Green Key as one of the most reputable eco-labels worldwide, trusted by prominent chains such as Radisson, Marriott, Accor, and Hyatt.

©Tobago Tourism Agency Limited 

The Tobago Tourism Development Limited (TTAL) has issued this statement:

With seven (7) Green Key-certified properties, there are now more accommodation options for the eco-conscious visitor to Tobago. This sets Tobago apart from other countries in the English-speaking Caribbean. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited is committed to promoting the Green Key programme to increase the awareness and adoption of the sustainable practices inherent in the certification.

Together with programs such as the Tobago Recycling Resource Initiative and legislation such as the Waste Management Rules, 2021 and the Wate Management Regulations, 2021, which lay out guidelines for reducing waste generation and exercising environmentally sound management of waste, Tobago is on the way to being more widely known as a destination where sustainable environmental measures are commonplace.

For Castara Retreats, the journey to certification was most impactful, with their sustainable approach supported by staff members and the community. The owner of Castara Retreats, Steve Felgate, cited

Green Key is an excellent validation of priorities that we have been long-term committed to at Castara Retreats. We plan to continue setting and achieving targets year after year and for our passion to protect and enhance the environment to be shared by guests, staff and all our local and international partners. We are super excited to share this journey with others. Our strategy for sustainability, to be published in early 2024, is now our top business priority.

Hibiscus Heights is a small but ambitious accommodation provider that has surpassed many criteria and eagerly anticipates reaping the rewards of its efforts. Owner and Manager of Hibiscus Heights, Mike Walmsley, said,

Technology can offer excellent advantages and help reduce our carbon footprint; as an example, we installed wifi controlled remotes for all our air-conditioning units; this enables us to turn off the units when guests forget and leave on leaving for the day, without having to go into the apartments. We can also reset the temperature any time from an app on the phone, even if we are not on the premises.
The savings are a win, win.

©Tobago Tourism Agency Limited 

Native Abode is well-acquainted with the process and remains enthusiastic about the program. Here's what they had to say:

We have always strived to use our comparative advantage to make current and future gains in our business. This includes producing fruits and vegetables in an organic way, practising energy and water conservation, pre-ordering breakfast to reduce wastage, and using appropriate technology to eliminate printing. Green Key has provided formal recognition of how we do business. So, being Green Key certified means how we do business protects the environment and promotes sustainable prosperity, which resonates well with the growing climate conscious market.

Adventure Eco Villas, Bananaquit Vacations, House of Grace, Tropical Apartments, and Shepherds Inn in Tobago have received Green Key certification. As the National Operator for this programme in Trinidad and Tobago, Green T&T continues to collaborate with hospitality and tourism establishments across both islands to recognise and commemorate their existing sustainable initiatives through participation in the esteemed Green Key programme.

For more information on Green T&T, please visit www.green-tt.org or email greenkey@green-tt.org Telephone contact: 1-868-358-1708.

Increasing presence of Green Key in Colombia reflecting a positive step toward Sustainable Tourism

ACODAL, the Asociación Colombiana de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental is taking over the work as National Operator in Colombia. The main focus areas of the NGO are to promote the development and strengthening of the Water, Sanitation and Environment sectors through national and international representation, the dissemination of knowledge, as well as the management and execution of projects in these areas. The launch of the Green Key programme reflects a significant step towards aligning the country's tourism industry with global sustainable practices. The general shift towards more sustainability in Colombia is also reflected by different hotel chains starting to put more efforts in to the certification of their hotels in the country.  

One of these chains is the Minor Hotel group, international hotel owner, operator and investor with currently more than 530 hotels across the world. Minor Hotels, a growing chain with extensive experience in the hotel market, has excellent locations for business and leisure travellers and is continuously working to achieve its objectives in terms of Sustainability and Social Responsibility. In Colombia, Minor Hotels can now showcase that they are rigorously following their objectives, through the certification of four NH hotels in Bogota:  The NH Collection Bogotá WTC Royal hotel, the NH Collection Bogotá Andino Royal, the NH Collection Bogotá Teleport Royal and the NH Collection Bogotá Hacienda Royal. Minor Hotels’ group will continue its efforts to increase the number of hotels that obtain the certification in 2024. 

NH Collection Bogotà Hacienda Royal

Oscar Restrepo, general manager of the Andean region of the Andean region of Minor hotels, explains in connection to the hotel group's objective of developing a sustainable and responsible business that has a positive impact on the planet.  

“We are very pleased to have obtained Green Key certifications in four of our hotels in Bogota, thanks to the good practices applied in the hotels, which include recycling actions, environmental certifications, energy efficiency, partnerships with third parties to promote green initiatives and training for our employees, among others." 

The NC Collection Bogotà WTC Royal Hotel

Besides that, Accor, one of the largest global hotel chains which has signed a global cooperation agreement with Green Key at the beginning of 2023, is putting more focus on certifying their hotels in Colombia and Latin-America as a whole. As part of their goal of certifying all Accor hotels by 2026, the first two hotels in Colombia, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara and Hotel Boutique Bovedas Santa Clara have been certified with Green Key in December 2023. 

Celebrating the First Green Flag Awarded EcoCampus in Cambodia

In November 2023, the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule became the First EcoCampus in Cambodia and the first vocational hospitality school globally to receive the Green Flag Award.

Just over a year ago, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) joined forces for the Improved Competitiveness of National Enterprises (ICONE) project, which aims to increase sustainable tourism in Cambodia. By leveraging synergies between FEE’s EcoCampus and Green Key programmes, staff from vocational training schools, their students,  personnel and managers from the tourism and hospitality industry in Cambodia, were trained and supported to implement sustainability measures in their corresponding institutions/businesses, including the Green Key certification.

This past June, Green Key International Coordinator and Project Manager, Claudia Bogensperger travelled to Cambodia to participate in a regional conference on sustainability in tourism and to deliver an introductory course on sustainable tourism to three hospitality schools in Cambodia, including the school Ecole d’Hotellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule in Siem Reap.

Founded in 2002, as a project of the nonprofit organisation Formation et Progrès-Cambodge, the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule, has successfully established itself as one of the most renowned vocational schools for hospitality and tourism in Cambodia, having trained over 4,000 Cambodian future tourism professionals.

Last month, FEE’s Senior Director of Education, Pramod Kumar Sharma travelled to Cambodia to award the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule, making it the first EcoCampus in Cambodia and the first vocational hospitality school globally to receive the Green Flag Award. In order to receive the Green Flag Award, EHT Paul Dubrule had to successfully embed sustainability initiatives not only into their curriculum but also into the overall operation of the school. EHT Paul Dubrule is a unique example that illustrates how tourism and hospitality, vocational training and sustainability can successfully work together.

We congratulate the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule on their achievement and look forward to seeing the further development of the sustainable tourism sector in Cambodia.

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About FEE:

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 recognized 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.  

Jet2holidays and Green Key entering global partnership

Green Key is pleased to announce to have entered an official partnership with Jet2holidays, the UK’s largest tour operator.

To ensure that customers can continue to enjoy amazing holidays, Jet2holidays has published its ‘Jet2 Net Zero’ sustainability strategy setting the company on a path to net zero by 2050. To help achieve this goal, Jet2holidays has identified Green Key as one of two preferred international certification programmes.

Green Key is a leading eco-certification programme for hotels and other establishment categories with currently more than 4,800 certified establishments in over 60 countries worldwide. The certification is based on compliance with a strict set of internationally recognised criteria that are regularly controlled for through on-site audits and a subsequent independent third-party verification process. The Green Key programme is managed by the international nonprofit organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and its national member organisations across 80 countries.

The announcement is in line with the commitment of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to become one of the leading brands in sustainable air travel and package holidays.

Thanks to this partnership with Green Key International, over 800 hotels in the Jet2holidays catalogue can now be easily identified as a ‘Certified Sustainable Hotel’. This means that it will be easier for customers interested in more sustainable holidays to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, Jet2holidays is encouraging and supporting more hotels to gain the Green Key certification through a new Sustainable Hotel Charter which they have launched.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “As well as enjoying the award-winning experience of Jet2holidays, customers want to know their holidays are more sustainable. The launch of this cooperation empowers customers and independent travel agents to easily search and book with exactly that in mind. We are seeing more demand for sustainable hotels and, as we work with our hotels to help them become more sustainable through our new system, this collection of sustainable hotels is guaranteed to become even bigger and better. As a responsible airline and tour operator, we have already taken many tangible steps on our journey to reach our sustainability targets and today is the latest example of how we are continuing our work to become more sustainable in the air, on the ground and in resort.”

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Director of Green Key International adds: “We are pleased to see an increasing interest in the Green Key Certification also from major tour operators. Through our partnership with Jet2holidays, we look forward to having hotels working with Jet2holidays certified with Green Key in order to have more guests enjoying tourism in a sustainable manner.”

Marriott Hotels Reach Milestone in United Kingdom

Throughout the summer of 2023, Marriott International in the United Kingdom achieved a significant milestone as every hotel within the group's managed portfolio obtained Green Key certification.

Hotel Courtyard Exeter Sandy Park

Marriott’s hotels embarked on their Green Key journey several years ago, initiating their commitment to environmentally-conscious properties in the South of England, over time involving those in the midlands and northern England, Wales, Scotland, and the provinces. Now, all 58 properties have gone through the rigorous application and audit process, meeting the standards set by the  Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Joanna Chugh, Area Vice President for UK, Ireland and the Nordics, explains;          

I am so proud of all our hotels’ green champions and their commitment to driving sustainability, which has made this achievement possible.

This achievement establishes Marriott as a leader in sustainable hospitality within the UK. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first global brand to attain this milestone, with all of its managed hotels meeting independently set sustainability criteria.

The portfolio of managed Marriott hotels across the UK varies greatly, from the historic Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory Country Club set in 300 acres of private parkland, to the upmarket city centre Glasgow Marriott Hotel and 5-star luxury at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. All Green Key certified establishments can be found on the Green Key interactive sites map.

Emma Whitlock, Green Key National Operator in England, says:

This is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates Marriott's commitment to sustainable operations and environmental education, and also the huge effort from hotel teams to successfully go through the rigorous application and audit process. Congratulations to everyone involved!

1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County

2. Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club

3. London Marriott Hotel Kensington

4. Leeds Marriott Hotel

5. Delta Hotels by Marriott Liverpool City Centre

6. Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

7. Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

8. Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey

Mercure Bali Legian Achieves Milestone as Indonesia's First Green Key Hotel

Through the adoption of sustainability-focused strategies aligned with established criteria and skillful management of diverse challenges, Mercure Bali Legian proudly stands as the first Green Key certified hotel in Indonesia.

Strategically positioned along Legian's main street and within a short stroll of the famous Kuta and Legian beaches, vibrant nightlife, a plethora of restaurants, and Seminyak's renowned shopping district, Mercure Bali Legian hotel has embraced an environmentally conscious ethos. This is largely due to the exceptional dedication of its staff, who are committed to making a meaningful contribution and revitalising best practices for sustainability.

The Mercure Bal Legian particularly focuses on environmental preservation and is committed to managing the environment sustainably with a holistic system, following programs from the Accor Group and the Green Key criteria. The property engages in a range of initiatives to enhance its environmental performance. These efforts encompass favoring the purchase of local and eco-friendly products, adopting measures to eliminate single-use plastics, incorporating local food and vegetarian options in the menu, waste sorting, collaborating with a foundation to donate surplus food to those in need, and partnering with Urban Compost, a company that ensure that all collected food waste turns into high quality compost through aerobic composting system.

The Mercure Bali Legian actively partners with local communities, authorities, and organisations to promote the development of a sustainable environment. Furthermore, the hotel maintains its dedication to advocating for guests and continuously enhancing eco-friendly practices.

Florent Michaud, the General Manager of Mercure Bali Legian, says:

We are thrilled to be a part of the Green Key Program, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a comfortable experience for our guests while minimising our impact on the environment. Our team has worked diligently to implement sustainable practices throughout our operations, and this recognition serves as a testament to our dedication.

Green Key International Coordinator, Claudia Bogensperger adds:

We at Green Key International are absolutely thrilled that Mercure Bali Legian is our first certified hotel in Indonesia. This achievement is a significant leap forward not only for the hotel but for the entire tourism industry in the country and the broader Southeast Asian region. It showcases a commitment to sustainability that sets a shining example for others to follow.

To learn more about the Mercure Bali Legian, please click here.

Palazzo Ripetta Hotel in Italy obtains the Green Key certification

Good environmental practices in the heart of Rome, capital of Italy, between history, art and zero impact

A few steps from Piazza del Popolo, Via del Babuino and Via del Corso, in the famous street of the same name, is Palazzo Ripetta, a 5-star hotel where history, art and sustainability come together harmoniously. A story that begins in the 60s of the last century, when the entrepreneur Alberto Ginobbi enhances the cultural value of the historic building by starting an important renovation together with the architect Luigi Moretti.  

Palazzo Ripetta embodies a new concept of hospitality and hospitality: at the center green and sustainability. And to the numerous achievements of more than a century of history, Palazzo Ripetta today adds the achievement of the Green Key certification. The focus is on the choice of totally renewable energy, air conditioning with low environmental impact, on the choice of eco-sustainable materials throughout the hotel.           

The installation of the BMS (Building Management System) service involves an effective and efficient use of energy while minimizing waste. The structure does not use gas, but 100% energy. The percentage of LED lighting is 100% of the total illumination. Each customer has access to their room with an electronic key.  

The cleaning products used have a low environmental impact: ozone stabilized in aqueous solution patented by Tersano, which is a simple and very sustainable system. The use of plastic is reduced to a minimum inside the structure: neither plastic bottles nor cups are used for guests; Strictly glass bottles and containers are preferred with the adoption of the returnable vacuum policy. The stationery products are all strictly green, the laudry bags exclusively in fabric, the collection is differentiated in each room and throughout the hotel. The products are seasonal and come exclusively from the Made in Italy tradition. The proposals to tourists are always zero impact.  

The structure is in constant interaction with the environments and guests, aware and informed about the many eco-friendly activities implemented in the daily management. All Palazzo Ripetta employees are regularly trained on the good sustainability practices chosen and adopted by the hotel. Particular attention is paid to environmental performance through the integration of a systematic and constant working method, which has led to the consequent reduction of the impact on the environment. 

The guidelines are fully met and reflect the environmental values promoted by the Green Key certification.