Discover Green Key
Our programme
Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their establishment adheres to the strict criteria as stipulated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
A Green Key stands for an establishment’s promise to its guests that by opting to stay with them, they are making a sustainable choice. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.
Hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants and visitor attractions are all eligible to apply for Green Key.
5,000+ certified Green Key establishments across 60+ countries.
Explore the interactive map to discover them by category, region or country.
Sustainable Development Goals
Green Key is a leading standard of excellence in the field of sustainable tourism, guiding tourism establishments in doing their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN.
Taking action locally can made a difference globally.
Find out more about how working with Green Key criteria contributes to each of the Goals.
Six Steps to Green Key
1. Green Team
If you haven’t already got a Green Team (or whatever creative name you want to give yourselves) we suggest this is the perfect time to set one up. Ideally, Green Teams have representation from each department and the support of management.
2. Environmental review
Green Key provides a framework for conducting an environmental review. Use the specific criteria for your hospitality business type to find out how you are performing.
3. Action plan
Formulate at least 3 specific and measurable actions that you can work on over the next 12 months with colleagues in your establishment. You can use our action plan template.
4. Complete application form
View the criteria relevant to your establishment and contact us to request an application form.
Check that you can confirm every imperative criteria point (some may be not applicable) and the number of guideline criteria depending on how many years you have held the award. Submit your application along with supporting documents by email to greenkeyapplications@keepbritaintidy.org
5. Audit
For the first two years you apply you will receive an on-site audit by a Green Key expert. After this there are on-site audits every third year, and desk-based audits in the intervening years.
6. Outcome
The decision for the certification is made by an independent third-party.
If you are successful in achieving Green Key, plan who to tell and how - it’s time to shout about your success!
Green Key is valid for 12 months and must be applied for annually.
Green Key has been working with the hospitality industry since 1994 to become the world’s leading eco-label for tourism businesses.
A well established framework for businesses to improve their sustainability standards, developed in partnership
over 30 years.
Read more about the history of Green Key here.
Costs
2024 (Valid until 31st December 2024)
Annual Application Fee: £950 + VAT
On-site Audit fee: £370 + VAT
2025 (Starting 1st January 2025):
Annual Application Fee: £970 + VAT
On-site Audit fee: £380 + VAT
On-site audits take place in years 1 and 2 and then every 3 years after that. All other years are desk-based audits so establishments do not pay the audit fee.
Fees include support for your application and, if successful in achieving Green Key, an award-winners plaque and certificate. Awarded establishments will also have full access to best practices from other accredited establishments in the Green Key network worldwide and full access to the Green Key Toolbox with lots of templates and useful documents. We will also provide full set of digital assets and PR template to promote winning the award to your guests, staff and stakeholders.
There is also an opportunity to purchase a Green Key flag after achieving the award.