What's Happening?
Green Key, a prominent sustainability certification body in the hospitality industry, has announced updates to its certification criteria and processes, set to take effect from October 1, 2026. These revisions aim to align with ISO standards and the European Union's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive. The updated framework is designed to provide clearer guidelines for sustainability performance and streamline the certification process internationally. Green Key is also seeking accreditation from the Danish National Accreditation Body to ensure its certifications remain credible within evolving legal frameworks.
Why It's Important?
The updates to Green Key's certification criteria are crucial as they reflect the growing emphasis on sustainability
within the hospitality industry. By aligning with EU standards, Green Key ensures that its certifications remain relevant and credible, which is vital for hotels and tourism operators seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. This move also highlights the increasing regulatory pressure on businesses to adopt transparent and verifiable sustainability measures. For U.S. stakeholders, this could mean adapting to similar standards to remain competitive in the global market.
What's Next?
As the new criteria take effect, hospitality businesses will need to review and potentially adjust their sustainability programs to comply with the updated standards. Green Key plans to enhance support for applicants to facilitate smooth transitions to the new requirements. The organization will continue to engage with stakeholders to promote the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry. Additionally, the pursuit of accreditation will be a key focus to maintain the credibility and recognition of Green Key certifications.
