Green Key
Benefits of Green Key
Gives you a comprehensive framework for continual environmental improvement.
Demonstrates your sustainability credentials with a globally recognised award.
Helps your business save money by improving efficiency.
Green Key accreditation can help your hospitality business secure environmental improvements and cost savings.
Public concern about sustainability is growing and many consumers already consider environmental performance when choosing hospitality venues. The United Nations COP26 climate change conference in 2021, hosted in Glasgow, focussed attention on climate action in Scotland like never before.
Climate change will lead to changes in technology, laws and markets that have been described as similar in scale to the industrial revolution. New risks, opportunities and responsibilities will create significant disruption for the hospitality sector, which will in turn create business winners and losers.
As the hospitality sector rebuilds after Covid-19, we have an opportunity to work together towards a green recovery that can benefit both environment and business.
Green Key is the leading global eco-label operating in 65 countries worldwide to support and recognise environmental excellence in hotels, restaurants and venues. In addition to demonstrating your sustainability credentials with a globally recognised award, Green Key gives you a comprehensive framework for continual environmental improvement. And it can help your business save money by improving efficiency.
Discount available
We are currently offering a £500 discount for new small businesses on their first years’ membership fee of Green Key. We have funding for ten businesses available until March 2023 and it’ll be given on a first come, first served basis.
Micro, small and SME businesses within the tourism sector are eligible for discounted membership. All businesses will need to fit one of the six site categories – hotels and hostels, small accommodations, campsites and holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions.
Ineligible businesses:
- Non-tourism businesses
- Non-micro businesses, non-small business and non-SME businesses
- Lapsed members of a Sustainability Certification Scheme Providers’ Scheme who cancelled their membership on or after 1 November 2021.
- Local authority or public body owned or managed businesses Supply chain businesses for events and tourism sectors (e.g. florists, caterers, photographers, chauffeur, taxi services, etc.).
- An individual event or multiple set of connected events.
- Venues that are not open for booking by members of the public (i.e. an exclusive member-only organisation venue).
- Transport providers without a tourism product (i.e. coach hire, car hire, taxi services, boat hire, ferry operators)
- Large educational establishments such as schools, colleges and universities.
- Non-tourism accommodation (non-tourism hostels, workers accommodation and long term lets).
This funding has been secured from Sustainability Certification Scheme Fund for Tourism Recovery by VisitScotland, as part of the Destination Net Zero Programme.
For more information and to make an application for membership please contact us.
Watch our Green Key films
You can also find out more about Green Key in Scotland via our film.
Why Green Key?
- Green Key allows your business to meet global standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and recognised by the UN World Tourism Organisation.
- You will hold an award that is recognised by customers across the world.
- Your business will be audited and assessed, giving you strong credibility and customer confidence.
- You will receive third-party verification from an independent Green Key National Jury.
- Your business will get access to our technical support and advice to help you on your sustainability journey.
We manage Green Key in Scotland on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. Read more about Green Key International participation and policies.
Who can apply?
How to become Green Key certified
- STEP 1: Complete an application form showing how your hotel or venue meets the 13 Green Key criteria areas. (See below for more information on the criteria.)
- STEP 2: Receive feedback on your application and complete any outstanding actions before progressing to the audit stage.
- STEP 3: We will carry out an on-site audit and advise on any actions needed to comply with Green Key criteria.
- STEP 4: Once our auditors believe that you meet the award criteria, your application will go to our independent National Green Key Jury for their decision.
- STEP 5: If successful we will provide you with promotional materials including a certificate and plaque, along with other promotional opportunities.
The award is valid for one year, so you will need to renew on an annual basis, demonstrating evidence on continual improvement.
*On-site audits will take place in year one, two and every third year thereafter.
Katie Murray
Environment and Place Services Manager
