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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Assessment and Audit

Travellers

Registering as a Green Key Global member is quick, easy, and can be completed online. Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirming your login information and instructing you on how to access the online self-assessment.

For information on how to become a Green Key Global member, click here.

To meet the requirements in order to become certified through Green Key Global, you must answer all of the Mandatory Questions in a positive manner.

To see the mandatory questions, click here. 

Understanding that not all hotels offer food and beverage services or meeting facilities, a participating property is given the option to opt-out of one or both of these sections prior to beginning the self-assessment. The system is designed to adjust its calculations to ensure a hotel’s score is not affected by opting out of these sections.

The programs and offerings listed on this site are currently only available to hotels in Canada and the United States. If you are interested in obtaining sustainability certification and your hotel is not in our region, we urge you to connect with our international counterpart.

For more information on Green Key’s international counterpart, click here.

Congratulations, you’ve received your Green Key certification! The next step is to promote your sustainability initiatives to staff and guests and maintain and improve sustainable practices at your property. Refer to your personalized reports for tips on improving your rating. To access your toolkit with promotion and process resources, click here.

Green Key Global provides members with an ever-growing roster of tools to support a hotel in promoting its sustainability certification. To access these tools, click here.

If you’d like to find out more about promoting your certification, contact us.

Once your property is certified, you can promote your status on select online travel agency platforms such as Google and Expedia. Most OTAs will update your profile automatically once they receive a report from our system. Some platforms, such as Booking.com, require hotels to take an extra step to update. For more details on how to update your Booking.com listing to reflect your Eco-Rating status, visit the Online Travel Agent Listing section in the Members Area.

A GDS (Global Distribution System) is a worldwide conduit between travel bookers and suppliers, such as hotels and other accommodation providers. It communicates live product, price and availability data to travel agents and online booking engines and allows for automated transactions.

If you do not know your GDS codes, you can search for your property and retrieve your GDS codes easily here.

To enter your GDS codes into your profile, you must log into your account from the Green Key Global Member’s Area. Once logged in, go to the Account tab, and select Update Profile.From there, you scroll down to the Listing Agent Information heading and enter the GDS codes.

  • The chain code refers to the two letters at the beginning of the code ex.WW 485uvvd77
  • The property code refers to the rest of the letters and/or numbers listed ex. WW 89u4rry
  • If you do not have GDS codes (see above question on how to find them)
    type in NA in all the fields

For further assistance please contact us.

Your Green Key Global membership expires one (1) year from the time your property completes the registration. Approximately 60 days prior to your expiry date, you will be issued a renewal reminder along with instructions for keeping your membership up-to-date. For further details please contact us.

Your login and password can be automatically retrieved by supplying us with the email address associated with your account.

If you require assistance, please contact us and a member of the Green Key Global team will be happy to help.

You can update the information on the profile at any point by logging in to the Member’s Area and selecting “update a profile”.

For more staff onboarding assistance as it relates to Green Key Global, click here.

Sustainability claims are verified during the rigorous assessment and audit process. During the assessment, a property must require documentation for many of the questions to ensure accuracy and validity in the answers.

A mandatory audit is then conducted and must be re-done every 3 years to verify the claims made during the assessment process and provide an accurate score for the property.

At Green Key Global, we take the issue of greenwashing very seriously. We understand the importance of ensuring that sustainability claims are not just superficial but reflect real, verifiable actions. Here’s how we combat greenwashing: 

  1. Rigorous Self-Assessment and Audits: Properties complete a comprehensive self-assessment covering energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community involvement. This process is thorough, ensuring that only genuinely sustainable practices are recognized. 
  2. Third-Party Verification: Our certification process includes third-party audits conducted by independent experts. These audits verify the information provided in the self-assessment and confirm that properties are implementing the sustainable practices they report to have in place. 
  3. Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Our self-assessment aligns with all 17 UN SDGs, ensuring that our certification process reflects global sustainability standards and addresses a wide range of environmental and social responsibility issues. 
  4. Continuous Improvement and Guidance: We provide ongoing support, webinars, and resources to help properties enhance their sustainability practices. This includes workshops, guidance on the latest trends, and access to new technologies through vendors, all aimed at supporting sustainable operations. 

Watch this self-assessment walkthrough video

Watch this video on what to expect when preparing for your audit.

Members are strongly encouraged to involve their green, environmental, or
sustainability staff or committees (if applicable), as well as the head of each major
department. Involving these individuals ensures that the answers provided are
consistent and accurate across the entire self-assessment.

The Green Key Eco-Rating Self-Assessment consists of approximately 215
questions related to various areas of sustainable hotel operations. Each question
has been assigned a specific point value based on the environmental and social
impacts a particular action has and its associated impact on guests, employees,
management, and the local community.

Green Key Rating:

  • 1 Green Key – 10% – 19.9%
  • 2 Green Keys – 20% – 39.9%
  • 3 Green Keys – 40% – 59.9%
  • 4 Green Keys – 60% – 79.9%
  • 5 Green Keys – 80% – 100%

It is important to recognize that Green Key Global ratings are awarded based on a percentage range and not every hotel in a specific rating level will be doing exactly the same things. For example, one 3 Key property may have recycling bins in each guest room; another 3 Key property may not have recycling bins in each room but staff separate recyclables from the garbage in the back-of-house area.

In a situation where the question states documentation is required, you must
submit a file in order to properly answer the question. If you have a URL instead of
documentation, you may add that URL to a document (such as a Word document)
and submit the file.

You do not need to complete the assessment in one session, you can pause at
any point and return to it when you are ready. Your progress will be saved, but
ensure you click save before closing the assessment. There can also be multiple
users completing the assessment at the same time.

You can re-take the online assessment as many times as you would like before submitting for an audit. However, once you have submitted for the audit the assessment is locked and you can no longer make any changes. If you have any more questions regarding the audit process, contact us.


Once you have paid for the audit your assessment is locked in and an audit will be scheduled within 90 to 120 days. Before the date of the audit, the auditor will review your submitted documentation. During the audit, the auditor will go through all of your assessment questions with you, then do a walkthrough of the building including guest rooms and areas of operation. If virtual, you will require a phone or tablet and a virtual conferencing program (ie. Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or Teams). Within approximately 20 business days of the audit completion, you will receive a finalized eco-rating score, a performance report with specific recommendations for your property, and your certification and personalized certificate will be made available.

Audits help Green Key Global to verify the validity of the hotel’s self-assessment. In both cases, hotels are expected to upload supporting documentation prior to signing up for an audit. A virtual audit is hosted using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. An in-person audit involves a verifier traveling to the hotel to complete the audit. Both audits are conducted with the same level of rigour.

Note that Green Key Global recommends a virtual audit as it is more cost‑effective and better for the planet as there is no carbon footprint associated with it.

The price of the audit varies based on if a virtual or an in-person audit is selected. A virtual audit costs $500 and an in-person audit costs $2,500 to accommodate for travel costs and carbon offsets.

For hotels outside of Quebec, there is a choice between a virtual or on-site audit.
Hotels in Quebec are advised to complete an on-site audit.

Virtual audits generally take up to 4 hours. Of course, the time spent by the auditor will
depend on multiple factors such as the preparation of the audited facility and/or if the
hotel includes additional areas within the scope of the audit (i.e. conference rooms,
food and beverage, etc.)

On-site audits will take up to 8 hours. Auditor will send an audit plan in advance with
the detailed agenda of the activities to be covered during the assessment.

The person responsible for completing the Eco-Rating self-assessment, plus the
representatives of each area included in the audit plan.

Documents will need to be submitted before or during the audit. Once the audit is
finalized, the process will be considered closed.

Yes, all members will need to be audited to receive their certification. The audit will
need to be re-done every 3 years in order to keep up-to-date with the latest
sustainability standards.

Once your self-assessment is final, you may select and pay for your audit in the “Audit
Payment” tab of your Pre-Audit Checklist. Once the payment has been received, you
may access the “Request Audit” tab to schedule your audit. Please note that the self-
assessment questionnaire will be locked after the audit type has been selected.

Once a member has been audited, they will receive their official certification within 10
days. A property is not considered certified until the audit has been completed and the
results have been sent.

Once the results have been finalized, the certificate will be sent to the member via email along with a performance report detailing accomplishments and how to improve the property’s sustainability performance. The certificate will also be updated and re-sent annually on the first of January and can be accessed at any point on the Green Key Global Members Area by clicking “Download Your Certificate”.

You can also purchase a custom plaque made from sustainable wood to display your eco-rating in your hotel. More information can be found here. If you require assistance, please contact us and a member of the Green Key Global team will be happy to help.

There is no set time limit to complete the process. You can take as long as you need to complete the assessment and schedule the audit. Ensure you save progress along the way if you are completing over a period of time.

Note that your certification is not valid until the assessment and audit process is complete.

You can re-take the assessment and audit as frequently as you would like,however, it is mandatory to re-take every 3 years for your certification to remain valid.

Should you wish to re-take before the 3 years, you will still need to pay for the requested audit.

To re-take the assessment, log in to the Member’s Area and click “Start Assessment” on the dashboard, and will be prompted to either click “Retake Assessment” or “Begin Assessment”.  Once completed, you will be prompted to review the documentation submitted. You can then request an audit which will be booked within 90 days of the request.

Note that previous assessment answers will be carried forward so you will only need to answer the new questions, though it is recommended that you review them to ensure the answers are still accurate.

Green Key Global members who log into the online self-assessment will now have the option of requesting an audit once they have met the requirements (actually completing all mandatory questions, related sub-questions and providing supporting documentation) outlined in the 37 questions that make up the program’s core criteria.  

These mandatory questions will be identified as ‘mandatory’, and members will have the option of either limiting the self-assessment questionnaire to those questions, making them eligible to achieve a baseline certification rating of 1-Key, or completing additional questions to increase their Green Key Rating. 

Members who cannot currently meet a specific Core Criteria question should review the supporting tools and resources provided in the member toolkit. These resources outline practical steps and best practices to help properties implement the required practice. Member services is also available to provide guidance and support to help you meet the Core Criteria before requesting an audit. 

Reminder: Your Green Key rating is not official until the audit has been completed.
Questions about the audit process should be directed to: administration@greenkeyglobal.com

Before booking online, use the search option for “sustainable or eco” hotels. This will provide you hotels that are sustainable. Then look for hotels with recognized sustainability certifications like Green Key Global. These certifications ensure the property meets specific environmental and social responsibility criteria. Green Key Global issues ratings from 1-5 within their Eco-Rating program.

Alternatively, you can visit our website and search for hotels certified by Green Key Global. 

Once you’re at the hotel, you should look for a Green Key Global certificate or a plaque. They could be in the rooms, lobby or you can ask the staff. 

To find a Green Key Rated hotel where you are looking to travel, we invite you to explore the interactive directory, available here.

Look out for the properties with a sustainable filter on booking apps and websites, many of these properties are also Green Key certified!

A property that is certified through Green Key Global has met our standards which are continuously revised and improved to be aligned with latest sustainability standards.

A property certified through Green Key Global regularly goes through s rigorous assessment and audit process in which they are assessed in the following areas:

  • Energy conservation
  • Water conservation
  • Solid waste management
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Indoor air quality
  • Community outreach
  • Building infrastructure
  • Land use
  • Environmental management

For more information on what it means for a hotel to be certified by Green Key Global, click here

Sustainability claims are verified during the rigorous assessment and audit process that a hotel completes during registration and re-takes every 3 years. During the assessment, a property must require documentation for many of the questions to ensure accuracy and validity in the answers.

A mandatory audit is then conducted and must be re-done every 3 years to verify the claims made during the assessment process and provide an accurate score for the property.

To ensure that the hotel’s sustainability claims are genuine, look for third-party certifications like Eco-Rating from Green Key Global, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or ENERGY STAR (U.S.-focused certification for energy efficiency). 

Since not all certifications are created equal, investigate if the certification involves: 

  • Third-party audits
  • On-site inspections
  • Regular recertifications

Certifications from credible organizations often include rigorous evaluation and are publicly verifiable. Hotels committed to sustainability often: 

  • Provide detailed reports or pages on their website explaining their sustainability initiatives. 
  • Share measurable impacts (e.g., reduction in carbon footprint, energy, or water savings). 
  • List partnerships with reputable sustainability organizations 

Travelers can also:

  • Read online reviews from guests who mention the hotel’s sustainability efforts. 
  • Check third-party platforms like Booking.com’s “Travel Sustainable” program for verified practices. 
  • Finally, ask the hotel directly about their sustainability practices. Hotels with genuine claims are usually transparent and willing to share details 

The Green Key Global programs are designed to assist a hotel in determining its current environmental footprint. How a hotel chooses to use the information and recommendations presented in its final report is left to its discretion.

Guest satisfaction is the foundation of the hotel industry. The majority of hotels take customer feedback to heart and have processes in place for timely and effective responses. If you have comments, feedback or suggestions as to how the property could improve its initiatives take some time to complete the customer comment forms, leave a letter, send them an email or ask to speak with the General Manager or Customer Service Manager. Feel free to ask about the hotel’s environmental initiatives if you can’t find information on their website or the in-room directory. Any hotel that is proud of its initiatives will be more than happy to share their successes and challenges with you.

Comments and/or complaints about rated hotels sent to Green Key Global will be filed and retrieved when the hotel due for an audit.

Travelling can have a significant carbon footprint and community impact if travellers aren’t taking the correct measures to ensure they are responsible travellers. We have created an Eco-Responsible traveller guide to assist you in making the best choices for the planet and local communities you visit. To access, click here.

There are multiple ways you can reduce your environmental impact when traveling. The core fundamentals are based on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Here are some of our recommendations:

  1. Choose direct flights 
  2. Choose sustainably certified accommodations 
  3. Pack reusable items (water bottles, utensils, and bags) 
  4. Support local businesses  
  5. Minimize energy use in your accommodations by turning off lights and AC when not needed. 

Staying at a sustainable hotel does not always cost more but several factors can influence the pricing such as hotel’s market segment, location and the extent of its eco-friendly initiatives. 

Many eco-certified hotels offer competitive rates while investing in long-term efficiencies like energy and water conservation, which can reduce costs. 

Contributing to sustainable tourism involves making conscious choices that minimize your environmental footprint, respect local cultures, and support local economies. Some of the ways you can contribute are 

  • Opt for public transportation, walk or bike 
  • Choose direct flights wherever possible 
  • Use hybrid or electric vehicles 
  • Stay at sustainability certified properties 
  • Eat & shop local to support local farmers and artisans using sustainable materials 
  • Avoid littering and reduce waste – Use refillable water bottles & reusable bags 
  • Save energy – turn off lights or appliances when not in use, reuse towels/linens 
  • If possible, calculate your trip’s carbon footprint and invest in carbon offset programs 
  • Finally, share your experiences to motivate others and provide feedback to hotels, airlines and other hospitality operators 

Yes! There are several apps and tools designed to help travelers plan more sustainable trips by focusing on eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, activities, and carbon offsetting. Here are some examples; 

Sustainable accommodations reduce your trip’s environmental footprint, help in food, water and energy conservation, and often enhance your experience with locally sourced meals, eco-conscious amenities, and community engagement opportunities. 

  • Pack reusable items like a water bottle, travel utensils, and a shopping bag. 
  • Choose eco-friendly toiletries and avoid single-use plastics. Packing light also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Use compact gadgets with low power usage and carry solar chargers or power banks.
  • Avoid using paper e.g. maps or notes. Instead, use technology/apps.
  • By thoughtfully packing eco-friendly and reusable items, you can minimize your environmental impact and enjoy a sustainable travel experience! 

Sustainable hotels adopt innovative practices to manage resources to minimize environmental impact, promote efficiency, and contribute to long-term sustainability.  

  • Eco-friendly hotels often employ energy-efficient systems or renewable energy sources. Many opt for innovative technologies like motion sensors, smart thermostats, etc. Some hotels even generate their own electricity through solar or biomass.
  • Many hotels focus on water conservation. They use low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and advanced technology to track and manage water usage.
  • Many hotels now aim to reduce waste. From composting kitchen waste to promoting recycling programs and from eliminating single-use plastics to digitization such as paperless check-in, the goal is to reduce waste. 
  • Many sustainable hotels focus on locally sourced ingredients and take pride in serving organic and seasonal menus. Many even have on-site vegetable gardens. To top it all off, these hotels implement strategies to minimize food waste, such as working with food reuse/recycling charities.
  • Hotels also try to include eco-friendly building designs by leveraging sustainable materials such as recycled steel/wood, energy-efficient insulation, appliances and rooftop vegetation to improve insulation. 
  • Finally, hotels encourage guest engagement and education such as towel and linen reuse programs, on-site EV vehicles, in-room recycling bins and offering guests the option to offset their stay through carbon offset programs. 

Yes, many destinations worldwide are recognized for their efforts in promoting sustainable tourism.

In North America, destination marketing organizations like Visit Tucson or GMCVB (Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau) promote sustainable tourism by motivating and urging hotel members to obtain destinations like Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating.

Destinations like Portland, Oregon, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the United States focus on sustainable practices, including green transportation, renewable energy, and conservation. Similarly, British Columbia and Quebec in Canada emphasize eco-friendly outdoor activities, sustainable accommodations, and indigenous-led tourism experiences. Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta are also models of conservation.