Q4U - Quality 4 You -

The Green Key Programme

Green Key is an internationally established certification in the tourism industry, focusing on environmental education and awareness. It is an eco labeling specified for tourism businesses (hotels, hostels, conference centres, campings etc) that meet certain environmental credentials (like records on energy, water and waste). After the certificate is awarded they can use Green Key eco label as a marketing tool.
It is globally recognised, with 2100 awarded hotels in 41 countries. In Greece, so far there have been 138 Green Key certified hotels, including Grande Bretagne, Hilton Athens, New Hotel, Costa Navarino amongst others.

Reasons for the Green Key Award

As the number of environmentally conscious tourists increases (especially within the northern European context), the direct economic benefit stems from creating supply of quality and environmentally friendly services and products. The promotion of the hotel through the website of the international Green Key affiliation www.green-key.org is another important factor to the increase of hotel reservations.
Additionally, hotels that have been awarded the Green Key have realized significant reduction in their operational and maintenance costs, as the management of electricity, waste and water is now more efficient. Last but not least, the application of green practices creates a better working and living environment.

Certification Procedure

Conformity with the programme criteria is verified through control visits, carried out by Green Key representatives with the aim of supporting the businesses in meeting their green objectives.
It is the National Awarding Body (including representatives from the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises etc) that makes the final decision on awarding the Green Key certification. Details of the awarded hotels can be found on the national webpage (2014 awards) as well as the international website (http://www.green-key.org/menu/awarded-sites/greece).