“ISSD” Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities” NGO becomes the Green Key National Operator for Armenia

The Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) member organisation in Armenia, “ISSD” Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities” NGO is establishing the national management of the Green Key programme in the country. 

©Jonathan Anderson

ISSD NGO was established in 2017. Since then the organisation has implemented over 20 projects across the country, working in 4 main domains: Environment and Agriculture, Education and Capacity Building, Financial Facilitation, and Community Development & Citizen participation, ISSD has served over 310,000 people and partnered with over 800 organisations and educational institutions.

Its mission is to promote sustainable development through innovative projects in waste management, agriculture, education, circular economy, business, and women empowerment. ISSD follows these values in its everyday activities:  

• Environmental Care: prioritising the preservation of Armenia's environment;

• Education & Empowerment: educating and empowering for change;

• Innovation for Impact: using innovative solutions to address environmental, social, and economic challenges;

• Community Collaboration: uniting communities for a bigger impact.;

• Accountability & Transparency: taking the responsibility as governors of the resources; 

• Equality & Inclusion: promoting gender equality and inclusion; 

• Sustainability Focus: working for long-lasting impact. 

©Jonathan Anderson

Currently the team is working on the development of the Green Key and Eco-Schools programmes in Armenia to further promote sustainability and environmental actions in the country. ISSD will follow Green Key’s high-quality certification requirements to transform Armenia into a sustainable tourism destination giving a new boost to the industry. In addition, the team is currently creating a Green Key Steering Committee to support ISSD in the implementation of the program. 

A new National Operator in Malta after the Malta Tourism Authority’s endorsement for the Green Key programme

The Green Key programme has regained a National Operator for hotels in Malta and Gozo, following the Malta Tourism Authority’s recent endorsement of Green Key as one of the schemes that will replace the current eco-certification scheme for hotels.   

Nature Trust – FEE Malta officially reclaimed the role of coordinating the Green Key certifications on a national level on the 12th of March 2024. The event was attended by many special guests, including Mr Carlo Micallef, the CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, who opened the ceremony. Three presentations were given by Ms Fatima Viera, the Green Key National Operator from Portugal, Mr Pedro Teixeira from the Green Key certified Neya Hotels chain in Portugal, and Mr Vincent Attard, the Executive President of Nature Trust – FEE Malta and the new National Operator for Malta for Green Key. 

The event also included a workshop session on the Green Key criteria and the compliance obligations facilitated by Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, who have been appointed as the national auditors for Green Key in Malta.    

Commenting on the recent collaboration with Green Key, Mr Vincent Attard said:

“We are delighted once again to represent Green Key in Malta. As FEE representatives locally for over 22 years, we felt it was only natural for us to take on this additional programme to further strengthen environmental performance and education in the Maltese Islands. We feel that Green Key is a truly holistic international eco-certificate as it does not just promote environmental improvements but also addresses social and cultural aspects too.  Another important aspect for us is its environmental education side”.  

Adi Associates will be responsible for conducting the annual audits and assigning the Green Key certificate to compliant hotels. Mr Adrian Mallia, Managing Director at Adi Associates, described the opportunity as “a challenging one, yet one we are prepared for. Having audited hotels under the national eco-certification scheme for over 15 years and being an ISO14001 certified company with qualified environmental auditors, Adi Associates has the relevant experience and expertise to work with Green Key to ensure a transparent and veracious certification process for as many Maltese establishments as possible. “

More information on Green Key can be obtained from the Green Key website: https://www.greenkey.global/.  Information on the Green Key certification programme in Malta can be obtained from the Green Key Malta website: Green Key Malta, or by contacting Nature Trust Malta - FEE:  info@naturetrustmalta.org  

Argentina starts the implementation of the Green Key programme on a national level

FEE Argentina, the Argentinian member of the international Foundation for Environmental Education, has announced the commencement of the Green Key eco-certification programme for the hospitality and tourism industry, with first hotels ready to start the application process.  

Thanks to its incredible nature and rich cultural heritage, Argentina is already a renowned and widely appreciated tourist destination in South America. An opportunity to encourage the sustainable transformation of the industry is an important milestone for FEE Argentina.  

The Green Key programme will help to raise awareness of responsible and conscious tourism and hospitality among both business operators and visitors, so future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the country. Respectful use of natural resources will be promoted, as well as the appreciation for local products and reduction of waste, water usage, and carbon footprint. The Green Key programme not only validates the sustainability standards of tourism establishments but also offers support and knowledge essential to fully comprehend and adopt good practices. Six hotels from the NH chain have already expressed their readiness to start the certification procedure.  

Green Key will be operated by FEE Argentina along with the other programmes that are already present in the country: Blue Flag for the sustainability of beaches and seaside resorts, and Eco Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment, both aimed at raising environmental awareness within the education sector. 

"We believe this is an important beginning to help the whole tourism sector with not only hotels but also restaurants, small accommodations, holiday parks, conference centers, and camping sites being more sustainable and amicable with nature" said Francesca Abeltino, Director of FEE Argentina. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, the International Director of Green Key, said: “We are excited that FEE Argentina has decided to take this step and become a National Operator for the Green Key programme. It will certainly open the door for many new certifications in the country, thereby promoting environmental and social responsibility and sustainable business operations.” 

Swisstainable recognises Green Key as a leading sustainability credential in Switzerland

Green Key has now become officially classified as one of the highest-level proofs of sustainability within the Swisstainable programme. This recognition gives the Green Key programme yet another opportunity to support and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Switzerland.

Lago di Saoseo © Switzerland Tourism / Nicola Fuerer

Led by the national Swiss Tourism Federation in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism, Swisstainable encourages and promotes sustainable tourism in Switzerland to both tourists and tourism service providers. The distinctive Swisstainable emblem improves the tourists' experience in the country by simplifying the process of searching for and choosing sustainable tourism operators. With multiple sustainability labels and eco-certificates present in Switzerland, Swisstainable thoroughly revises the criteria and quality standards of all of them. Only those programmes that fully satisfy multiple and strict requirements can become an approved credential for Swisstainable.

Green Key has been acknowledged as one of the leading standards of sustainability, joining a select group of certification programmes that comply with the most rigorous, Swisstainable level III – leading, requirements.

Becoming a level III – leading sustainability credential of Swisstainable signifies that all currently certified Green Key sites in Switzerland can apply and qualify for the highest level of Swisstainable status.

Showcasing their commitment to sustainability, Swiss tourism service providers with the Green Key certificate can join the Swisstainable network of sustainable tourism businesses from all over the country.   

Green Key is delighted to offer this opportunity to the Green Key establishments in Switzerland, as well as to be able to support another sustainability programme that focuses on empowering the tourism industry.

Read more on the Swisstainable sustainability programme here.

Find more details on participating in the Swisstainable sustainability programme as a tourism service provider in Switzerland here.

Green Key and Ecolab x Lobster Ink: harnessing the power of online training

From managers to frontline staff, the whole hotels’ team play a pivotal role in implementing sustainability initiatives, making it crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Understanding this imperative, Green Key has partnered with Ecolab and Lobster Ink, an esteemed online training provider, to create impactful online sustainability training tailored for hotels teams.

Green Key's dedication to promoting sustainable practices aligns seamlessly with Lobster Ink's expertise in delivering high-quality online training. This collaboration aims to educate and inspire individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices, ultimately driving positive change within their workplaces.

The training content developed by Green Key and Lobster Ink encompasses a series of 4 concise yet comprehensive modules that cover various aspects of sustainability pertinent to the hospitality industry. Addressing managers and frontline staff, these courses give practical insights on the importance of planning and communicating sustainability, on how to prompt waste reduction, energy conservation and responsible consumption.

The content is designed to be adaptable, acknowledging the diverse operational contexts within different hotels. Whether it's a boutique hotel or a large chain, the flexibility of the courses ensures that the acquired knowledge can be readily applied in day-to-day operations, making a tangible impact on sustainability practices.

As part of FEE, the core value of Green Key is education. Since its development in 1994, Green Key offers supports and believes in the importance of empowering frontline teams in hotels with sustainability training, as this extends beyond the immediate workplace. When individuals learn to implement eco-friendly practices within their roles, they become ambassadors for sustainability in their communities. Their influence extends to guests, suppliers, and fellow colleagues, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the reach of sustainable initiatives far beyond the confines of the hotel premises. 

The partnership between Green Key and Ecolab & Lobster Ink signifies a proactive approach towards fostering sustainability in the hospitality industry. By harnessing the power of online training, they empower the hotel teams to become catalysts for change, driving the adoption of sustainable practices and shaping a more environmentally conscious future for hotels and beyond. 

About Lobster Ink

Lobster Ink, a division of Ecolab, delivers performance-driven training for frontline employees across the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries. Our award-winning Hospitality Excellence Learning Library, custom content production capability and enterprise-class training platform offer a turn-key training solution that’s trusted by the world’s most remarkable brands.

For more information visit www.lobsterink.com. 

About Ecolab

A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that help protect people, planet and business health. With annual sales of $13 billion and more than 47,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, help maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

For more information visit www.ecolab.com.

Jet2holidays and Green Key entering global partnership

Green Key is pleased to announce to have entered an official partnership with Jet2holidays, the UK’s largest tour operator.

To ensure that customers can continue to enjoy amazing holidays, Jet2holidays has published its ‘Jet2 Net Zero’ sustainability strategy setting the company on a path to net zero by 2050. To help achieve this goal, Jet2holidays has identified Green Key as one of two preferred international certification programmes.

Green Key is a leading eco-certification programme for hotels and other establishment categories with currently more than 4,800 certified establishments in over 60 countries worldwide. The certification is based on compliance with a strict set of internationally recognised criteria that are regularly controlled for through on-site audits and a subsequent independent third-party verification process. The Green Key programme is managed by the international nonprofit organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and its national member organisations across 80 countries.

The announcement is in line with the commitment of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to become one of the leading brands in sustainable air travel and package holidays.

Thanks to this partnership with Green Key International, over 800 hotels in the Jet2holidays catalogue can now be easily identified as a ‘Certified Sustainable Hotel’. This means that it will be easier for customers interested in more sustainable holidays to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, Jet2holidays is encouraging and supporting more hotels to gain the Green Key certification through a new Sustainable Hotel Charter which they have launched.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “As well as enjoying the award-winning experience of Jet2holidays, customers want to know their holidays are more sustainable. The launch of this cooperation empowers customers and independent travel agents to easily search and book with exactly that in mind. We are seeing more demand for sustainable hotels and, as we work with our hotels to help them become more sustainable through our new system, this collection of sustainable hotels is guaranteed to become even bigger and better. As a responsible airline and tour operator, we have already taken many tangible steps on our journey to reach our sustainability targets and today is the latest example of how we are continuing our work to become more sustainable in the air, on the ground and in resort.”

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Director of Green Key International adds: “We are pleased to see an increasing interest in the Green Key Certification also from major tour operators. Through our partnership with Jet2holidays, we look forward to having hotels working with Jet2holidays certified with Green Key in order to have more guests enjoying tourism in a sustainable manner.”