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.

The Hilton Lake Como joins the Green Key programme

Following the Hilton hotels in Milan, Venice and Rome, the Hilton Lake Como hotel receives the Green Key certification.

Within walking distance of Villa Olmo, lush parks and the lakefront, the hotel is ten minutes from the city center and can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Sophisticated and contemporary, full of style and charm, the Hilton Lake Como is not only luxury and relaxation: its reserved dimension well integrates and reflects the surrounding landscape, the lush nature and the splendid Lake Como. Hilton, on the other hand, is a guarantee of excellence, as is the rigor of Green Key, a quality standard in the field of sustainable tourism, which guides tourist facilities to play their part in achieving the 17 sustainable development goals established by United Nations.

The facility shows a strong focus on environmental issues and commitment to the implementation of good sustainable management practices, in accordance with Hilton's policy and the Green Key imperative criteria.

The hotel is undertaking many actions to further improve its sustainability performance. Its purchase policy is based on the choice of sustainable and local products, while the menu offers seasonal and vegetarian options. Understanding that holistic nature of sustainability, the Hilton is establishing partnerships with local authorities and associations to promote the territory, while also making guests an active part in the implementation of good practices.

The sustainable approach of the hotel is made possible by the fundamental support of the staff, which is always aware and constantly updated on good practices to be implemented in the daily management of routine activities.

Thanks to the hotel's collaboration with Caritas, basic necessities are provided to the needy people of the city, and the partnership with the non-profit association Imperfect raises awareness among guests on the importance of breast cancer prevention.

Hilton Lake Como is an excellence of the hospitality sector and, joining proactively the Green Key programme, it is also confirmed as a champion of sustainable tourism, inclusiveness, and enhancement of the territory.

Three new Green Key-certified properties bolster Tobago's sustainable tourism efforts

Green T&T and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) proudly announce the addition of three more Green Key-certified properties to its portfolio.

L - R: Wendell Walker - Director Product Development & Destination Management |Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd; Jade Nivet- Office Manager| Bananaquit Vacations; Aljoscha Wothke - Chairman, Green T&T

Bananaquit Vacations, Tropical Apartments, and House of Grace have all successfully achieved their certifications, bolstering Tobago's reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. These properties join the esteemed ranks of Shepherd's Inn and Adventure Ecovillas, bringing the total number of Green Key-certified sites in Tobago to five.

Bananaquit Vacations, a trailblazer in sustainable hospitality, is delighted to receive its second-year Green Key certification. Situated amidst lush tropical gardens in Crown Point, the property offers guests a tranquil escape while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Bananaquit Vacations has implemented numerous eco-friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient practices, waste reduction measures, and extensive recycling programs, to minimize its ecological footprint.

Tropical Apartments located in Scarborough, has also earned its second-year Green Key certification. This eco-conscious establishment goes above and beyond to provide guests with an exceptional experience while safeguarding the island's delicate ecosystem. By implementing water conservation measures, and engaging in community outreach programs, Tropical Apartment exemplifies the principles of sustainable tourism.

L-R: Aljoscha Wothke - Chairman, Green T&T; Gillian Gibson, Owner| Tropical Apartments; Wendell Walker - Director Product Development & Destination Management |Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd

House of Grace, a new addition to Tobago's Green Key certified properties, has already made significant strides in environmental sustainability. Nestled in a serene setting in the Buccoo area, this property seamlessly combines comfort and eco-consciousness. House of Grace is committed to resource efficiency, waste management, and responsible tourism practices. With its Green Key certification, the property further establishes its commitment to preserving Tobago's natural wonders for future generations.

L-R: Wendell Walker - Director Product Development & Destination Management |Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd; Gracelyn Chance, Owner| House of Grace; Aljoscha Wothke - Chairman, Green T&T

Ms. Alicia Edwards, Executive Chair of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, expressed her delight at the continued growth of Green Key-certified properties in Tobago, stating

“The Green Key certification is a natural fit and durable competitive advantage for destination Tobago. We congratulate the successful properties and pledge the continued support of the Agency for the expansion of Green Key certification on the island.”

Green T&T, the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and custodian of the Green Key program in Trinidad and Tobago, commended the newly certified properties for their commitment to sustainability. Mrs. Joanna Moses-Wothke, Chief Executive Officer of Green T&T, remarked

"We are proud to witness the growth of the Green Key program in Tobago and celebrate the exemplary efforts of Bananaquit Vacations, Tropical Apartment, and House of Grace. Their dedication to sustainable practices sets a remarkable example for the hospitality industry in the English-speaking Caribbean."

With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich biodiversity, Tobago has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of nature and relaxation. The addition of Bananaquit Vacations, Tropical Apartment, and House of Grace to the Green Key-certified properties not only enhances the island's allure but also underscores Tobago's commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices. For more information on Tobago's Green Key-certified properties and sustainable tourism initiatives, please visit Green Key T&T – Green-TT.

About Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL):  The core mandate of the TTAL is to lead the (re) development of the island’s tourism product and the marketing and (re) positioning of Tobago as a premier island destination founded on the principles of sustainable development. In order to fulfill its mandate, the TTAL works with and through public and private sector stakeholders and partners in the aviation, cruise and hospitality sub-sectors.

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About Green Key: Green T&T is the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Trinidad and Tobago. As custodian of the Green Key program, Green T&T is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the eco-label within the country's tourism industry. Green T&T works in partnership with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality establishments to promote sustainable practices, raise awareness about environmental conservation, and drive the growth of eco-tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. For more information on Green T&T, please visit www.green-tt.org or email greenkey@green-tt.org Telephone contact: 1-868-358-1708 or 1-868-497-9705

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Green Key is proud to announce the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Basics

“Thousands of hotels, destinations and OTAs support Hotel Sustainability Basics.”

“Inaugural partners include destinations, major international hotel groups and tourist resorts.”

“Research shows that almost all hotels are aware of their responsibility to the planet”

© WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched the Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) at the ITB tourism fair in Berlin, Germany.

With Green Key as one of the main verifiers, Basics will enable tourist accommodation providers from around the world, regardless of their size, to begin their sustainability journey.

Basics, an industry-backed scheme, is a globally recognised set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible and sustainable travel and tourism.

Basics focuses on an achievable starting point and it is meant to encourage all accommodation providers to begin their sustainability journeys and meet the fundamental standards required of our sector.

Made up of 12 key criteria, the Basics is accessible to all hotels to implement. Green Key recognizes the importance of Basics as a stepping-stone to more advanced sustainability schemes, such as the Green Key programme, and achieve greater sustainability across the industry.

Basics has also been recognised by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as the starting point for a net positive industry, who announced the latest version of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.

Verification Scheme

In order to ensure the validity of the programme, WTTC partnered with Green Key and SGS to develop a simple online verification system to allow hotels to provide evidence and ensure they are following the Basics.

The verification scheme enables hotels and other tourist accommodation to be officially verified for meeting eight of the 12 criteria in the first year and demonstrate their commitment to working toward all 12 of the criteria by year three.

Together, the criteria ensure the sector is eco resilient and adaptive to the changing needs of the planet.

Hotel Partners

Six major international hotel groups, collectively representing tens of thousands of sites from around the world have now joined Basics as inaugural partners. The first hotel groups include well-known brands such as Accor, Jin Jiang International, Louvre Hotels Group, Meliá Hotels International, Meininger, and Radisson Hotel Group.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “We are incredibly proud to launch our Hotel Sustainability Basics and its verification scheme. The initiative is a response to the sector’s need for a baseline for hotels and other tourist lodgings to introduce the exacting sustainability standards.

“Our research shows that most business owners are aware of their responsibility to the environment but need a step-by-step guide that is scientifically verifiable.

“It is testament to the need for such a scheme that already thousands of hotel properties from around the world have committed to implement Basics, and from today can begin the verification process.”

Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Security & Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group said “Hotel Sustainability Basics is filling a new and unanswered demand in the hotel industry: to provide a solid, trusted, and clear label for essential hotel sustainability. It’s important we define responsible travel to preserve the planet and protect communities. With Hotel Sustainability Basics we offer the traveller a clear sustainable stay option for all types of hotels around the world.

“Radisson Hotel Group commits to implement Hotel Sustainability Basics in all its 1,100 hotels by 2025. We do this together with our shareholder Jin Jiang International, their affiliate Louvre Hotel Group and other major hotel groups and destinations around the world.”

Green Lodgings Trend Report

WTTC carried out an extensive international benchmarking exercise through the Green Lodgings Trends Report, learning from 27,000 accommodation providers on how they are currently fairing against the 12 criteria.

Crucially, this benchmark will allow WTTC to track the progress of Basics over time.

Almost 100% of accommodation providers implement at least one initiative to reduce inequality and 96% have adopted linen reuse programmes.

The report also showed many hoteliers are establishing sustainable practices but there is still a way to go for these to become common across the sector.

Two-thirds of those surveyed have already begun to eliminate the use of certain single-use plastics such as straws and implementing other waste reduction initiatives.

Emerging practices were also highlighted in the report.

Almost half of respondents have replaced small plastic toiletry bottles with bulk dispensers and a third now provide vegetarian options for every course in their food and beverage provision.

Find more about the verification process at Green Key — Sustainability Basics Verification Scheme

Learn more about Hotel Sustainability Basics at wttc.org