Tourism facilities such as hotels, hostels and conference venues can apply for Green Key certification.

To be Green Key certified, a business should understand and apply Green Key criteria. Once this is achieved and an application is sent to Green Key, a consultant will visit the business and inspect the facilities to ensure that the criteria are met.

If improvements are needed, the secretariat of Green Key will assist the business to devise a strategy in order to meet or improve the criteria.  The business has to provide documentation of their environmental policies, an action plan, information about energy labelling and use of chemicals.

Once the secretariat of Green Key evaluates the business and verifies that all criteria for certification have been met, the case will be forwarded to Green Key's Jury in Denmark for final approval.

Time Frame

The time frame for obtaining Green Key certification varies and is dependent on the business' sustainability efforts, application and documentation. Preparation for Green Key certification and the adjustment period usually takes longer than the approval of the application and the granting of the certification.

How much does it cost to be Green Key certified?

Sustainability should be inexpensive. Membership fees will prove to be a worthwhile investment as Green Key certification will provide assistance and the business will maintain revenue as well as minimise operating costs.

The annual fee for Green Key certification is lower than similar eco-labels. It is also free to apply for Green Key certification.

Fees for hotels, hostels as well as conference facilities:
The annual fee is 4,000 DKK, plus 40 DKK per room, and a marketing fee of 500 DKK.

Example:
A hotel with 50 rooms will cost 6,000 DKK per year, plus the marketing fee.