OTTAWA, ON.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced that Green Key Global’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program has achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The awarded status affirms Green Key Global’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism products and services.
Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize lodging facilities committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. Based on the results of a comprehensive environmental self-assessment, lodging facilities are awarded a rating from 1 to 5 Keys, 5 Keys being the highest attainable. In support of their efforts towards becoming a cutting-edge green lodging property, members are provided with education and guidance on how to “unlock” opportunities for reductions in utility consumption, waste, emissions, and operating costs. Additional recommendations and toolkits are included for employee training, staff and customer engagement, supply chain management, community involvement and more.
GSTC-Recognized means that a sustainable tourism standard has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel in order to be deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. Additionally, an organization that meets GSTC requirements must administer the standard. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to recognize and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers.
In Accord with ‘Globally-Recognized Standards’
“Congratulations to Green Key Global for joining the ranks of sustainable certification bodies that display their adherence to the global baseline standards that are the GSTC Criteria,” says GSTC CEO Randy Durband. “Their certificate holders can proudly proclaim that their certification relates to a broad definition of sustainability and is in accord with globally-recognized standards.”
“The achievement of GSTC-Recognized status for the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is an exciting new chapter in our brand’s history,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “For more than twenty years we have worked to educate and support the global lodging industry on its sustainability path and this accolade further highlights the integrity the Green Key program brings to this mission. Adoption of the GSTC Criteria into our program will enable our members to explore a broader definition of sustainability; one that strives to cultivate the interconnectedness of the environment with culture, community, and beyond.”
To date, 24 standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The completion of these step-wise programs rewards standard owners for their commitment to sustainability while offering the market benefit of proof that these national standards adhere to international norms.
The GSTC will continue to work with organizations around the world to provide GSTC Recognition, Approval & Accreditation of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the Approved or Accreditation process in order to showcase excellence in their sustainability frameworks while further distinguishing their standards and processes amongst other certification programs.
Go to GSTC and Green Key Global.
