Expect Green Key Global’s just announced partnership with BWH Hotels to be one of at least several with the hotel certifier in the months ahead thanks to the September news that the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) have signed a Letter of Intent to form a joint venture company that will own and operate the Green Key Global certification program in the United States and Canada. My take is that AHLA and HAC would not have pursued the joint venture without the support of at least some of the major brands.
Green Key Global becomes a preferred supplier of certification for hotel operations environmental sustainability practices in the United States and Canada. BWH Hotels are not required to participate but will benefit significantly if they do so.
As part of the partnership, BWH Hotels in the U.S. and Canada will have access to Green Key Global’s sustainability certification program that is designed to help hotels improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint while also improving guest comfort and satisfaction.
Green Key’s certification criteria are recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and aligned with all 17 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Properties receive an eco-rating through a rigorous assessment and audit process that measures hotel performance in several key areas including energy and water conservation, land use, hazardous and solid waste management, air quality and more.
The program and resources offered by Green Key Global leverage an organization’s sustainability initiatives across properties and brands to increase occupancy, provide cost savings, and reduce carbon footprint—as well as align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
“We are delighted to partner with Green Key Global to further establish sustainability standards across our properties,” said Michael Morton, Vice President of brand Management, BWH Hotels. “Green Key Global is a trusted and recognized organization, and we believe this partnership will enable us to strengthen our commitment to sustainability and provide our guests with an environmentally responsible hotel experience.”
Green Key Global certification complements BHW Hotels’ own Because We Care program which emphasizes charitable initiatives.
