Join Green Key

Application Process

The Green Key application process consists of three parts

1. Sending the application documents
2. Receiving on-site audits
3. Decision by an independent entity (third-party verification)

For a short video about the Green Key Application Process, click on the video below:

1. Application documents

• Ahead of the first certificate, the applicant establishment sends in a completed application form and all required supplementary documents.
• Ahead of subsequent certificate, the applicant establishment sends in updates to the application material.

2. Audits

• On-site audits are carried out in year 1 (before receiving the certificate), year 2 and thereafter every third year.
• Off-site audits (document evaluation) are carried out in the years without on-site audits.

3. Decision making

In Malaysia, Green Key certification is coordinated by Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) , the National Operator of Green Key Malaysia. Tourism establishments submit their applications to GGAF and are assessed against the international Green Key criteria through an independent audit carried out by trained Green Key auditors.

The auditor’s report is then presented to the Green Key National Jury, a multi-stakeholder panel composed of representatives from relevant ministries, tourism authorities, industry associations, NGOs and other experts from the tourism sector.

The National Jury reviews each application and takes the final decision on awarding or renewing the Green Key eco-label, in line with the procedures and quality standards set by Green Key International and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

General Application Process – Green Key Malaysia

Application process for new applicants*

1. The establishment contacts Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF), the National Operator of Green Key Malaysia, or directly accesses the Green Key Malaysia online application system.
2. GGAF / Green Key Malaysia Secretariat provides guidance on the application procedures and supporting documents.
3. The establishment submits the online application and pays the participation fees through channels indicated by GGAF.
4. The establishment receives an on-site audit (or off-site document review where applicable).
5. The application and audit report are presented by GGAF to the Green Key Malaysia National Jury for final decision.
6. If approved, the establishment receives the Green Key plaque and certificate (a Green Key flag may also be purchased).
7. The Green Key Malaysia certificate is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

Application process in the following years with on-site audits*

1. Three months before certificate expiry, GGAF sends a reminder via the online system.
2. The establishment submits updated documentation at least eight weeks before expiry.
3. The establishment pays fees and receives an on-site audit.
4. GGAF presents the report to the National Jury for renewal decision.

Application process in the years without on-site audits*

1. Two months before expiry, GGAF sends a reminder via the online system.
2. The establishment submits updated documentation at least six weeks before expiry.
3. An off-site audit (document review) is conducted.
4. GGAF presents the report to the National Jury for renewal decision.

*The application process described above reflects the procedures applied by Green Growth Asia Foundation as the National Operator of Green Key Malaysia, in line with international Green Key and FEE requirements.

Handling of non-compliances

• If non-compliances with imperative criteria are identified, certification cannot be granted or renewed.
• If 1–5 non-compliances are identified, additional evidence must be submitted within three months.
• If more than five non-compliances are identified, a follow-up audit is required at the establishment’s cost.

Note

Please note that the Green Key application and certification process generally takes three to six months, depending on readiness, documentation quality, fee payment, and auditor availability.

Contact

If you are an establishment wishing to join the Green Key programme, please contact Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) , the National Operator of Green Key Malaysia.