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Green Key Criteria 2022–2026
The international standard for excellence in sustainable tourism, covering environmental management across hospitality and leisure establishments.
Green Key Categories
Green Key criteria have been developed for the following six categories:
13 Criteria Areas
The criteria and explanatory notes for 1 January 2022 – 30 September 2026 cover the following areas:
- Environmental management
- Staff involvement
- Guest information
- Water
- Washing & cleaning
- Waste
- Energy
- Food & beverage
- Indoor environment
- Green areas & outdoor
- CSR / social responsibility
- Green activities
- Administration
Download Criteria & Explanatory Notes
- Hotels & Hostels PDF
- Campsites & Holiday Parks PDF
- Small Accommodations (B&Bs, Eco-lodges, Eco-farms) PDF
- Conference Centres PDF
- Restaurants PDF
- Attractions (Museums, Visitor Centres, Theme Parks) PDF
- All Six Categories PDF
Criteria in Other Languages
Conformity with Imperative & Guideline Criteria
Applicant establishments must conform with all imperative criteria and an increasing number of guideline criteria during re-certification:
| Year | Imperative Criteria | Guideline Criteria Required |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (new applicant) | All imperative criteria | Minimum number |
| Year 2 | All imperative criteria | Increasing number |
| Year 3 | All imperative criteria | Higher number |
| Year 4+ | All imperative criteria | Maximum number |
Need Help?
For questions regarding Green Key criteria, get in touch with us.
Green Key Criteria 2026–2031
Your guide to understanding eligibility, categories, criteria, and certification requirements for the new period.
This page will help you understand:
- ✓ Whether your establishment is eligible for Green Key certification
- ✓ Which category your establishment belongs to
- ✓ Which criteria apply to your establishment
- ✓ How the certification requirements increase over time
Identify Your Establishment Category
Green Key criteria have been developed for the following six categories:
Review the definition of establishment categories to determine which one applies to your primary activity and core service offer. Some establishments may also operate services that fall under additional categories (e.g. a conference centre with an internally managed restaurant), in which case additional criteria from other relevant categories will apply.
Review Green Key Criteria
The criteria and explanatory notes for 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2031 cover the following 7 criteria areas:
- Sustainable management
- Guest awareness & involvement
- Water
- Energy & carbon
- Waste
- Procurement
- Living environment
The criteria describe what your establishment must do to receive certification. The explanatory notes provide guidance on how each criterion should be interpreted.
Download Criteria & Explanatory Notes
- Hotels & Hostels PDF
- Campsites & Holiday Parks Contact GK
- Small Accommodations Contact GK
- Conference Centres Contact GK
- Restaurants Contact GK
- Attractions Contact GK
- All Six Categories PDF
Use the Support Documents
In addition to the criteria catalogue and Green Key toolbox (available for applicant establishments), two additional documents will help you understand how the criteria apply to your establishment:
Understand Imperative & Guideline Criteria
Green Key criteria catalogue consists of imperative and guideline criteria. An applicant establishment must conform with all imperative criteria and an increasing number of guideline criteria during re-certification:
| Year | Imperative Criteria | Guideline Criteria Required |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (new applicant) | All imperative criteria | Minimum number |
| Year 2 | All imperative criteria | Increasing number |
| Year 3 | All imperative criteria | Higher number |
| Year 4+ | All imperative criteria | Maximum number |
Transition Period: 2022–2026 → 2026–2031
With the introduction of Green Key Criteria 2026–2031, a transition period will apply to ensure a smooth change from the previous criteria set.
New Applicants
From the publication of the new criteria, all new applicants are expected to begin their certification process based on Green Key Criteria 2026–2031.
Re-applicants (Recertification)
Establishments applying for recertification may have two options:
- 1 Apply for recertification using the previous Green Key Criteria 2022–2026 until a specified deadline
- 2 Apply directly under the new Green Key Criteria 2026–2031
The exact transition process and deadlines may vary between countries. Please contact your national Green Key office (National Operator) to understand the specific procedures and timelines that apply to you.
Need Help?
For questions regarding Green Key criteria, certification process, or eligibility, get in touch with us.
Certification Process
Green Key certification process in five parts — from application to renewal.
- 1 Application
- 2 Audit
- 3 Decision
- 4 Ongoing Conformity
- 5 Renewal
This certification process is valid until 1 October 2026.
Submit the Application Documents
The certification process begins when an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification.
Process
- The establishment contacts Green Key Management to express interest
- Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment
- Eligible establishments receive information about the criteria and certification process, the application form, and a list of required supporting documents
Application Requirements
The establishment must:
- Complete the application form
- Submit the required supporting documents
- Sign and return the certification agreement
- Pay the participation fee
Green Key Management will then review the application to ensure all required documentation has been submitted and confirm the scope of certification.
On-site Certification Audit
Once the application has been reviewed, an auditor is assigned to conduct the certification audit.
Scheduling the Audit
The auditor will contact the establishment to schedule the on-site audit. Before the audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management.
Audit Process
- Opening meeting
- Document verification (may also be conducted in advance)
- Visual inspection of the establishment
- Audit summary and closing discussion
After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings.
Audit Frequency
On-site audits are conducted at minimum:
- Year 1 — before the first certificate is issued
- Year 2
- Every three years thereafter
In years without an on-site audit, off-site audits are conducted through document review.
Certification Decision
The audit report is reviewed by an independent third-party entity (either an external auditor or a National Jury) to determine whether the establishment fully conforms with the required criteria.
Possible Outcomes
- The independent third-party entity proceeds to certification decision
- The establishment must submit additional evidence addressing the non-conformities
- Documentation must be submitted within two months
- The independent third-party entity reviews the evidence and proceeds to certification decision
- The establishment must submit additional evidence and undergo a follow-up on-site audit
- Documentation must be submitted within two months
- The follow-up audit is scheduled after Green Key confirms compliance has been achieved
- The establishment must cover additional audit and travel costs
- The independent third-party entity reviews the evidence and proceeds to certification decision
The independent third-party entity makes the final certification decision, and Green Key Management informs the establishment. If certification is granted, Green Key Management issues a certificate valid for one year.
Ongoing Conformity During the Certification Period
During the certification period, establishments must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. If an establishment cannot maintain conformity, it must immediately inform Green Key so the certification can be temporarily suspended.
Handling Complaints
If complaints are received during the certification period:
- The establishment must respond to enquiries from Green Key Management
- If complaints are confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities
- The certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored
Renewal of the Certification
Approximately 3–4 months before the certificate expires, Green Key Management contacts the certified establishment to encourage renewal.
To renew certification, the establishment must again complete:
- Step 1: Application
- Step 2: Audit
- Step 3: Certification decision
For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page.
Duration of the Certification Process
The exact timeline depends on factors such as:
- The establishment's readiness to meet the criteria
- Timely submission of complete documentation
- Payment of participation fees
- Processing time by Green Key Management
- Auditor availability for on-site or off-site audits
- Time required for the final certification decision
Contact
In countries with a Green Key National Operator, contact them to join the programme.
In countries without a National Operator, contact Green Key International.
Certification Process 2026–2031
Green Key certification process in five steps — from application to renewal.
- 1 Application
- 2 Audit
- 3 Decision
- 4 Ongoing Conformity
- 5 Renewal
This certification process takes effect from 1 October 2026.
Submit the Application Documents
The certification process begins when an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification.
Application Process
- The establishment contacts Green Key Management to express interest — in countries with a National Operator, contact the National Operator; in countries without, contact Green Key International
- Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment
- Eligible establishments receive information about the criteria and certification process, details about required documentation, and access to the online application form
Application Requirements
The establishment must:
- Complete the online application form
- Submit the required supporting documents
- Sign and return the certification agreement
- Pay the participation fee
Green Key Management reviews the submitted materials to ensure all required information has been provided and to confirm the scope of certification.
On-site Certification Audit
Once the application has been reviewed, a third-party auditor is assigned to conduct an on-site certification audit.
Scheduling the Audit
The auditor contacts the establishment to:
- Schedule the audit date
- Ensure the auditor fee is paid
Before the on-site audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management.
Audit Process
- Opening meeting
- Document verification (may also be conducted in advance)
- Visual inspection of the establishment
- Audit summary and closing discussion
The audit usually takes 2–6 hours, depending on the size and number of employees of the establishment.
After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings.
Certification Decision
An independent entity (Certification Body) reviews the audit report and determines whether the establishment fully conforms with the required Green Key criteria.
Possible Outcomes
- The Certification Body proceeds to certification decision
- The establishment must submit additional evidence addressing the non-conformities
- Documentation must be submitted within two months
- The Certification Body reviews the evidence and proceeds to certification decision
- The establishment must submit additional evidence and undergo a follow-up on-site audit
- Documentation must be submitted within two months
- The follow-up audit is organised after Green Key confirms compliance has been achieved
- The establishment must cover additional audit and travel costs
- The Certification Body reviews the additional information and proceeds to certification decision
The Certification Body makes the final certification decision, and Green Key Management informs the establishment. If certification is granted, Green Key Management issues a certificate valid for two years.
Ongoing Conformity During the Certification Period
During the certification period, the establishment must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. If it cannot maintain conformity, it must inform Green Key immediately so the certification can be temporarily suspended.
Handling Complaints
If complaints are received during the certification period:
- The establishment must respond to enquiries from the Certification Body
- If the complaint is confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities
- Certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored
Surveillance Activities
Between 8–14 months after certification, the establishment must undergo surveillance activities. This includes providing updated documentation demonstrating ongoing compliance with selected Green Key criteria identified by Green Key Management.
If surveillance activities reveal non-conformities:
- The establishment must correct the issues
- Certification may remain suspended until compliance is restored
Renewal of the Certification
Approximately 6–8 months before the certificate expires, Green Key Management contacts the establishment to encourage renewal.
To renew certification, establishments must again complete:
- Step 1: Application
- Step 2: Audit
- Step 3: Certification decision
For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page.
You can also see the Green Key certification timeline document for an overview of the process.
Duration of the Certification Process
The exact timeline depends on factors such as:
- The establishment's readiness to meet the criteria
- Timely submission of complete documentation
- Payment of participation fees
- Processing time by Green Key Management
- Auditor availability for on-site audits
- Time required for the Certification Body's decision
Transition Period 2026–2028
With the introduction of the new manual, Green Key is changing the certificate validity period from 12 months to 24 months and adjusting the audit frequency.
During the transition period (1 October 2026 – 31 December 2028), the following cases apply:
Case 1: New Applicants
- Establishments must conform with the new criteria
- An on-site audit is conducted by a third-party auditor
- Certification is granted by the Certification Body
- The certificate is valid for two years
Case 2: Re-certification with On-site Audit Required
- Establishments must conform with new criteria and transition requirements related to guideline criteria
- An on-site audit is conducted by a third-party auditor
- Certification is granted by the Certification Body
- The certificate is valid for two years
Case 3: Re-certification with Off-site Audit Required
- Establishments must demonstrate conformity with selected criteria through surveillance activities under the new system
- A desktop review of compliance is conducted by Green Key
- The Certification Body validates and confirms the certification
- The certificate is extended for one year
Contact
In countries with a Green Key National Operator, contact them to join the programme.
In countries without a National Operator, contact Green Key International.
Participation Costs
Overview of costs for participating in Green Key Malaysia programme.
What's Included & Payment Details
Plaque & Certificate
The levy includes a free plaque (sent after first certification) and a certificate (sent annually). The plaque must be ordered via the partner's website, with delivery costs covered by the applicant.
Optional purchases: Green Key flag (€25–40 + delivery), additional plaque (€25 + delivery), or other material from the partner's website. Costs for flags/plaques are paid directly to the provider with a standard 30-day payment deadline.
Travel Costs for On-site Audits
Travel costs include travel (economy class ticket) and visa (if applicable). If accommodation is needed, the applicant can offer complimentary accommodation, or the auditor will book nearby budget accommodation.
If total travel costs exceed €300, Green Key will seek approval from the applicant before confirming the expenses. Meal costs and additional expenses are not included within the €300 travel cost limit and will be charged separately.
Green Key Levy & Invoicing
The invoice for Green Key levy is generally sent after first submission of the application form and supplementary documents (including certification agreement). The levy must be paid before further handling of the application.
Audit Costs
The invoice covering audit costs (+ travel costs) must be paid directly to the auditor before the certification is issued.
Policies
Download Green Key's participation policies and guidelines.
These policies are valid until 1 October 2026.
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Scope, Non-discrimination, Impartiality, Confidentiality & Objectivity Policy document clarifying scope and core principlesPDF
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Certification Agreement Agreement between applicant establishment and Green KeyPDF
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Dispensation Cases Policy document clarifying dispensation casesPDF
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Appeals & Complaints Policy document clarifying appeal and complaint handling processesPDF
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Use of Green Key Logo & Name Reference to Green Key during the certification periodPDF
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Branding Guidelines Official Green Key branding and visual identity guidelinesPDF
Policies
Download Green Key's participation policies and guidelines.
These policies are valid from 1 October 2026.
-
Impartiality, Objectivity, Confidentiality & Non-discrimination Includes anti-bribery and anti-corruption policyPDF
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Certification Agreement Agreement between the establishment and the Certification BodyPDF
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Complaints & Appeals Policy on complaints and appeals handlingPDF
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Suspension & Withdrawal Policy on suspension and withdrawal of certificationPDF
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Use of Green Key Trademark Policy regarding use of Green Key trademark by participating establishmentsPDF
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Branding Guidelines Official Green Key branding and visual identity guidelinesPDF
Join Green Key Malaysia
Apply for Green Key certification in Malaysia through a clear and structured pathway for eligible tourism establishments.
Check Eligibility
Confirm that your establishment falls within an eligible Green Key category and is ready to begin the certification process.
Review Criteria and Requirements
Review the relevant Green Key criteria, certification requirements, guidance materials, and application expectations before preparing your submission.
Submit Your Application
Complete the application form and submit the required supporting documents together with the Certification Agreement.
Audit and Review
Once your application is accepted, your establishment will proceed through the certification assessment process, including an on-site audit and review of compliance with the applicable Green Key criteria.
Certification Decision
Following the audit and review process, a certification decision will be made. Approved establishments will receive Green Key certification in accordance with programme requirements.
Ready to Begin Your Certification Journey?
Take the next step towards credible sustainability certification for your establishment.
Contact Green Key Malaysia