Green Key is known as the most common sustainability certificate in the Dutch hospitality industry. But with around 700 member hotels, restaurants and other hospitality organisations in the Netherlands, is Green Key also the most important sustainability certificate?
In this blog, we try to answer this question. You will read what Green Key is, what standards Green Key sets and how you can become Green Key certified. We conduct research and ask Erik van Dijk, National Operator at Green Key for an explanation.
Let's preface that every sustainability certificate has value because it contributes to a more sustainable world. Of all the certificates in the hospitality industry, then, is Green Key the most important? At least Erik van Dijk does not answer that question directly. Van Dijk: "With thirteen chapters neatly listed from food to packaging materials, from cleaning agents to insulation and from energy saving to waste saving, Green Key is complete. Everything is in there."
Want to know more about sustainability certificates? You can find more information in the article wegwijs in de wereld van duurzaamheidscertificaten.
Green Key is an international seal of approval for companies in the business market that go the extra mile when it comes to sustainability.
Companies with a Green Key seal of approval are working towards a greener world while ensuring customer comfort and quality.
Van Dijk: "KMVK Foundation (which carries out inspections for Green Key, among others, ed.) is more than an inspection institute. We are also an antenna for future environmental and sustainability legislation. With Green Key, organisations have a very good tool to make their operations more sustainable."
To obtain the certificate, you will have to meet the mandatory and partly optional standards set by Green Key. There is a point system for each sustainable characteristic you meet. The table below shows an overview of the mandatory and optional standards.
The standards relate to sustainability, environment and CSR. For example:
The Green Key certificate has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The more optional environmental measures a company takes, the higher the level.
So the total number of points you achieve determines whether you are awarded a bronze, silver or gold Green Key certificate.
With the mandatory standards, Van Dijk says you will soon be good for a bronze Green Key. Would you rather flaunt a gold label? Then you will have to meet more optional standards. At GreenKey.co.uk all mandatory and optional standards are explained one by one.
Van Dijk: "We have Bronze, Silver and Gold. Indeed, Bronze is called the entry-level model. A little company gets there. We ask to upload evidence so that it is in the inspection module and it can be checked and thus demonstrated."
Erik van Dijk says Green Key is a very complete sustainability certificate. He sees a number of points that set Green Key apart from other labels.
For instance, he explains that the optional standards can be seen as future legislation, preparing companies for the future immediately. In addition, Green Key works to build a relationship with the certified companies; including by scheduling an online consultation hour from the inspector four times a quarter. In this consultation hour, participants can ask their questions. Green Key also keeps track of energy savings in order to correctly inform and advise participants.
For large organisations, Green Key also has an efficient solution, says Van Dijk: "For larger organisations, we do inspections at head office level. These are translated directly into branch inspection modules, so that certain properties are ticked off immediately. This is hugely time-efficient for each branch".
The cost of obtaining a Green Key certification varies from one organisation to another. So there is no single way of saying what certification will cost you. The costs depend mainly on where you, as an organisation, stand in terms of sustainability. However, we can share the participation costs with you:
Your biggest benefit is obviously the contribution to nature and the environment. But Green Key also brings other benefits to your organisation. Consider:
Van Dijk puts it as follows: "A prerequisite is intrinsic motivation from within the organisation. Subsequently, it does indeed strengthen the company's image. In addition, the market demands it. So it is a big advantage when it comes to procurement. Finally, it is a management tool for employees and can help in a financing application to banks."
Getting started with Green Key? Request a trial account at www.greenkey.nl/proefaanmelding and check out the inspection module!
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