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.
