Green Key is a label for cottages, guest houses, hotels, conference centers, amusement parks and even educational institutions that have committed themselves to ensure environmentally sustainable business. This ecological certificate was originally distributed in 1994 in Denmark.
Today, the right to be its owners has already been granted to 3100 objects of tourist and social infrastructure in 57 countries, including Russia.
The list of criteria for obtaining an eco-certificate is extensive. These range from limiting electricity and water consumption and using environmentally friendly detergents to providing locally produced bio-products, soft mobility and waste grading.
69 ecovillage options in Wallonia
At their cottage in the commune of Estienne, in the French-speaking region of Belgium - Wallonia, Pierre and Marie were among more than 20 families who met this year all the requirements for obtaining Green key.
Green key holders are also obliged to inform customers that they are settling in establishments that do not harm the environment.
According to research, globally, tourism accounts for 8 % of total carbon dioxide emissions. It means not only transport, but also waste from food production, hotels and shopping.
Quality control
The Green Key certificate is not perpetual one.
During the first three years after receiving it, the owners of tourist facilities are necessarily visited by independent inspectors.
After the first three years of inspections, they will be carried out once every three years. At the same time, the owners of tourist infrastructure should submit every year reports on the implementation of the eco-management directives.
In Russia, about twenty hotels, most of which are located in St. Petersburg and Moscow, are carriers of the Green Key label.
You can choose a certified eco-hotel on the Green Key card. Most hotels are located in Europe and the United States, but there are already options in Asia and even in Africa.
