Awarding hotels and hospitality businesses

Are you looking for a holiday or trip that’s kinder to the planet? Look for the Green Key! Green Key is a leading international eco-accreditation for hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. It's a way for you to easily find places that are dedicated to protecting the environment and operating responsibly.

Giant Green Key resting a white hotel bed

At Keep Britain Tidy, we proudly manage the Green Key award in England. This partnership fits perfectly with our mission to create a cleaner, greener nation we can all be proud of.

What a Green Key tells you

When a business has a Green Key award, it's a assurance to their guests that they're helping to make a real, positive difference for the environment. You can feel good knowing that your choice helps support a business that: 

  • Saves Energy and Water: They actively work to reduce their consumption, using energy-efficient appliances and smart systems.
  • Manages Waste: They have strong recycling and waste-reduction programmes, especially for food waste.
  • Cares for the Planet: They source local and organic food and are committed to reducing their overall environmental footprint. 

To earn this award, businesses must meet over 130 strict criteria, covering everything from environmental management to staff and guest information. 

What makes Green Key special? 

The Green Key is a globally trusted eco-label. Its rigorous criteria, created by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), are officially recognised by major international bodies like the World Tourism Organization and the UN Environment Programme, ensuring that the award is a genuine sign of a business's commitment to sustainability. 

  • Global recognition: The Green Key award is trusted around the world, with over 8,000 establishments in more than 90 countries.
  • Independently verified: Unlike some accreditations, a Green Key award is only given after a rigorous on-site audit. This means a real person has checked the business's green promises, so you know it's a genuine commitment.
  • Trusted by travellers: You'll see the Green Key logo on major travel websites like Google Travel and Booking.com, making it easy to find and book your next sustainable stay. 

The criteria in a nutshell

The Green Key's criteria cover 13 key areas of a business's operations. Our judges assess everything from environmental management and energy use to waste, cleaning, and food choices. They also look at how a business informs and trains staff and guests on its sustainability efforts, making sure the commitment is built into every part of the operation. 

Find your Green Key getaway

Ready to travel more sustainably? Use our interactive map to find your nearest Green Key awarded hotel or hospitality business and start planning your next eco-friendly adventure. 

Find your nearest

Green Key England website