US & CANADA: The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) have finalised the formation of their JV to own and operate Green Key Global in the US and Canada.
The two organisations signed a Letter of Intent last year to own and operate the sustainability certification body for hotels.
HAC created Green Key Global in 1994 to certify hotels’ environmental sustainability policies and processes, and its certification criteria are aligned with all 17 of the United Nations SDGs.
Green Key Global programming is designed to give credibility to the sustainability initiatives properties are already undertaking, while equipping them with a plan for continued improvement.
Hotels complete an assessment and audit process to measure their performance in areas such as energy and water conservation, land use, hazardous and solid waste management, indoor air quality, and more.
The partnership builds on AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative, which underscores AHLA member companies’ long-standing and growing commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.
AHLA interim president & CEO Kevin Carey said: “We are excited to see the momentum with the Green Key Global platform as we enter this partnership with HAC. This is an opportunity for AHLA to continue to do what we do best, supporting and educating our members on key factors influencing their business day in and day out.”
Some of Green Key Global’s partners committed to sustainability through their involvement with the third-party certification programme include Accor, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International.
Denise Naguib, Marriott International global vice president of sustainability and supplier diversity said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Green Key Global to advance our sustainability efforts. Marriott International and Green Key Global’s agreement will help support our properties in the US and Canada as they pursue a third-party sustainability certification that demonstrates dedication to environmental stewardship.”
Susie Grynol, president & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada said: “This is an important milestone as we are not only expanding the footprint of the Green Key Global brand, but also the opportunity for the industry to lead the way towards monumental shift and environmental impact, with a best-in-class programme that is affordable, measurable and accessible for all hotels.”
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