WORLDWIDE: Green Key Global, the sustainable certification programme for hotels in North America, has signed an agreement with Choice Hotels International to work with its franchisees.
The certification, which is co-owned by the Hotel Association of Canada and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, will help Choice hotel owners look at their operations for sustainable practices, with the aim to potentially get Green Key Eco-Rating and Green Key Meetings certifications.
Green Key’s eco-certification is aligned with all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The certification uses a third-party accredited audit facilitator, Control Union, to assess hotels across four pillars: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socioeconomic impacts.
Anick Levesque, managing director, Green Key Global said: “Choice Hotels has demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility by working with hotels in its system to identify utility saving opportunities and reporting greenhouse gas emissions through Its ‘Room to be Green’ programme, that covers energy, water, waste, engagement, and biodiversity practices.
“Now, Choice franchisees can work with Green Key Global to achieve sought-after sustainability certifications, potentially helping to drive bookings to their hotels.”
Megan Brumagim, VP sustainability, Choice Hotels added: “This agreement will help support Choice franchisees as they seek to certify their sustainability practices and help them attract guests and corporate clients.”
Green Key Global JV finalised by AHLA and Hotel Association of Canada
Photo by Soliman Cifuentes on Unsplash