Green Key

Green Key is the leading global standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This Green Key certification is for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments committed to high environmental standards. Control Union conducts the independent, third-party audits required to achieve this certification, offering a seamless global service with local expertise.

Control Union – tourisme

    What is Green Key?

    The Green Key certificate represents a commitment that a business adheres to the strict criteria established by the Foundation for Environmental Education. For businesses engaged in sustainable tourism, it provides a credible framework for demonstrating compliance with social and environmental standards, which can support ESG and CSRD reporting. High standards are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent, independent audits, providing the robust assessment needed to confidently make sustainability claims and meet regulatory expectations.

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    Request Green Key now!

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Features of Green Key

    Control Union – Certification
    1.

    Global standard of excellence

    An internationally recognised certification for environmental responsibility in tourism, present in over 90 countries.

    2.

    Broad sector applicability

    Suitable for hotels, campsites, restaurants, and attractions seeking to demonstrate their green credentials.

    3.

    Enhanced credibility

    Assures guests and partners of a commitment to high environmental standards, supported by independent audits.

    4.

    Regulatory compliance support

    Assists with ESG and CSRD reporting and substantiating claims under directives like the Green Claims Directive.

    5.

    Operational efficiency

    Promotes better management of resources, which can lead to cost savings for green hotels and other establishments.

    Control Union – Certification
    The travel industry is under a sustainability magnifying glass. Through certification, you are transparent about your efforts to operate as sustainably as possible. In a world full of promises, certification is the benchmark for whether those promises are truly being fulfilled.
    Daan Bakkum – Control Union Certification
    Request Green Key now!

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    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chain worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Certification

    Contact

    Control Unions auditors are renowned for their expertise and are hired by other CABs. Although these partners carry out certification, you can still contact us with any inquiries. Please feel free to contact us for more information and to get in touch with the right party.

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    Consent
    Independent customized solutions

    Specific certification or audit needs?

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit needs that are not met by the certification programmes? Control Union also offers tailor-made independent solutions.

    That way you are always helped!

    Read more here
    Control Union - supply chain