The essentials about Clef Verte, the No. 1 eco-label for hoteliers

In 2024, more than 1,500 structures were certified Green Key in France: a record! 🥇 Since its creation in 1994 in Denmark, this international label has continued to win new followers. It is now the leader in tourist eco-labels in Europe. Clef Verte clearly stands out in the ecosystem of tourist labels and brands. Why is an increasing number of hoteliers going through the certification process? How can you join this network in search of more sustainable tourism? We answer these questions in this article.

Why seriously consider the Green Key label for your hotel?

Over 25 years ago, Danish hotel professionals created Green Key. Even if it did not initiate the project, France is a good student. It was the first country to develop the label internationally in 1998. In 2021, it also became the largest provider of referenced establishments.

Managed by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) represented in France by the association Teragir, Clef Verte is the first ecolabel for tourist structures in France (by the number of establishments and its precedence).

Faced with the environmental problems that the hotel sector is facing, there is a good chance that this label will continue to be talked about. If you haven't started this process yet, here's why you should consider it. 🔽

Reduce your hotel's operating expenses 💰

Clef Verte sets strict standards in terms of environmental sustainability for the hotel industry. These standards cover various areas such as the management of water, energy, waste, and procurement. It therefore requires you to control your consumption, thus reducing some of your expenses.

Be supported in its ecologically virtuous approach ♻️

To date, more than 4,000 establishments have been certified Green Key in over 60 countries. This represents an important network of actors involved in a more environmentally friendly approach. By joining them, you have access to their expertise, tools and resources that they have been developing for over 20 years.

Give more visibility to its commitments in favor of sustainable tourism 🌿

Many hotel establishments adopt eco-friendly actions and raise the awareness of their customers. Certification could be seen as a simple cherry on the cake. Except that getting recognition for your efforts by an external organization makes your speech more credible to your customers. You also benefit from increased visibility via Clef Verte's communication media: website, social networks, marketing operations.

Building customer and employee loyalty 🧑 ‍ 🤝 ‍ 🧑

The actions you initiate to meet the requirements of the label serve to attract travelers who are sensitive to the carbon footprint of their trip, but not only that. All of your customers and teams benefit from the benefits of this continuous improvement process, thus helping to increase the rate of satisfaction and loyalty.

Contributing to a better world 🌍

By joining the Clef Verte network, you become an actor in a society that moves to preserve its resources. It can also be a first step towards defining your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

⏩ Read the article Hospitality and CSR: when digital technology makes our lives (and the planet) easier

How to obtain the Green Key label for your hotel?

What criteria are evaluated by Clef Verte?

Based on a common international base, the framework is divided by country and by sector of activity.

Just like the star rating, the Green Key criteria grid for hotels includes mandatory (imperative) and optional (recommended) criteria that relate to various action themes:

• environmental and social policy;
• raising the awareness of hosts about eco-gestures and nature activities;
• energy management and its equipment;
• water management and its equipment;
• waste management;
• responsible purchasing;
• the preservation of the indoor and outdoor living environment.

The jury that validates the applications is made up of institutions, consumers, professionals, technicians and communication organizations. It meets every year to readjust the evaluation grid to societal changes.

⚠️ It is not enough to get the pass and then stop acting. Every year, you need to demonstrate continuous improvement.

How to get involved in the Green Key certification?

Before undertaking the administrative procedures, find out more. 🤔

Joining Clef Verte has many advantages. But don't overlook the investment of time and money. Moreover, like any label, the rules of the game are not always adapted to your own operating constraints. Ask providers who are already certified. Get as much feedback as possible.

Once you have carefully considered your decision, you can apply online at the beginning of the year. You are then supported until the label is obtained. In the following years, you renew it on file, and on visit every three years.

⏩ How do you take action now?

Start by digitizing your welcome booklet. This document, available in all your rooms, can quickly be obsolete and quickly damaged. Drastically reduce your paper consumption by switching to the GetWelcom Room Directory.

Contact us for a demo !

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