Submit the Application Documents

The certification process begins when an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification.

Application Process

• The establishment contacts Green Key Management to express interest — in countries with a National Operator, contact the National Operator; in countries without, contact Green Key International
• Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment
• Eligible establishments receive information about the criteria and certification process, details about required documentation, and access to the online application form

Application Requirements

The establishment must:

• Complete the online application form
• Submit the required supporting documents
• Sign and return the certification agreement
• Pay the participation fee

Green Key Management reviews the submitted materials to ensure all required information has been provided and to confirm the scope of certification.

On-site Certification Audit

Once the application has been reviewed, a third-party auditor is assigned to conduct an on-site certification audit.

Scheduling the Audit

The auditor contacts the establishment to:

• Schedule the audit date
• Ensure the auditor fee is paid

Before the on-site audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management.

Audit Process

1. Opening meeting
2. Document verification (may also be conducted in advance)
3. Visual inspection of the establishment
4. Audit summary and closing discussion

The audit usually takes 2–6 hours, depending on the size and number of employees of the establishment.

After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings.

Certification Decision

An independent entity (Certification Body) reviews the audit report and determines whether the establishment fully conforms with the required Green Key criteria.

Possible Outcomes

The Certification Body makes the final certification decision, and Green Key Management informs the establishment. If certification is granted, Green Key Management issues a certificate valid for two years.

Ongoing Conformity During the Certification Period

During the certification period, the establishment must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. If it cannot maintain conformity, it must inform Green Key immediately so the certification can be temporarily suspended.

Handling Complaints

If complaints are received during the certification period:

• The establishment must respond to enquiries from the Certification Body
• If the complaint is confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities
• Certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored

Surveillance Activities

Between 8–14 months after certification, the establishment must undergo surveillance activities. This includes providing updated documentation demonstrating ongoing compliance with selected Green Key criteria identified by Green Key Management.

If surveillance activities reveal non-conformities:

• The establishment must correct the issues
• Certification may remain suspended until compliance is restored

Renewal of the Certification

Approximately 6–8 months before the certificate expires, Green Key Management contacts the establishment to encourage renewal.

To renew certification, establishments must again complete:

• Step 1: Application
• Step 2: Audit
• Step 3: Certification decision

For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page.

You can also see the Green Key certification timeline document for an overview of the process.