GREEN KEY PROGRAM

Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism facilities. Since its invention in Denmark in 1994, Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. The Green Key programme is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In the United Arab Emirates, the Green Key is managed by Emirates Green Building Council.

Green Key provides a well-proven framework for an establishment to work with its environmental management on sustainability issues, including awareness raising. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent on-site audits. Green Key is eligible for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions. After achieving the prestigious international award, the establishment can use it in its promotion. For guests, a Green Key shows that the establishment is committed to reducing the environmental impact of their stay.

The Green Key programme is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 addressed by the United Nations. The Green Key criteria and explanatory notes for hotels and hostels have received ‘Global Sustainable Tourism Council recognition’ status.

To learn more about Green Key

For more information on Green Key in the UAE or how to apply for certification,
please contact the EmiratesGBC office at greenkey@emiratesgbc.org.

Green Key – Baseline Criteria

In order for a property to receive Green Key certification, it must meet a series of sustainability criteria which cover both the operational sides of the property’s activities, as well as technical elements which will positively impact on the building’s energy and water consumption.

The application process requires the property to submit its application with supporting documentation and participate in an audit to ensure criteria has been met and best practices are being implemented.

Upon successful application, audit and validation from the Green Key National Jury, the hotel is awarded with the Green Key certification, to be renewed on a yearly basis.


Green Key Fees

Audit Fees* (AED) 2,625

Certification Fees (AED) 4,725

*Audit fees are paid only when a walk-through audit is conducted

Prices above are inclusive of 5% VAT.

Are you Ready to Apply?

Email greenkey@emiratesgbc.org to notify us of your interest.

Did you know?

The Green Key certification evolves around the concept of continuous improvement: The work is not done after the certification is awarded. Year after year a certified property needs to show it has improved its green performance by reducing its utilities consumption, increasing awareness campaigns towards guests and staff, and upgrade its facilities. To help the hotels identify potential areas of improvements, the Green Key baseline criteria include mandatory items as well as “guideline criteria” whose share needs to be increased each year.

Green Key – Baseline Criteria


The 2022-2025 Green Key baseline criteria list covers the following 13 categories:

Environmental Management

Staff Involvement

Guest Information

Water

Washing and Cleaning

Waste

Energy

Food and Beverage

Indoor Environment

Green Areas

Corporate Social Responsibility

Green Activities

Administration

Click here to access the 2022-2025 Hotels Explanatory Notes and here to access the 2022-2025 Application Form.

Auditors and National Jury


Green Key Auditors

To guarantee transparency in the certification process, EmiratesGBC uses the expertise of its trained technical staff to review the hotels’ applications and supporting documentation and to conduct the onsite visits.


Green Key UAE National Jury

As a way for EmiratesGBC to show its highest commitment to ensure transparency and guarantee that the Green Key Program supports the overall UAE sustainability goals, a Green Key National Jury was formed as a voluntary addition (i.e. not mandated by Green Key International) to the Council’s activities. The National Jury is comprised of representatives of Emirates-based and federal organizations and governmental authorities which have strong experience and commitments with sustainability and with the hospitality/tourism sectors in the country. As such, EmiratesGBC aligns its activities with the local and national agenda towards green tourism.


UAE National Jury Members


Fatima Mubarak

Senior Environmental Officer, Environmental Center for Arab Towns

Stephan Gobert

Board Member of Clean Energy Business Council

Taleed Al Khatib

Senior Executive follow up & Coordination, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing

Mohamed Youssef

Senior Consultant-Tourism Affairs, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

Mohamed Elnaggar

Tourism Affairs Expert, Department of Tourism Development, Ministry of Economy

Green Key – UAE Certified Hotels


Rove at the Park

Rove Downtown

Rove Dubai Marina

Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai

First Central Hotel Suites

Sheraton Grand Dubai

Copthorne Hotel Dubai

Address Dubai Marina

Manzil Downtown

Address Dubai Mall

Address Boulevard

Address Downtown

Address Montogomerie

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Citadines Metro Central Hotel Apartments

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

TIME Oak Hotel & Suites

Park Inn by Radisson, Yas Island

Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek

Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City

Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah

Radisson Blu Yas Island

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach

St. Regis Saadiyat Island

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa

Palace Downtown

Vida Downtown

Grand Millennium Al Wahda

Hotel Raffles Dubai

Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Majlis Grand Mercure Residence, Abu Dhabi

Ascott Park Place

Media One Hotel

Studio One Hotel

Rove City Center

Rove Healthcare City

Rove Trade Center

Rove La Mer Beach

Rove City Walk

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa

Pullman Dubai Downtown

The Abu Dhabi EDITION

Residence Inn By Marriott Al Jaddaf

Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates

Novotel Suites Dubai Mall of the Emirates

ibis Dubai Deira City Centre

Novotel Dubai Deira City Centre

Aloft Palm Jumeirah

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

Ibis Al Barsha

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha

Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha

Citadines Culture Village Dubai

Address Beach Resort Fujairah

Novotel Bur Dubai

Novotel Fujairah

Adagio Fujairah

Ibis Fujairah

St. Regis Downtown

Delta Hotel, Dubai Investment Park

Vida Creek Harbour

Ibis Styles Sharjah

The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah

Barcelo Residence

InterContinental Hotel and Hotel Apartments, Dubai Marina

The First Collection Business Bay

Palace Beach Resort Fujairah

Ibis Dragon Mart

The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle a Tribute Portfolio

Element Me’asiam

Centro Capital Centre




Green Key – FAQ


This page compiles questions and answers with regard to Green Key, the implementation of green principles and the application process itself.

Should you need more information contact greenkey@emiratesgbc.org.


Green Key – General

There are many benefits in becoming Green Key certified, including amongst others:

  • optimized processes for energy & water conservation and waste management, and the related financial savings;
  • areas in the hotel’s operations where signage, training and communications are needed;
  • sense of belonging
  • visibility as eco-certified hotel in online travel platforms: BookDifferent, Expedia, Glooby, Ticati, HRS, BookGreener, BookGreener);
  • visibility through online communications: PR, EmiratesGBC and Green Key International respective newsletters and websites.

Each year and after validation of the certification process by the Green Key National Jury and payment of the annual fees, properties receive an official letter of certification, the Green Key annual certificate and a sticker to be placed on the Green Plaque (received on Year 1).
Green Key International offers the possibility to purchase other items such as flags, pins, …



Certification Process

Before filling in the application form we strongly advise you share the list of criteria with your heads of departments and green committee / green Champions to assess your current situation and implement corrective actions.

The following questions should help you:

  • Do i have the required policies, SOPs, trainings, signage…in place?
  • Do i have the required documents and proofs of compliance available and sorted?
  • What are my motivations to be certified and how do i want to make it a success?

The length of the certification process depends on your level of preparedness and measures you might need to implement to be compliant. It is advised to use the Green Key baseline criteria list as a reference and pass it on to all departments to make sure all have everything in place.

Overall the process, from the preparation of the application, the collection and review of documentation, the audit and validation from the National Jury, can take up to 3 months.

Green Key costs are listed below and apply to all properties, unless there is a global agreement in place between the hotel group and Green Key Intarional. Please send an email to greenkey@emiratesgbc.org to request a letter of quotation.

  •  Admin fees: AED 500 (one time only)
  • Audit fees: AED 2,500 (Year 1, Year 2, then every 3rd year i.e. Year 5, Year 8…)
  • Annual fees: AED 4,500 to be paid after certification is approved by the Jury and before we can send the collaterals (plaque, yearly sticker, official certificate).

Hotels that are planning to be Green Key certified are audited on Year 1, Year 2 and every third year (i.e. Year 5, Year 8, …).
As National Operator however, we are entitled to visit your property at any time to ensure that all Green Key standards remain to the highest level.

Green Key – Pictures