Application Process

The Green Key application process consists of three part parts

1. Sending the application documents
2. Receiving on-site audits
3. Decision by independent entity (third-party verification)

For a short video about the Green Key Application Process, click on the image below:

1. Application documents

• Ahead of the first award, the applicant establishment sends in a completed application form and all required supplementary documents.
• Ahead of subsequent awards, the applicant establishment sends in updates to the application material.

2. Audits

• On-site audits to the applicant establishments are as minimum carried out in year 1 (before first award), year 2 and thereafter every third year.
• Off-site audits (document evaluation) are carried out in the years without on-site audits.

3. Decision making

• In countries with a national Green Key programme, an independent auditor or a National Jury decides on the Green Key awards
• In countries without a national Green Key programme, an independent auditor or an International Jury decides on the Green Key awards

General applicaton process

1. The establishment contacts Green Key
2. The establishment sends the completed application form (including supplementary documents) and pays the participation fees
3. The establishment receives an on-site visit by an auditor
4. The application and audit report is presented for decision by the National or International Jury (or decided upon by an independent auditor)
5. If approved, the awarded establishment receives the plaque with sticker and the certificate (and a flag can be purchased)
6. The Green Key award is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually
7. In the following years with on-site audits (year 2 and normally every third year): Before the end of the year of award, the awarded establishment sends updates to the application material, pays the fees and receives an on-site audit. The application and audit report is presented for a third-party entity (National or International Jury or independent auditor) for decision
8. In the years without on-site audits: Before the end of the year of award, the awarded establishment sends updates to the application material and pays the fees. The application report is presented for a National or International Jury for a decision

Contact

In case of any questions regarding the Green Key, please contact us for more information.