Green Key starts 2026 to 2031 criteria and a five-part certification process

Green Key, the eco-label for hotels and other tourism businesses, has announced that it is replacing its certification process, with the change dated September 2026^[2]. The new criteria themselves apply from October 1, 2026, and run through December 31, 2031^[3]. Green Key operates worldwide, so the change reaches certified properties in every country where the label is used, along with the cleaning contractors that work on their sites. It affects renewal planning and how green claims are presented to guests.

What changes

The update brings a revised structure, new criteria and changes to the online application tool^[2]. Certification now follows a process made up of five parts^[2]. Green Key says completing it usually takes four to six months^[1]. The actual time depends on how complete the documentation is, when an auditor is available and how quickly the Certification Body reaches a decision^[2]. Certificates issued under the new criteria last two years. Then the property must reapply^[3].

Green Key offices worldwide are closed from September 27 to October 1, 2026, while the organization moves to the new system^[2]. Properties may find the application tools unavailable for short periods around those dates^[2].

Environmental claims under review

Green Key ties the change to the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo), which applies from September 27, 2026, and sets stricter rules for environmental claims and sustainability labels^[2]. EmpCo is EU law. Properties outside the EU, including in the UK, should check with their advisor whether and how it affects them, for example when marketing to guests in EU countries.

Separately, Green Key wants every certified property to recheck how it talks about the label and its own green credentials, on its website, in emails to guests and at the property itself^[2]. In housekeeping, that can include in-room cards on towel and linen reuse, notices about opting out of daily cleaning and any eco wording near amenities or cleaning products.

What to check before renewal

The process length is how long certification itself takes, not a deadline for starting. Properties with a certificate due for renewal should ask their national Green Key office when they will be contacted about renewal, which criteria set applies to them and by which date documents are due.

Before starting, properties should go through the criteria chapters that relate to their own operations, including housekeeping, and then line up the supporting records. Contractors often hold part of that data, such as product data sheets and usage figures, so early coordination can help keep the documentation complete.

ARPCLEAN take

What does this mean for housekeeping?

For cleaning contractors

• Renewal timing: Ask each Green Key client when its certificate expires and when its renewal paperwork starts.
• Product records: Keep product data sheets and usage records ready to hand over for the client's application.
• Staff wording: Brief supervisors not to repeat eco claims to guests that the hotel has not approved.

For hotels

• Criteria set: Ask your national Green Key office which criteria set applies to your renewal, and by which deadline.
• Relevant chapters: Go through the criteria chapters that apply to your operations and note which records housekeeping must supply.
• Guest-facing claims: Review room cards, website text and emails that mention Green Key or environmental benefits.
• Transition dates: Avoid scheduling application steps between September 27 and October 1, 2026.

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