Event: September 18, 2026Location: ICE Congress Centre, Kraków
Sustainable Tourism Forum 2026
The annual Sustainable Tourism Forum — the most important hospitality industry meeting dedicated to ecology and Green Key certification.
Read moreFundacja dla Edukacji Ekologicznej (FDEE)
The key to sustainable tourism in Poland
Join over 100 facilities in Poland that chose sustainable development. Green Key is the world's leading sustainability programme and certification for businesses in the tourism industry.
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Green Key CertificateInternational standard since 1994
About the programme
Green Key is the leading international symbol of environmental excellence, operating since 1994.
The programme is managed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and in Poland by its national operator, Fundacja dla Edukacji Ekologicznej (FDEE).
More than 9,000 hotels and other facilities in over 90 countries hold the Green Key certificate. A Green Key certificate means the facility has completed an assessment process, including an on-site audit, designed to verify compliance with the applicable criteria. The certification process is based on documented evidence, regular assessments and periodic renewal requirements, supporting continuous improvement of environmental practices and sustainability efforts.
The Green Key programme is open to hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Credible certificationDocumentation review and on-site audit
International standardShared criteria for tourism facilities worldwide
Engagement and educationInvolving staff, guests and suppliers in sustainability efforts
Continuous improvementRegular assessment and expanding efforts with each certification cycle
Green Key in numbers
A programme trusted by thousands of facilities
9,000+
certified facilities
90+
countries worldwide
30+
years of tradition
7
criteria areas
Criteria areas
A comprehensive approach to sustainability
The new Green Key criteria for 2026–2031, effective from 1 October 2026. They cover 7 areas.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
Environmental Strategy and Management Commitment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Team Engagement
RAISING AWARENESS AND ENGAGING GUESTS
Guest Engagement, Responsible Tourism
WATER
Water Management, Water Pollution
ENERGY AND CARBON FOOTPRINT
Energy Management, HVAC, Equipment and Lighting, Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
WASTE
Waste Management, Waste Reduction
PROCUREMENT
Purchasing, Food and Beverages, Laundry and Cleaning
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Indoor Environment, Biodiversity Protection
Certification process
The path to the Green Key certificate
A transparent, five-step process that supports your facility at every step towards sustainable tourism.
Application
Submitting the application
Audit
Site visit and verification of the facility by independent auditors
Decision
Assessment and award of the Green Key certificate
Maintenance
Continuous improvement and compliance with ecological standards
Renewal
Annual certificate renewal after re-verification