Based on the results of a comprehensive environmental audit, hoteliers are awarded a 1-5 Green Key rating and provided with guidance on how to "unlock" opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and operating costs through reduced utility consumption, employee training, and supply chain management.
The program assesses the 5 main operational areas of a property and covers nine areas of sustainable practices:
Energy conservation Water conservation Solid waste management Hazardous waste management Indoor air quality Community outreach Building infrastructure Land use Environmental management
Upon completion of the program and being awarded their Green Key Rating, an on-site inspection may be conducted to confirm the rating. Green Key is the only program of its kind to conduct on-site inspection and validation of ratings in the United States. In Canada, on-site inspections are currently conducted in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta with more to follow in the near future.
