The Green Key award is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Green Key respects the need to have a healthy and profitable business with environmental/sustainability performance and awareness raising integrated in the work of the establishments at a reasonable effort without significantly compromising quality and guest experience.
The Green Key Programme is one of five programmes of the internationally active Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). We are proud to celebrate the following Green Key awarded sites in Trinidad and Tobago.
Green Key officially aims to:
- Increase the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods of operation and technology in establishments and thereby reduce the overall use of resources.
- Raise awareness and create behavioural changes in guests, staff and suppliers of individual tourism establishments.
- Increase the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods and raise awareness to create behavioural changes in the hospitality and tourism industry overall.
What does it mean to be a Green Key certified establishment?
1. The establishment has instituted environmental best practices and is internationally recognised.
2. It means that staff are aware of environmental best practices and are involved in the achievement of the establishment’s environmental goals.
3. The establishment is engaging local community members and are positively impacting the community.
4. The establishment is encouraging guests to engage in responsible travel and are providing them with opportunities to be more environmentally friendly.
5. The establishment is contributing nationally to water and energy conservation efforts and to waste reduction.
Green T&T is the National Coordinator for Green Key in Trinidad and Tobago. We work with accommodation facilities, restaurants and attractions to achieve the international Green Key certification. The Green Key programme is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a non-governmental, non-profit organization promoting sustainable development through environmental education.
Green Key Criteria
Green Key certification is based on 13 sets of criteria. The international criteria have been adapted to the Trinidad and Tobago context. Click here to review the Trinidad and Tobago Green Key Criteria for Hotels and Hostels (16 rooms and more), Small Accommodation (15 rooms and less), Restaurants and Attractions.
Who can apply?
Hotel & Hostel
Small Accommodation
Attractions
Restaurants
How to Apply
General Application Process
- The establishment contacts Green Key at greenkey@green-tt.org
- The establishment sends the completed application forms A & B (including supplementary documents) and pays the participation fees
- Green T&T conducts a Gap Analysis and submits a report to the establishment
- The establishment receives an on-site visit by an auditor
- The application and audit report are presented for decision to the National Green Key Jury
- If approved, the awarded establishment receives the plaque with sticker and the certificate (and a flag can be purchased)
- The Green Key award is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually
- 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 decision to the National Green Key Jury
- 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 to the National Green Key Jury for a decision
For applicants in Tobago accessing assistance from the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited
- Applicant contacts the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd. (TTAL) and TTAL reviews the criteria with applicant
- Applicant submits application Forms A & B which is reviewed by Green T&T
- Green T&T conducts Gap Analysis and submits gap analysis report to the Applicant
- Applicant prepares for Green Key Audit (In year 1, 2 and every third year an on-site audit is done)
- Green T&T audits applicant and submits audit report to the National Green Key Jury for decision
Useful Resources
Click here to access policies, costs and FAQs for Green Key
