Frequently asked questions

1. LOGIN CHALLENGES TO THE APPLICATION PLATFORM / MEMBER PAGES

1. How do I log in to the Green Key Application Platform?

Log in to the Green Key application platform using your personal account at application.greenkey.fi (new window). Your username is likely your work email address. You can reset your forgotten password using the “Forgot your password?” function. If you have forgotten your username, please contact [email protected].

2. How do I log in to the Green Activities Application Platform?

Log in to the Green Activities application platform using your personal account at application.greenactivities.fi (new window). Your username is likely your work email address. You can reset your forgotten password using the “Forgot your password?” function. If you have forgotten your username, please contact [email protected].

3. When I log in to the Green Activities / Green Key application platform, I get a blank page. What do I do?

You must force the view to update by using the following  KEY COMMAND:

Windows: CTRL + shift + R (press all 3 keys at the same time)
MAC: Cmd + Shift + R (press all 3 keys at the same time)

4. How do I log in to the Green Key / Green Activities Applicant’s or Member Pages?

Log in to Green Key / Green Activities Applicant & Member pages at greenkey.fi. The user names and passwords for both pages are common for all applicants / members, and you cannot change them. If you have forgotten the username/ password, please contact [email protected].

2. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION PLATFORM

1. On my application I see last year’s information. Can I start filling out the new application on top of the old one? 

You can start filling out your new application on top of the old one. On the application platform, the old application remains as the basis for the new application, making it easier to make a new application and it serves as a so-called template for the new application. You can find a list of the imperative criteria on the member pages, to which the answers/attachments must be updated annually.

Please note that the guideline criteria met in previous years must be reviewed annually and ensured that their conditions are also met for the current year.

Old, already approved and archived applications will remain on the application platform, and you can view them by clicking the “Current record” link that opens a list of previously approved applications.

2. What do I do with the previous year’s attachments that appear in the application?

We recommend that you save the attachments from your old application to your own computer or cloud service. You can also view them by following the “Previously approved applications” link.

Remove old attachments from the new application if they are no longer valid. Write the year in the file name of the attachments, so you will know from which year the consumption data, etc. is that has been attached to the new application. Adding the correct year also makes our work easier!

The attachments will remain archived on the application platform, and we can access them if necessary.

3. How do I know that our application has been sent? 

When you save and send your application to us, you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. You can also see the latest status of your application on the application platform at the top of the application. For example, in a saved and sent application, the information is displayed in green text “Application completed and sent for review” above the criteria summary.

4. I have already sent the application but I want to make changes to it. How to proceed?

It is no longer possible to make changes to an application that has already been sent. However, once the application has been checked, the reviewer may request additions or additional information, for which we will reopen the application. NOTE! Always remember to resend the application if you make any changes.

5. My colleague needs access to the application platform. How to proceed? 

Request access for your colleague to the application platform or instruct them to request access from us at [email protected]. Please note that the request must come from your work email address.

3. GREEN KEY / GREEN ACTIVITIES ID

1. Where do I see our company’s Green Key / Green Activities ID?

Your company’s Green Key ID / Green Activities ID, i.e. the number sequence needed to complete the STF application, is displayed in the upper left corner of your certificate. If necessary, you can also request your ID from us: [email protected].

4. CERTIFICATE AND SIGN

1. Where do I get an electronic certificate?

You need an electronic certificate for example when applying for the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme. You can request one from us at [email protected] or scan your physical certificate.

2. I need multiple copies of the physical certificate. How to proceed?

According to the Green Key rules, you are not allowed to make copies of the certificate yourself. Send us an email to [email protected] requesting more copies and we will send them to you as soon as possible.

3. Where should the Green Key sign be placed?

According to rules, the Green Key sign should be placed in a visible place, e.g. next to the main entrance, and it must be displayed as long as the certification is valid. The metal and plastic signs are weatherproof, so they can also be placed outdoors. The wooden sign is only suitable for indoor use.

4. Where should the Green Key / Green Activities certificate be placed? 

The certificate is a color printout that is delivered to you in frames. According to the rules, it must be placed in a visible place, e.g. in the reception or other indoor space. The certificate must be displayed as long as the certification is valid.

5. Where can I get the report needed for the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) application?

You can get the report needed for applying for the STF label from the online application tool. Go to your most recent application and from the bottom of the page look for the “Download pdf” button. By clicking this button a pdf version of your application opens up, which you can save on your desktop.

5. CERTIFICATION PERIOD

1. What is our certification period?

The certification period is one calendar year. The certification period begins at the beginning of the following month the jury meeting took place and lasts exactly one year. The start date of your certification period is therefore determined by the jury meeting at which your Green Key / Green Activities application was processed and approved.

6. IS GREEN KEY SUITABLE FOR US?

1. Does the Green Key programme and certificate suit our company?

The Green Key certificate is meant for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, restaurants and attractions.

The most important thing is that the company applying for the certificate is itself responsible for the operational aspects of the company to be certified, such as waste management, selection of energy sources and other concrete responsibility measures required by the Green Key criteria.

6. DOES GREEN ACTIVITIES SUIT US?

1. Does the Green Activities programme and certificate suit our company?

Green Activities is suitable for companies that offer outdoor activities or workshops using natural products and following the principles of sustainable development.

Green Activities is also the only certificate in the Nordic countries that includes welfare criteria for tourism animals and is suitable for companies offering dog sledding and companies that use reindeer for tourism.

7. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE AUDIT

1. How often an audit is done and who does it?

Green Key and Green Activities sites are audited in the first and second application years after which every third year. The audits are carried out by an external, independent auditor appointed to the company annually in accordance with international auditing practices. There are currently six auditors in Finland. The external auditors have extensive experience in the tourism industry and expertise in developing responsible tourism. You will receive your auditor’s contact information from us 3 months before your next audit.

2. Where do I get information on the audit date? 

You will receive your auditor’s contact information from us 3 months before your next audit. You must arrange the audit date with your auditor yourself. Please note, however, that the audit must be carried out no later than 2 weeks before the end of your certification period. Once the audit date has been agreed, your auditor will inform us.

With any questions regarding the audit, please contact your auditor.

3. What happens during the audit? 

The audit consists of discussions and an audit round. Depending on the site, the audit usually takes 2-4 hours. For more information on the content of the Green Key audit, see this document, and for the Green Activities audit, see this document.