Green Key Criteria and Processes to be renewed on 1.10.2026
In order to meet the requirements of the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (2024/825), Green Key has updated its criteria and application process. The changes will come into effect on 1 October 2026. The most significant change is the gradual extension of the certificate validity to two years. There will also be a change to the audit cycle: in future, audits will be carried out every two years. In the intervening years, only consumption figures and other essential information will be reported.
The certificate will be issued by a certification body under the auspices of FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) based on an audit. The renewal of the audit model complies with the ISO17065 and ISO19011 standards. The updated criteria and processes have been submitted for accreditation to the Danish national accreditation body DANAK, which is a member of the International Accreditation Forum.
On this page we present the new criteria and certification process, according to which certification will take place after October 1, 2026. Certifications issued before this date follow the old criteria and certification process.
(You may read Green Key International’s full statement on the accreditation process here.)
Site categories
Starting from 1 October 2026, Green Key certification is available in Finland for companies in the following categories. IMPORTANT: The definitions of most categories will change slightly from before. We will be in touch with companies whose categories will change due to the new definitions during spring 2026.
Hotels & Hostels
The Green Key Hotel and Hostel criteria are applicable to fully operational hotels and hostels offering regular hospitality services. Establishments undergoing major construction/renovation works can only obtain the certificate when works are finalised. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The hotel/hostel is located in one permanent setting, has more than 20 bedrooms or 40 beds, and offers its services to the general public.
Campsite and Holiday Parks (CHP)
The Green Key Campsite and Holiday Parks criteria are applicable for campsites, eco-camps, desert camps, parks composed of chalets, cottages, lodges, or mobile homes, apartments within holiday parks, etc., often with central facilities such as shared toilet/shower facilities, communal kitchen and outdoor recreation areas. Establishments undergoing major construction/renovation works can only obtain the certificate when works are finalised. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The campsite/holiday park is located in one permanent setting and offers its services to the general public.
Small accommodations
The Green Key Small Accommodations criteria are applicable to fully operational serviced accommodations. These accommodations could include small hotels/hostels, guest houses, bed & breakfast establishments, eco-lodges, eco-farms, etc. offering regular hospitality services. Establishments undergoing major construction/renovation works can only obtain the certificate when works are finalised. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The small accommodation is located in one permanent setting, has a maximum of 20 bedrooms or 40 beds, and offers its services to the general public.
Conference Centres (CC)
The Green Key Conference Centre criteria are applicable for fully operational conference centres located in one permanent setting or located within another Green Key category that is entirely externally managed offering regular conference services. Establishments undergoing major construction/renovation works can only obtain the certificate when works are finalised. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The conference centre is located in one permanent setting, can have auditoriums, lecture halls and/or meeting/conference rooms, and offers its services to the general public.
Restaurants/Cafés (R)
The Green Key Restaurant/Café criteria are applicable for fully operational restaurants and cafés in stand-alone locations or located within another Green Key category but entirely externally managed, offering regular restaurant services. Establishments undergoing major construction/renovation works can only obtain the certificate when works are finalised. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The restaurant/café is located in one permanent setting, has minimum 4 tables or 8 seats for guests, and offers its services to the general public.
Attractions (A)
The Green Key Attraction criteria are applicable to fully operational museums, visitor/interpretation centres and theme parks. Sites that are undergoing major constructions/renovation work can only obtain the certificate once they have finalised their works. While establishments offering temporary/occasional services do not fall under the scope of this category, seasonal establishments may be eligible if they are fully operational during the time of the audit. The attraction is located in a permanent setting and offer services to the general public.
The new criteria
Instead of the previous 13 chapters, the new criteria set will be divided into seven chapters, which will however include the same areas as before. The total number of criteria is smaller for both basic and point criteria. The new criteria set presented here will enter into force on 1 October 2026.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
GUEST AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT
WATER
ENERGY AND CARBON
WASTE
PROCUREMENT
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
As before, Green Key requirements are divided into two categories:
IMPERATIVE CRITERIA
The imperative criteria set a baseline that an applicant must achieve when applying for Green Key. If a company does not have operations related to a specific area of the criteria, the requirements for that area are omitted.
GUIDELINE CRITERIA
In connection with re-application, the site’s operations must meet all imperative Green Key criteria as well as an annually increasing number of guideline criteria. The required number of guideline criteria is presented in the table below.
