As the sustainability movement gains momentum across the hospitality industry, Green Key has released its year-end report summarizing key developments and achievements in 2025.
Significant Growth in Certification
Green Key certified establishments grew by more than 25% during 2025, reaching over 8,300 sites in 90 countries worldwide. This increase reflects a growing demand among hotels, resorts, and tourism operators for credible and trusted sustainability certification.
Strengthened Partnerships
The organization renewed and expanded important partnerships with major hotel groups and tour operators, including Accor, The Shilla Hotels & Resorts, Sunweb Group, Jet2holidays, and Aurinkomatkat. These collaborations contribute to wider adoption of sustainable practices across the travel sector.
Upcoming Certification Criteria and Process Revisions
A key focus of 2025 was the development of updated Green Key certification criteria and processes. Set to take effect from October 1, 2026, these revisions are designed to better align with ISO standards and the requirements of the upcoming European Union Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive.
The revised framework aims to provide clearer, more consistent guidelines for sustainability performance and to streamline the certification process internationally. Green Key also plans to enhance applicant support to facilitate smooth transitions to the new standards.
Preparing for Regulatory Compliance
In anticipation of EU regulatory changes, Green Key is pursuing scheme approval with the Danish National Accreditation Body and seeking accreditation for its certification body. This effort ensures that Green Key certifications remain recognized and credible within evolving legal frameworks.
Increased Visibility and Engagement
The report highlights increased engagement with Green Key’s digital platforms in 2025, including over 165,000 unique website visitors, growing social media followings, and nearly 9,000 newsletter subscribers. This reflects a heightened interest in sustainable tourism certifications among industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
With updated criteria and evolving regulatory requirements coming in 2026, GCSTIMES suggests hoteliers should review their sustainability programs and prepare accordingly, from “doing green things” to proving outcomes, accountability, and continuous improvement.
ABOUT GCSTIMES
Since 2011, GCSTlMES has pioneered sustainable development, evolving from smart card R&D to sustainable material innovation. Today, we stand as a global platform for sustainable solutions.
Sustainability is our foundation. Through technological innovation and creative solutions, GCSTlMES delivers diverse services and tangible products, positioning ourselves as both manufacturers and innovators.
GCSTlMES believes technology should empower human progress and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into technology, we aim to make it “warm” and purposeful. Our products serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting local heritage worldwide.
Brand Portfolio: GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards, creative (custom-shaped) key cards sustainable supplies, cultural gifts, and bespoke design and related services.
Currently, GCSTlMES has five operational centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, along with 14 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Its services extend to over 140 countries and regions supporting more than 100,000 international hospitality group in achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals.
GCS Times
MKT Team
