AHLA and HAC Commit to Sustainability with Green Key Global Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to adopt the Green Key Global Sustainability certification program across the United States and Canada, starting April 1. This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry, aligning with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Originally developed by the HAC in 1994, Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification program that evaluates hotels on their sustainability practices, focusing on energy use, water conservation, land use, air quality, and more. This program not only helps hotels improve their environmental footprint but also provides guests with a transparent metric to identify eco-friendly accommodations.

HAC President & CEO Susie Grynol expressed pride in the hotels’ commitments to sustainability, emphasizing the program’s role in making sustainability accessible to all hotels. “Establishing a Green Key Global North American standard of sustainability allows more properties to elevate their leadership in this space,” Grynol stated.

The collaboration between AHLA and HAC enhances AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative, encouraging hoteliers to participate in the Green Key Global program. Hoteliers interested in joining the program can sign up on the Green Key Global website ahead of the April 1 launch.

AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers highlighted the partnership’s significance for the hotel industry in both countries, noting that it elevates their sustainability commitments. “Green Key Global provides important third-party validation for hotels’ sustainability efforts, and it gives sustainability-minded travelers the information they need to choose the lodging options that are right for them,” said Rogers.

This initiative by AHLA and HAC represents a pivotal movement towards environmental responsibility within the hospitality sector, offering a platform for hotels to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while catering to the growing demand from travelers for eco-friendly lodging options.