Green Key Global Unveils Accessible Sustainability Pathway for Hotels
(IN SHORT) Green Key Global, a sustainability certification leader co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), has launched Green Key Ready, an introductory program marking the one-year milestone of their partnership. Aimed at hotels new to sustainability or with limited resources, this initiative offers a cost-effective questionnaire and tools to prepare for the full Green Key Eco-Rating certification. Described as a vital stepping stone, Green Key Ready makes eco-friendly practices more attainable, supporting properties, brands, and management companies in scaling ESG efforts. Leaders like Anick Levesque, Rosanna Maietta, and Beth McMahon emphasize its role in meeting guest expectations, removing barriers, and setting a new industry standard. Enrollment is now open, inviting hotels to join the movement toward a sustainable future in hospitality.
(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, 2025-Apr-1 — /Travel PR News/ — A year following the collaboration between the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) to jointly manage Green Key Global—a prominent advocate for sustainability in hospitality—this certification organization is thrilled to unveil Green Key Ready. Designed as an introductory offering, this program delivers a practical, budget-friendly avenue for hotels to begin their pursuit of the comprehensive Green Key Eco-Rating certification.
Green Key Ready caters specifically to hotel properties embarking on their sustainability efforts or operating with constrained budgets. It provides a straightforward questionnaire rooted in essential sustainability principles, paired with tools to guide properties toward certification readiness. This initiative acts as a foundational bridge, easing the transition to the full Green Key Eco-Rating certification and broadening the reach of sustainable practices in the industry.
“Sustainability has shifted from a choice to a necessity,” remarked Anick Levesque, managing director of Green Key Global. “Since AHLA and HAC deepened their investment in Green Key Global a year ago, we’ve enhanced our offerings and broadened our impact to support hotels at every phase of their environmental journey. Green Key Ready emerged from this progress, offering a tangible, approachable way for more properties to embrace meaningful change. It’s a launching pad for even greater achievements ahead.”
Developed with input from hospitality executives, industry collaborators, and sustainability specialists, Green Key Ready addresses the demand for an affordable, well-defined framework tailored to properties starting their environmental efforts with limited means.
“As we celebrate one year of our partnership, AHLA is proud to reinforce its dedication to meeting guest expectations through the introduction of Green Key Ready,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of AHLA. “This program equips hotels of all scales to weave sustainability into their daily operations, aligning with our Responsible Stay initiative while pushing the industry toward broader progress.”
Beth McMahon, president and CEO of HAC, added, “Green Key Ready redefines the landscape of sustainability certification. By offering a clear, cost-effective starting point, it eliminates hurdles for hotels eager to act. This initiative will accelerate the embrace of eco-friendly practices industry-wide and set a fresh standard for responsible hospitality.”
The program also benefits hotel brands and management firms aiming to expand sustainability across their portfolios. With Green Key Ready, these organizations can streamline the onboarding process, boost engagement with ESG priorities, and pave a direct route to achieving full Green Key Eco-Rating Certification.
Green Key Ready is now accepting enrollments. Hotels facing financial or resource limitations and eager to kickstart their sustainability journey can register today to access resources, gain recognition, and follow a clear path to full certification.
For more details or to sign up, visit Green Key Ready at www.greenkeyglobal.com.
About Green Key Global
Green Key Global, co-owned by the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), stands as a premier certification entity driving sustainability excellence for hospitality businesses across North America. Through top-tier, globally acknowledged solutions, we help members meet rigorous international benchmarks, harnessing corporate social responsibility and ESG principles to secure a competitive advantage in the eco-aware marketplace. Aligned with all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Green Key Global establishes a robust framework for sustainable practices. Join us in shaping a greener future for hospitality: www.greenkeyglobal.com.
CONTACT: media@ahla.com
SOURCE: American Hotel & Lodging Association