Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) will be offering ‘Green Key’ certification program for all hotels in Qatar to boost sustainability in Qatar’s Hospitality Sector.
The Green Key award is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.The Green Key eco-label for tourism facilities has been in existence for more than 19 years.
The Green Key has certified more than 2,500 hotels and hospitality establishments in 55 countries to date, based on criteria that includes staff and environmental management, energy efficiency, water conservation, green activities, indoor environment, green areas, and corporate social responsibility.
As a new member of the Foundation for Environmental Education, QGBC will announce the launch of the certification program as part of World Tourism Day in Qatar, which is celebrated on September 27.
QGBC will subsequently manage and issue Green Key certification across Qatar’s hospitality sector. All hotels and tourism establishments in Qatar are eligible to apply to become Green Key certified upon meeting all of the necessary criteria.
Eng Meshal Al Shamari, Director at QGBC, said: “QGBC is honoured to take on the national responsibility of overseeing the prestigious Green Key program. The comprehensive guidelines to obtain the certification provides a clear path for the sector to follow and achieve their sustainability goals in addition to meeting the requirements of the Qatar Tourism Authority’s new classification system. Furthermore, having a unified grading system in place will serve to improve sustainability standards across the industry and further drive Qatar’s overall sustainability ambitions.”
“QGBC strongly encourages hospitality establishments to apply for the certification, and contribute to securing a green future for Qatar,” he added.
Eng Al Shamari’s sentiments, Finn Bolding Thomsen, Director at International Green Key, said: “I am delighted that Green Key is now offered to any hotel and tourism establishment in Qatar through QGBC. As Qatar is gearing up to host the 2022 World Cup, Green Key will offer a unique opportunity to showcase its sustainable development objectives and promote best practices among its hotels and tourism facilities.”
