CYPRUS MARINE ENVIRONMENT
PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

Green Key

Green Key is an internationally recognised sustainability certification programme for tourism establishments. Since 1994, it has supported the tourism sector in improving environmental performance and promoting more responsible and sustainable operations.

The programme is managed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in cooperation with its National Operators. In Cyprus, Green Key is coordinated by CYMEPA – Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association.

Green Key is open to hotels and resorts, boutique hotels and small accommodations, hostels, campsites and holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants and cafés, and visitor attractions.

Green Key provides a structured sustainability management framework covering environmental, social and operational aspects. Compliance is assessed through documentation review and independent on-site audits, while certification decisions are made by an independent Certification Body.

The Green Key certification scheme is currently undergoing an approval process with DANAK, the Danish Accreditation Body and member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

Once certified, establishments may promote their Green Key certification during its validity period. For guests, Green Key demonstrates that the establishment has been independently assessed against internationally recognised sustainability criteria and is committed to continually improving its environmental and social performance.

Green Key Categories & Certification Criteria

Green Key certification is available for Hotels & Resorts, Small Accommodation, Hostels, Campsites, Holiday Parks, Conference Centres, Restaurants & Cafés and Visitor Attractions.

Each category is assessed against the official Green Key Criteria 2026–2031 together with the corresponding Explanatory Notes.

The official international criteria constitute the governing certification requirements. National translations are provided for convenience and, in case of any discrepancy, the official international version shall prevail.

Please find the criteria here:

View Green Key Criteria 2026–2031

Certification Process

The Green Key certification process consists of the following steps:

  1. Initial enquiry and registration.
  2. Create an account and claim the establishment profile on the Because.eco platform.
  3. Complete the online application and upload the required documentation.
  4. Application review by the Green Key team.
  5. Independent on-site audit.
  6. Certification decision by the Certification Body.
  7. Issuance of the Green Key Certificate.

Green Key certification is valid for two (2) years. Re-certification should be initiated several months before certificate expiry. National application deadlines may apply.

Participation Costs

Participation fees depend on the category and size of the establishment. Standard participation costs are published by CYMEPA and any changes are announced at least three months before taking effect.

Policies

Green Key operates according to internationally recognised certification procedures and policies, including the Certification Agreement, Risk Assessment, Impartiality and Confidentiality, Non-discrimination, Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption, Suspension and Withdrawal, Complaints and Appeals, Trademark Use and Branding Guidelines.

The latest policy documents are available on the Green Key International website as well as below.

View Green Key Policies

Feedback and Complaints

Guests, employees and other stakeholders may submit feedback regarding certified establishments, Green Key staff, auditors or certification decision-makers through the Green Key International contact form.

Green Key treats complaints confidentially and protects the identity of complainants. Complaints should include sufficient information to enable an effective investigation.

Liability Notice

Green Key certification confirms that an establishment demonstrated conformity with the Green Key criteria at the time of the audit based on a representative sample of evidence assessed by independent third-party auditors. Certification is subsequently confirmed by an independent Certification Body.

During the certification period, certified establishments are solely responsible for maintaining continuous conformity with all Green Key requirements.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), CYMEPA, their officers, members, partners, auditors and representatives accept no responsibility for any non-conformities that may occur after certification has been granted, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Documents & Downloads

The following Green Key documents are available for download: