Zeleni Ključ
Links:
- Green Key Slovenia: https://www.zelenikljuc.si/
- Green Key Global:https://www.greenkey.global/
Green Key is an international eco-label for tourist accommodations and other tourism facilities. It is a certification system that promotes sustainable tourism development and encourages environmentally responsible practices within the tourism industry. The program's goal is to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and to raise awareness amongst guests and tourism facilities about the importance of preserving natural resources. Hospitality establishments that have received the Green Key label meet certain environmental criteria and commit to ongoing improvements in sustainability and environmental practices.
This prestigious environmental sign signifies a company's commitment to adhering to strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in certified establishments. The Green Key eco/sustainability label assures all guests that by choosing a certified tourism facility, they are directly contributing to environmental protection. Establishments holding this label maintain high environmental standards, demonstrated through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.
The Green Key program places great emphasis on informing and involving visitors in sustainable and more environmentally friendly actions implemented at the facilities. It ensures that the staff in the facilities are well informed and appropriately trained in environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, constantly seeking new - sustainable - ways of operating and using technology, with the aim of reducing resource consumption and waste to minimize the environmental impact and operating costs. As guests become more aware of environmental issues, positive environmental credentials are becoming increasingly important when choosing a suitable facility for spending their free time or for business socializing. The Green Key symbolizes commitment to the environment and sustainable development, which is extremely attractive to potential guests. Obtaining the Green Key environmental label also means an additional way of promoting the establishment, as it communicates to potential guests that it meets strict environmental criteria and actively, holistically, and systematically improves its sustainability-oriented operations.
The criteria for accommodations, by which the establishment has been assessed and certified, cover 13 areas, namely:
(1) ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, (2) STAFF INVOLVEMENT, (3) GUEST INFORMATION, (4) WATER, (5) LAUNDRY AND CLEANING, (6) WASTE, (7) ENERGY, (8) FOOD AND BEVERAGE, (9) INDOOR ENVIRONMENT, (10) GREEN AREAS, (11) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, (12) ACTIVITIES IN NATURE, and (13) ADMINISTRATION.
Commitments
As a recipient of the Green Key - Green Key certificate, we are committed to the following principles:
- Reducing the consumption of energy, water and other natural resources.
- Separating and reducing waste and promoting recycling and composting.
- Using environmentally friendly cleaning products and materials.
- Raising awareness and educating guests, staff and the local community about the importance of sustainable practices.
- Working with local suppliers and supporting the local economy.
- Preserving biodiversity and natural habitats.
- Continuously improving our environmental practices and measures.
Environmental initiatives underway at our establishment
In our establishment, we have a designated environmental manager who acts as a key liaison between management, employees, suppliers, and national and international representatives of the Green Key program. We turn to him for all questions related to the environment and sustainability. His tasks include leading and supporting employees in environmental and sustainability issues, managing and updating data on cleaning, waste management, and efficient fuel, water, and electricity consumption. In addition, he is responsible for designing and implementing the environmental policy and action plan in the establishment, collecting and implementing sustainable initiatives from employees or guests, and leading communication between the establishment and the national coordination of the program in the process of obtaining or extending the Green Key label.
Our activities also include active collaboration with relevant local stakeholders. We collaborate with the local eco-apple juice supplier from the Ferlinc Farm - each guest receives a free 1-liter local apple juice. In addition, we maintain a green terrace with herbs on the roof of the establishment.
We are always focused on informing our guests. Information about the Green Key program is displayed in a prominent place and is accessible to all guests/visitors in the establishment. For the purpose of informing, we have created a special webpage - https://family-fun.si/greenkey, which can be accessed by scanning the QR code in the establishment. We have also prepared an informational brochure.
In our establishment, we encourage prudent management of natural goods. The bathrooms have "The shell is not a trash bin" signs and tips for saving water. We encourage guests to drink tap water and provide instructions for proper waste separation and saving electricity and water. We also encourage our guests to turn off the lights.
The staff is trained to advise guests on the use of sustainable transport options, such as electric bike rental or the use of public transport, helping to find timetables and directions to the station.